World, Bed Bug Registry Map – Infestation Reports

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If youve been bitten by bed bugs, dont panic upon seeing all the swollen red marks on your body. Instead try to relax and expect some allergic reactions to happen. If the reaction is mild (in my case I nearly fainted due to difficulty in breathing), you probably dont need to go and see a doctor for a treatment. Instead, simple medicines such as calamine lotion and anaesthetic cream can do the job.

There are 2 ways to use calamine lotion to fight the bug. The first way is to apply calamine lotion before going to sleep. Ive tried this before and it worked brilliantly. Bed bugs somehow hate the smell and the chemicals present in calamine lotion. Apply the lotion to the exposed part of your body such as your face, arms and legs. Although you still can be bitten, chances are the number of swollen marks will be significantly reduced. When I applied this method, I always checked the following morning to find any marks on my body. The most that I found was one or two bites, thats it. Much much better than finding the whole body full of red swollen marks

The second way to use calamine lotion is of course apply it to the swollen marks when you realize that youve been bitten by the bed bugs. Applying calamine lotion on the marks will reduce the itchy feelings so you can hold yourself more from scratching and making it worse. It helps to reduce the swelling of the bitten area. Youll feel less irritated and it takes less time for the pain to go away. I of course prefer prevention than cure. So if you know that your place is infested with bed bugs, itd be better for you to apply the lotion before going to bed rather than letting the bed bugs bite you and treating the bites afterwards.

Some people suggested washing the bed bug bites using antiseptic soap and water to prevent infection. I dont prefer this method to treat the bites as it made my skin felt more irritated when making contact with water and soap. Id still prefer calamine lotion over soap to treat the bed bug bites. If you still want to use soap, do it at your own risk. Youve been warned!

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How do you know if you have bedbugs?

To find out if you have bedbugs, you need to look for two things:

Bites on your body: If you have bedbugs, youre likely to have bites. Bedbug bites usually cause itchy welts. These welts usually appear in a zigzag pattern as show in the photo above.

Youll seldom see bedbugs, so many people mistakenly believe that mosquitos, fleas, or spiders bit them. Sometimes people mistake bedbug bites for a common skin condition such as an itchy rash, hives, or chickenpox.

To make sure you have bedbugs, youll need to look for signs of bedbugs.

Although bedbugs dont usually require serious medical attention, they can cause a great deal of anxiety and restless nights. To help find bedbugs before they find you (and your belongings), dermatologists recommend looking for the following signs near places where you sleep.

Signs of bedbugs: This step is important. If you have a bedbug infestation, you need to find out so that you can get rid of the bedbugs. Getting rid of the bedbugs is the only way to stop the bites.

If you have a large number of bedbugs, you may see the bugs. Most people, however, only see signs of bedbugs. To look for signs of bedbugs, check the places that people sleep for the following:

Bedbug with eggs: A bedbug is a tiny insect with broad, oval body. If it has recently eaten, it has a reddish-brown color.

If you see bedbugs, they will likely scurry toward the closest hiding place. Any dark place such as inside a mattress or even a picture frame makes a good hiding place.

As you watch bedbugs move, it can look like they are flying or jumping because they can crawl quickly. Bedbugs cannot fly or jump; they can only crawl.

If you find signs of bedbugs, call a pest-control company or your property manager. You should not use bug spray or a fogger. These products have little effect on bedbugs.

You should see a dermatologist for treatment if you have:

Your dermatologist may prescribe the following to treat bedbug bites:

Allergic reaction: Some people may require an injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic reaction.

Infection: An infection may require an antibiotic. If the infection is mild, your dermatologist may recommend an antiseptic medication that you can buy without a prescription. Your dermatologist will tell you which one to use. Your dermatologist also may recommend an antiseptic to prevent a skin infection.

Itch: A prescription antihistamine pill or liquid can help. You also can apply a corticosteroid to the bites. Your dermatologist will tell you which is best for you.

Bedbugs bites can be intensely itchy, so treat the itch to prevent scratching. Scratching can cause a skin infection.

If you do not have any signs of an infection or a serious reaction, you can often treat the bites at home.

To treat bedbug bites:

Bedbug bites usually heal and go away within a week or two.

Leverkus M et al. Bullous Allergic Hypersensitivity to Bedbug Bites Mediated by IgE against Salivary Nitrophorin. J of Invest Dermatol. 2006;126:2364-2366.

Liebold K et al. Disseminated bullous eruption with systemic reaction caused by Cimex lectularius. J Euro Acad of Dermat and Vener. 2003;17:461-463.

Steen CJ, Carbonaro PA, Schwartz RA. Arthropods in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 50:819-42.

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Bedbugs: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome