Introduction
Bed bugs are tiny insects that can nest in mattresses, pillows but also in fabrics and walls. They can be seen with the naked eye and their bites have symptoms and signs that can easily be confused with mosquito bites. It is important to find the presence of these insects, to disinfest the areas where they have nested and remedy any bites.
Some subjects show a sort of insensitivity to the sting, in fact not presenting any obvious skin symptoms. The lesions are usually located in the uncovered areas of the body (those not covered by nightwear) and mostly in the legs, arms, neck and face. In many cases they have a linear distribution because bed bugs tend to feed on blood multiple times in multiple locations, not just once like mosquitoes. The lesions appear from a few minutes to a few hours after the stings, depending on the subject and the type of immune response, and can last up to twenty days.
Bed bugs: what are they?
Bed bugs are small reddish insects that they feed on human blood. They are part of the Cimicidae family, a species of wingless hematophagous ectoparasitic insect which during the day hides in mattresses and in the cracks of walls and fissures in furniture and sucks the blood of those who sleep. They do not have a great parasitological value as their bite does not cause infectious transmission but only allergic reactions with symptoms that are at times common with that of the mosquito bite. Its hematophagous activity determines in humans the onset of highly itchy strofuloid lesions caused by a hyperimmune reaction against some substances contained in the saliva of this insect.
They are attracted by the smell given off by human skin and by the carbon dioxide that is expelled during the night. The bites, not recognizable the moment bed bugs attack, appear as reddish patches with a white dot in the center. They are hardly single, but at least three or four close together and they are itchy.
When do they proliferate?
Bed bugs tend to proliferate and be viable at temperatures between 15°C and 37°C. Below 15 °C and above 37 °C their development stops. However, it is unlikely that the temperature in the bedroom will fall below this threshold, let alone exceed the insect’s maximum resistance. In infested environments, bedbugs usually take refuge in wood, paper materials and fabrics. They are most often found in mattresses, especially the edges and seams of the mattress, wooden slats and spring bases. The bed, in essence, is their habitat. They attack all ages without distinction, but predominantly young people and adults.
Symptoms of stings
The characteristic symptoms of bed bug bites are:
- reddish patches present on the skin upon awakening, in groups
- small skin sores,
- itch
- large patches of color rosso accompanied more or less by swelling
- allergic reaction.
Bed bug bites may appear quite similar to those of many insects. If treated for a few days, the symptoms resolve without any consequences or signs, if serious allergic reactions or any infections deriving from inflammation of the skin lesions appear, it will be necessary to contact your doctor who will be able to indicate the most suitable drug therapy for the treatment.
How to recognize the presence of bed bugs
The presence of bed bugs is recognizable to the naked eye, despite the size of the insects in question. To try to flush them out, it is recommended:
- carefully observe mattress and pillows with a torch, but also structure and head of the bed and walls
- to observe the sheets in case of small black spots (the excrements could be treated). Using light colored bedding can make catching easier
- check that there aren’t any small traces of blood caused by the possible crushing of the bug on the sheets.
In case of bedbugs, sheets, pillowcases but also mattresses must be washed with sanitizing, antiparasitic and antibacterial products. In case of recurrence or massive presence of these insects or outbreaks, it is advisable to rely on an expert exterminator who uses liquid nitrogen or dry saturated steam. they
Care and Remedies
In the event of a bed bug bite, and the appearance of red patches, the presence of pain or excessive itching, it is advisable to consult your doctor who may prescribe the application of a hydrocortisone-based cream, and the assumption of a oral antihistamine to ease the itch.
However, there are some natural remedies to relieve the symptoms until they disappear within 24-36 hours, and they are:
- Cinnamon it has anti-inflammatory properties
- Miele helps moisturize the skin. Q
- Witch hazel: action anesthetic that helps calm the itching caused by bites.
- Aloe vera helps relieve itching and burning sensations.
- Ice it is an excellent remedy on any bite, even that of the bed bug.
- Oatmeal flour it is famous for its soothing properties on the skin. She reduces redness and swelling. Recommended to immerse yourself in a tub for about 30 minutes by dissolving the flour in warm water, or wetting a spoonful of oatmeal with water to create a sort of paste to be applied on the bites.
Source: www.my-personaltrainer.it
