How To Keep Bugs From Eating My Garden

10 Treatments for Bed Bug Bites

CC BY-SA 2.0/hiyori13/Flickr

Bed bug bites can be itchy and unattractive, and they can sometimes get infected or even cause severe allergic reactions. Dermatologists can help, but there are plenty of low-cost home remedies to try as well. These 10 treatments for bed bug bites are a mixture of both.

Antihistamine, Corticosteroid or Epinephrine

Severe allergic reactions may be uncommon, but they require urgent attention. You may need an emergency injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid or epinephrine to relieve the symptoms. Antihistamines and corticosteroid can also alleviate itching.

CC BY 2.0/Tony Webster/Flickr

Antibiotics

Infected bed bug bites also need urgent attention. Mild cases might just need an antiseptic medication, but if your infection is more severe, you may need an antibiotic to get rid of it.

CC BY 2.0/wuestenigel/Flickr

Ice

Simple yet effective, applying an ice pack to bed bug bites is a time-honored remedy to rely on. Not only will it numb the pain, it'll also alleviate inflammation and soothe your itchy skin.

CC BY 2.0/stevendepolo/Flickr

Cinnamon

With its antibacterial properties, cinnamon is a great remedy for insect bites. It's also an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Simply mix the ground spice with a little water and apply the paste to your bites.

CC BY 2.0/SixtiesGirl1964/Flickr

Calamine Lotion

Calamine is often prescribed for chicken pox because it's good for alleviating itchiness. It can also reduce pain and inflammation. For this reason, you'll often find the active ingredient (zinc oxide) in ointments for healing rashes and bug bites.

CC BY 2.0/wuestenigel/Flickr

Baking Soda

Bed bug bites are acidic, so baking soda (which is highly alkaline) can neutralize the chemicals in them. In this way, it can soothe inflammation and swelling.

CC BY 2.0/aqua.mech/Flickr

Rubbing Alcohol

Prevention is the best medicine, and rubbing alcohol can help to keep bed bugs from biting you. So you might want to apply it to your skin or bed sheets before lying down to sleep. Just remember that it's flammable.

CC BY-SA 2.0/RLHyde/Flickr

Aloe Vera

Naturally soothing, aloe vera is also an antiseptic. Simply apply the gel from inside aloe leaves directly to your bed bug bites and leave it to dry. Not only should it heal your skin, it'll also help protect it.

CC BY 2.0/WILLPOWER STUDIOS/Flickr

Apple Cider Vinegar

You've probably seen claims of apple cider vinegar's health benefits. The raw, unfiltered kind has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help to protect and heal bed bug bites for cheap.

Public Domain Mark 1.0/exit78/Flickr

Toothpaste

Simply applying toothpaste to bed bug bites can also help to alleviate swelling and itching. It dries out your skin, but the longer you leave it on, the more it seems to help.