Dealing with nasty bed bug bites is a serious nuisance. While some people hardly notice bed bug bites, others end up with irritable stingy rashes and scars which leave them wondering how to get rid of bed bug scars and bites.

Bed Bug Bites Allergies

Bed bug aerial view one

Unlike the majority of biting bugs, bed bugs don’t transmit any diseases when they bite. However, because of excessive scratching and itching, bed bug bites can lead to a skin infection around the area of the bite.

In some cases bed bug bites can flare-up allergies such as eczema. Other symptoms include a burning sensation at the site of the bite, painful swelling, and engorged bite marks.

Bed bug marks can also have psychological effects. Apart from experiencing phantom bites, some may experience insomnia and anxiety.

How do you know it is a bed bug mark?

Bed bug bites are quite similar to other insects such as chigger bites, this makes it can be quite difficult to identify the bites. However, there are a few signs that can help identify if the bite is a bed bug or not.

The first sign you must look for is the pattern of the bites. Most commonly, bed bugs bite in clusters or rows. So, if you have a single bite then the chances of it being a bed bug are quite low – most likely a spider bite. In most instances, bites occur in a zigzag or a straight line pattern. Bed bugs are most likely to bite your exposed body parts such as the arms, legs, shoulders, face, neck, and hands.

Bed Bug Bite

Usually, bites look like raised or flat areas that can become blistered, red, itchy, or inflamed. Registering when the bite occurs can also help identify a bed bug mark. Of course, this is hard to figure out because the reaction time of people to the bite is different. Some people tend to react much faster than others do. Bed bug bites can show up on your body just after a few hours; however, even a week can pass before you see it. A few people don’t react to a bed bug bite at all, but the mark can be seen.

To be completely sure that the bites are from bed bugs, you must look for signs of bed bugs in your bed:

  1. If there are tiny, red blood spots on the sheet, then they might be from squashed bugs or spots of your own blood from the bed bug bites.
  2. Search the mattress for feces, skin, and sleeping or dead bed bugs.

They will be roaming all around the mattress and will be residing at the seams as well.

How does a bed bug bite cause a scar?

Bed bug bites themselves do not leave any scars. The scratching action performed with dirty and sharp fingernails is responsible for the scarring. Since bed bugs tend to bite at night when one is sleep, it’s impossible to have control over the urge to scratch.

Scratching the bite can cause rashes as well as form pus and secondary skin infections. Even if a few days have passed after the initial bite, your skin can still experience an itch. While scratching the site where a bed bug bit, a person might remove the scab forming while the skin heals. As a result, a scar is formed.

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bug Scars And Bites

Similar to tick bites, to treat a bed bug bite you must first wash the affected area using water and a mild antiseptic soap. This reduces the itching and prevents the bite from leading to a skin infection. Then, you can try out one of the following home remedies to reduce the bite marks:

Home Remedies

Cucumber
Both cucumber slices and peels contain caffeic acid and vitamin C that have anti-inflammatory benefits. With a cucumber, you can get relief from the swelling and itching that result from a bed bug bite.
You just need put a cucumber slice or a piece of the peel on the area that has been affected. Leave the cucumber piece on for at least 15 minutes and repeat until you find relief. If you want a more soothing effect, you can put the cucumber in the refrigerator and use it once it is cooled.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda neutralizes the chemicals present in the bed bug bite that causes the itching. Moreover, baking soda is an anti-inflammatory agent; thus it can help to reduce the redness and swelling of the bite too.

To use the baking soda remedy, you must make a mixture with 3 teaspoons of water and one teaspoon of soda. Then, apply it generously to the area where you have been bitten. Let the mixture stay on for at least 10 minutes before washing it off. If the bite still causes any discomfort, you can repeat the process after an hour.

Lemon Juice
Since lemon juice is a natural astringent it helps to dry the rashes that the bites cause. Plus, it also reduces the itching. As it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon juice prevents infection as well as reduces swelling and redness.

To apply lemon juice, take a cotton ball and dip it in the juice. Then, gently dab it on the bite. After the juice air dries, rinse the bite site. The process should be repeated several times a day. It is important to know that lemon juice might make the skin more susceptible to sunburn. So, make sure that after using this remedy, you don’t go under the sun for a couple of hours.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is well-known for the soothing effect it has on the skin. The amino acids and the active compounds present in the gel can help ease the burning and itching caused by the bed bug bite. Moreover, since it keeps the skin moisturized, it speeds up the healing process.

For this remedy, you must take an Aloe Vera leaf, rinse it, and then slit it open. Then, scoop out all the gel and apply part of it to the bite. Store the leftover gel in the fridge and apply it a few times a day for at least two to three days.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties and is quite effective for relieving burning and itching sensations. If apple cider vinegar is unavailable then you can use the regular white vinegar as an alternative too.

On the affected area, you must apply raw, unfiltered vinegar. Let it dry out and then wash your skin. If the symptoms remain, you can apply apple cider vinegar once more after some hours.


Over the counter remedies

LotionNeem oil Anti-inflammatory pills
Of course, a lotion can’t completely help get rid of the scars, but it can definitely help reduce it.
One of the best remedies, perhaps, for treating scars and bite marks is to apply calamine lotion on the bite generously. Calamine reduces the itchiness and cools down the skin.Similarly, antibacterial creams and lotions such as Neosporin can also help prevent infections. If the skin is excessively itchy, you can also apply some hydrocortisone cream which helps to prevent the formation of scars and reduces itchiness.
Neem is an exceptional medicinal tree that has great curative properties. Not only is it an effective antimicrobial agent, but is also a great antibacterial oil. Applying a bit of neem paste to the areas that have been bitten by a bed bug can provide great relief.

*NOTE: Please consult a Doctor*

A wide range of anti-inflammatory pills can also help reduce pain from bites, bite marks, and scars. This topical anesthetic that contains pramoxine can significantly reduce the pain. Meanwhile, antihistamines like Benadryl can reduce the swelling of the bite. Alternatively, you can also use pain relievers that contain naproxen or ibuprofen.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

Now that you are aware of how to get rid of bed bug scars, you must focus on getting rid of the bugs for good. Living with bed bugs is a nightmare, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

1. Bed bug sprays
If you have only spotted one or two bedbugs, then you can use any of the numerous bed bug sprays available on the market. However, for an infestation, this is the least effective option.

2. Deep cleaning and encasements
Clean all of the clothing, curtains, linens, and beddings in hot water. Then, dry them all on the highest setting available on your dryer. Other items that can’t be washed such as shoes and stuffed animals must be placed in the dryer on the highest setting for around thirty minutes.

Image of The Original Sleep Defense System Waterproof Mattress

With a stiff brush, scrub the seams of the mattress to get rid of the eggs and the bedbugs before vacuuming.
Encase the box springs and the mattress using a bed bug zippered cover, so that the bed bugs can’t enter or escape. Remember that bed bugs can survive for up to one year without food, so it is better to keep the mattress enclosed for at least a year to ensure that all the bugs die.

3. Extermination
Of course, cleaning up all of the infested areas is helpful for having control over the spread of bed bugs, but for getting rid of them completely often requires harsh chemicals. Thus, in the worse case scenarios, the most effective and safest method of getting rid bed bug infestations is to hire a professional bed bug exterminator.

How to get rid of bed bugs scars and bites – Wrapping It Up

As mentioned above, if you have a minor bed bug infestation and have been wondering about how to get rid of bed bug directly, feel free to follow these instructions.

This would also help you get rid of bed bugs and prevent their bites from forming into scars. These remedies can also offer relief if you’re already dealing with bed bug bites.