I recently had to go to Florida on a business trip for two weeks and woke up every morning with what appeared to be hives all over and I couldn’t figure out if it was a rash or was it the yucky bed bugs.
Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that it was indeed Bed Bugs. Bed bugs are very small (0.2 inches) insects that suck on human blood while we sleep. According to CNN, some people may develop allergic reactions or larger skin reactions such as:
• Large, itchy wheals up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) across
• Groups of small, swollen sacs of pus
• Skin rashes similar to hives
Places with a high turnover of people such as hotels and homeless shelters are more prone to infestations of bed bugs and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The climate, such as tropical climates, and pets may also be a gateway for the creatures to thrive.
CNN also provides information on the treatment of bedbug bites is aimed at relieving symptoms. Bites usually resolve within one to two weeks.
• Apply a topical cream, such as cortisone, to relieve itching.
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
• Consult your doctor if you have severe reactions. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids may be recommended for severe allergic reaction.
• Take antihistamines if needed to help relieve allergic reactions.
Once your symptoms are treated, you must tackle the infestation. First, you'll need to freeze pajamas, sheets and other bedclothes for at least 24 hours or launder them in hot water of at least 97 F (36 C). Vacuum the area of infestation daily and freeze the vacuum bags for 24 hours.
Insecticide sprays such as dichlorvos, permethrin and malathion must be used around cracks and crevices in your home. Lawn and garden insect control sprays may contain these insecticides, and garden stores may have permethrin. However, this difficult task likely requires a professional inspection of the bedbug habitat and subsequent extermination.
Have you ever had an infestation of beg bugs? What did you do to rid your dwelling of the nasty creatures?
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Years ago, while a university student overseas in North Africa, I had close encounters with bed bugs. It seems they like dank, humid conditions, even in the best of homes. It took the housekeeper and me a few days of vigorous cleaning and washing the bed linens in hot water to rid the house of the bugs. I had to be treated for the bites, but I don't remember how long it took to heal. Not fun.
December 29, 2008 - 7:39pmThis Comment
Is this seasonal at all? I remember an article about a year ago in The New York Times about a big infestation in NYC hotels. Just wondering if there's a time of the year when bed bugs are out and about more.....
December 29, 2008 - 12:14amThis Comment
Have not experienced bed bugs myself and appreciate you sharing your story. The University of Kentucky has a great page on what bed bugs look like and photos of areas that have been infested. It's good to know the signs, so you can avoid being bit.
According to the University of Kentucky Web site "Characteristically, these areas (where infestation has occurred) are marked by dark spotting and staining, which is the dried excrement of the bugs. Also present will be eggs and eggshells, the brownish molted skins of maturing nymphs and the bugs themselves. Another telltale though less frequent sign is rusty or reddish blood smears on bed sheets or mattresses from crushing an engorged bed bug. Heavy infestations may have a “buggy” smell, but the odor is seldom apparent and should not be relied upon for detection."
How long did it take you to get rid of the rash?
December 28, 2008 - 6:12pmThis Comment