Doctor's Notes on Bedbugs (Bed Bugs)
Bedbugs are small blood-sucking parasites that are reddish-brown color, flat, oval-shaped, wingless, and are approximately 4-5 mm in length. Bedbugs anesthetize the skin so that their bites are initially painless. Bedbug bites can occur on any exposed part of the body. Minutes to days after the initial bite symptoms of localized itching and/or reddish-colored skin lesions may appear to be flat or a raised bump. Some individuals can experience intense itching. In addition, some people develop anxiety and insomnia from bedbug bites because they emerge from bedding to seek a blood meal when a person is sleeping. Other individuals have more intense skin reactions if they become allergic to the bite while a few others may develop serious systemic allergic reactions.
The cause of bedbug bites is the bedbug needing a blood meal. Bedbug bite lesions fade away after 1-2 weeks. Bedbugs do not transmit diseases with their bite.
What Are the Treatments for Bedbugs?
Bedbugs can be killed, but the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) suggests you first be sure your methods are safe, effective, and legal. The EPA suggests both non-chemical and/or chemical methods:
- Heat treatments: Place clothes in a hot dryer or use a portable heat chamber.
- Steam clean (wet or dry) with a diffuser that heats at least to 130 F.
- Cold treatment: Seal items in a bag, and place in a freezer at least 0 F for 4 days.
- Pesticides (EPA-registered pesticides that are effective against bedbugs; use as stated on the labels): Retreatment may be necessary as resistance may occur.
- Hire a reliable pest control professional.
Reinspect treated areas and items after 7 days as some eggs may still be viable and hatch, needing a retreatment.
Ringworm : Test your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionRingworm is caused by a fungus.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Are Bedbugs Contagious?
Bed bugs spread easily, but are not contagious, person-to-person. They live in a person’s bedding, clothing, luggage, and furniture. These items spread the infestation where they travel. -
First Aid
First aid is an important skill to learn in case of emergencies. Learn how to prevent injuries, prevent falls, prevent fires, prevent poisoning, when to seek urgent care for injuries, and what to stock in a first aid kit in your home, office, car, boat, or RV. -
First Aid Kits
First aid kits come in all types and varieties depending on their use. There are home, car, work, and travel first aid kits. The essentials for a first kit depends on the type, for example, home first aid kits are used for treating minor injuries like burns, stings, splinters, sprains, and strains. Travel first aid kits need to be more comprehensive to treat fevers, sore throats, cough, etc..Keep your first aid kits in places that are easy to access in emergencies. Moreover, make sure that you know how to use all of the items as instructed. -
How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites Fast?
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) does not transmit or spread disease but they are considered a public health pest. Bed bugs are small, brown, oval-shaped insects that feed on blood and their bites cause itching and irritation in humans. Bed bugs are adept at hiding in crevices and immune to many pesticides, so removal includes oxygen deprivation, heat, steam, and discarding infested furniture. -
Insect Bites and Stings
Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.