Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They typically bite exposed skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands, while people are sleeping. Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts in zigzag lines or clusters. While bed bug bites are not dangerous, they can be extremely uncomfortable and irritating. Many people wonder if treating the bites with alcohol will help relieve the itching and promote healing.
Can You Use Alcohol on Bed Bug Bites?
Applying alcohol directly to bed bug bites is not recommended. There are a few reasons why alcohol is not advised for treating bed bug bites:
Alcohol Can Irritate and Dry Out Skin
Alcohol is very drying and can be irritating to skin, especially skin that is already inflamed from bed bug bites. The alcohol can cause additional irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. It strips the skin of natural oils and moisture, worsening symptoms.
Increased Risk of Infection
Bed bug bites are essentially small wounds in the skin. Applying alcohol to broken skin increases the risk of infection, as it kills both good and bad bacteria. This can delay healing and lead to complications.
Alcohol Does Not Treat the Cause
Alcohol only provides temporary, superficial relief from itching and pain. It does not treat the underlying cause of bed bug bites. Therefore, symptoms are likely to persist and return. The bugs must be eliminated from the home to stop future bites.
Can Worsen Bites
Some evidence suggests that alcohol may actually worsen skin reactions from bed bug bites. Alcohol removes natural oils from the skin, causes irritation, and delays healing. This can make the bites more painful, itchy, and swollen.
Better Ways to Treat Bed Bug Bites
While alcohol may seem like an easy fix, it is not recommended for treating bed bug bites. There are safer, more effective ways to manage symptoms and promote healing:
Over-the-Counter Anti-Itch Creams
Applying a hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine gel can help reduce inflammation and itching. Look for a product containing 1% hydrocortisone. Follow package directions.
Cold Compresses
A cold compress constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and provides cooling relief from itching. Apply a cloth soaked in cold water or ice cubes wrapped in a towel. Do not apply ice directly to skin.
Oral Antihistamines
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) block histamine action to relieve itching. Take oral antihistamines as directed on the package.
Baking Soda Baths
Adding baking soda to a lukewarm bath can help relieve itching. Baking soda has a soothing effect on the skin. Gently pat skin dry after soaking.
Apply Moisturizing Lotions
Moisturizing creams and lotions hydrate the skin to ease itching. Look for products containing soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or vitamin E. Avoid scratching bites.
Try a Topical Corticosteroid
For severe itching and swelling, a prescription topical corticosteroid cream may help. This is a more potent anti-inflammatory than hydrocortisone creams from the drugstore.
Other Tips for Managing Bed Bug Bites
In addition to proper treatment of the bites themselves, there are some other things you can do to manage bed bug bites:
Wash Bites Gently With Soap and Water
Washing the bites with a mild, unscented soap and cool water can help remove allergens and soothe skin. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing.
Apply Calamine Lotion
The zinc oxide in calamine lotion helps create a barrier on the skin that protects against irritation. It also has a mild astringent effect to dry out blisters.
Avoid Scratching Bites
Scratching the bites can break the skin, introduce infection, and worsen irritation. Distract yourself and try not to scratch.
Use OTC Itch Relief
Products like ammonium lactate 12% lotion or pramoxine hydrochloride cream provide topical relief from itching. Apply 3-4 times per day.
Avoid Harsh Soaps and Detergents
Using gentle, fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents can prevent further irritation to the skin. Strong chemicals and perfumes can make bites feel worse.
When to See a Doctor for Bed Bug Bites
Most bed bug bites resolve on their own within a week or two. See a doctor right away if you experience:
– Signs of a skin infection like oozing, redness, or warmth
– A fever or flu-like symptoms
– Extreme itching that does not get better with self-care
– Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
– Persistent vomiting or discomfort
– Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
– Numerous bites or bites on large areas of the body
Skin infections require prescription antibiotic treatment. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring epinephrine. Healthcare providers can also provide prescription strength topical and oral medications for symptom relief.
How to Prevent Bed Bug Bites
To avoid getting bitten by bed bugs, you must take steps to eliminate an infestation from your home. This may require professional pest control. You can also deter bed bugs and monitor for an infestation:
Inspect Secondhand Furniture Before Bringing Home
Carefully inspect all used or secondhand furniture for signs of bed bugs before purchase. Look in seams, wood joints, under cushions, etc.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Seal any cracks or openings throughout the home where bugs can enter and hide. Pay attention to baseboards, outlets, windows, etc.
Cover Mattresses and Pillows with Protective Covers
Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug proof, zippered covers that are impermeable to the bugs. Wash bedding frequently in hot water.
Isolate Infested Items in Plastic Bags
Items that may be infested should be temporarily isolated in sealed plastic bags to contain the infestation. Avoid bringing used items into the home.
Vacuum and Steam Clean Regularly
Vacuum carpets, furniture, bedding, and upholstered items frequently. Use a brush attachment. Steam cleaning kills bed bugs and eggs on contact.
Apply Climb-Up Bed Bug Interceptors
These special traps are placed under the legs of furniture to catch bed bugs and alert you to an infestation. Check traps regularly.
Professional Treatment for Bed Bugs
While you can try to treat a minor bed bug problem yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a professional pest control company for a full infestation. Professionals have access to specialized products and techniques:
Insecticide Sprays and Dusts
Pest control pros have access to effective insecticides that kill on contact. Treatment typically involves spraying baseboards, seams, floors, etc. A residual insecticide is left behind.
Heat Treatments
Heating infested rooms to 125°F kills all life stages of bed bugs. Professionals use electric heating equipment or steam machines.
Cold Treatment
Exposing items to subzero temperatures for several days kills existing bed bugs and eggs. Used in special cold treatment chambers.
Canine Inspections
Trained dogs can sniff out live bed bugs and viable eggs that may be missed by humans. Accurate and efficient for detection.
Furniture Fumigation
Fumigating and sealing infested furniture eliminates bugs inside without harmful chemicals. Pesticide gasses penetrate internal spaces.
Professional treatment typically requires at least 2 visits spaced 2 weeks apart to kill newly hatched eggs and prevent reinfestation. Follow all preparation instructions provided by the pest control company. Treatment costs range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the size of infestation and home.
Conclusion
While using alcohol on bed bug bites may seem tempting for quick relief, it is not recommended. Alcohol can worsen irritation, dry out the skin, increase infection risk, and delay proper healing. Instead, use topical anti-itch creams, oral antihistamines, baking soda baths, moisturizing lotions, and OTC itch relief products. Avoid scratching bites and see a doctor if severe symptoms develop. To prevent future bites, eradicate bed bugs from the home through professional pest control treatments. With proper care, bed bug bites should resolve within 1-2 weeks.