This week, bed bugs took over bars in the center of Rio de Janeiro. Although the infestations are bothering customers in the region, the bite is unlikely to cause health complications, according to doctors interviewed by the CNN.
Dr. Abdo Salomão Jr, PhD in Dermatology from USP (University of São Paulo) and full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), for example, explained that there are greater risks in the case of a skin infection.
“About complications, hardly. It’s much more a matter of discomfort, which is a painful, itchy nodule for a week. And not to say that there is no risk, the risk is that the person will itch infect with bacteria and lead to something more serious. Skin infection, but other than that there is no risk”, he informed.
Furthermore, it is possible to differentiate the symptoms of bed bug bites, compared to those of other insects, and thus proceed with appropriate treatment.
“When the person wakes up with the nodules, because it forms the nodules on the body, in areas that were covered, if exposed it is most likely another insect, but in areas that were covered on the legs and other points it is a bed bug, because it stays in the bed linen”, added Dr. Abdo Salomão Jr.
According to the Cleveland Clinic , In addition to bed bugs hiding during the day in places in and around the bed, they can also take shelter in cracks, in the corners of walls and around sockets.
Check below for more information such as symptoms, care and possible treatments in case of complications.
Symptoms
Nodules, reddish lesions and linear pattern. These are some of the symptoms of bed bug bites listed by Dr. Renato Soriani, Dermatologist, full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery (SBCD).
According to him, it is more common for bites to occur in areas exposed during sleep, such as arms, legs, neck and face. According to Dr. Soriani, “intense itching it can be more serious in people with allergies or sensitive skin.”
“The main way to differentiate it from the bites of other insects is the linear or grouped pattern, because when moving over the skin, the bed bug bites several times. Mosquito bites, for example, tend to be more isolated and random. Furthermore, the absence of buzzing, common in mosquitoes, and the presence of blood stains or insect feces on the sheets help to identify the infestation”, explained the doctor.
Care
Although the sting can be intense on sensitive skin, it is possible to reduce the discomfort by washing the area with cold water, for example.
“Applying cold compresses helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Soothing lotions, such as those containing calamine, or low-potency corticosteroid creams can be used to relieve inflammation and itching,” said Dr. Soriani.
He added that “It is essential to resist the urge to scratch as this can break the skin and open doors for infections. In addition to skin care, clean the environment by washing bedding and fabrics at high temperatures and vacuuming furniture and mattresses to eliminate insects.
Medical treatment
Although it is hardly necessary, the specialist revealed that medical treatment is essential in some specific cases.
“In most cases, home treatment is sufficient to alleviate symptoms. However, it is important to seek medical treatment in some specific situations. If a intense allergic reaction with significant swelling or uncontrollable itching, or if there are signs of secondary infection, such as pain, local heat, presence of pus or increase in lesions, medical evaluation becomes necessary,” he stated.
According to him, dermatologists can act by prescribing appropriate medications. “The dermatologist can prescribe corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation, oral antihistamines to control itching and allergic reactions, or antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection. Patients with a history of allergies or systemic reactions should be monitored more closely to avoid complications,” concluded Dr. Soriani.
This content was originally published in Is a bed bug bite bad? See symptoms and how to care on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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