How to stop bedbug bites from itching?
Bed bugs are small, and are very good hiders. It’s pretty rare to actually find one walking around your house or apartment. Most of the time, people only realize that they have a bedbug infestation once they start noticing bedbug bites on their skin.
There are many ways that you can start treating your house for bedbugs, but what do you do to take care of the bedbug bite itching in the meanwhile?
Many of the techniques that you might use to reduce the itching from a bedbug bite are the same that you would use for other insect bites and various causes of itchiness. Many of the general-purpose itch creams out there will provide some form of near-instantaneous relief. However, some do work faster than others or last longer. Here are some recommendations for the best ways to make the bed bug bites stop itching:
Over the counter medications for bed bug bites
Here are some over-the-counter medicines that are commonly used to relieve bedbug bite itching.
OTC bedbug bite itch relief
| Image | Product Name | Type | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cortisone | anti-itch cream | Check price |
 | Caladryl | calamine lotion | Check price |
 | GoodSense All Day Allergy | oral antihistamine | Check price |
 | Amazon Acetaminophen | over-the-counter pain reliever | Check price |
This list is based on anecdotal evidence. It has not been reviewed by a dermatologist or other medical professional. Since they are available over the counter, all of these bedbug itch treatments are generally fairly low-risk. But everyone is different! Speak with your doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns. We are not affiliated with any listed manufacturer, but we may receive a small commission from Amazon if you decide to make a purchase.
Home remedies for bedbug bites
If you can’t, or don’t want to use an over the counter medication, there are a number of home remedies that you can use to treat itching from bedbugs. There is a little less data out there on how well these work compared with commercially-available itch creams. However, since they are all quite simple to make and use ingredients that you likely already have on hand, it’s worth a try.
Natural bedbug bite treaments
| Image | Treatment | Alternate name | Why it works | Instructions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rosemary | Rosmarinus officinalis | anti-inflammatory and soothing | Dilute essential oil per instructions and apply to the skin | Learn more |
 | Camphor oil | Cinnamomum camphora | pain, irritation, and inflammation reliever | Create ointment per instructions | Learn more |
 | Chamomile oil | Chamaemelum nobile | soothing emollient | Add to a bath or create ointment per instructions | Learn more |
 | Basil | Ocimum spp. | anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial | Create ointment per instructions | Learn more |
 | Tea tree | Melaleuca alternifolia | Pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and itch relief | Add to a bath or create ointment per instructions | Learn more |
 | Mint | Mentha spp. | anti-inflammatory and soothing | Dilute essential oil per instructions and apply to the skin | Learn more |
 | Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | pain-relief and anti-inflammatory | can be applied directly to the skin | Learn more |
Again, these home remedies for bedbug bites have not been reviewed by a physician or dermatologist, and individual results may vary. Speak with a doctor if you need to. Begin with sparing use on a small area of skin, as some people do experience varying levels of sensitivity. If you begin to experience any kind of adverse or allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately. We are not affiliated with any listed manufacturer, but we may receive a small commission from Amazon if you decide to make a purchase.
Home remedies for bedbug rash
To mitigate the risk of cellulitis (a type of infection common with insect bites), be sure to carefully wash the bites thoroughly with soap and water, and avoid scratching them. If you do develop a rash on your skin from bedbugs bites, here are a few ways that might work to clear it up.
How to get rid of bedbug bite rash
| Image | Product | Instructions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Aloe Vera | amino acids help with rash reduction, pain and itch relief | Check price |
 | Baking soda | Mix with water to make a paste and apply to bedbug bites, or add to a bath | Check price |
 | Witch Hazel | Mild anaesthetic affect reduces rash and itching. Alcohol-free is best | Check price |
 | Cold compress | Apply to painful area for swelling and rash reduction | Check price |
 | Toothpaste | menthol in toothpaste is a natural anti-itch remedy | Check price |
 | Lemon juice | helps dry rashes and reduce itchiness, plus anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties | Check price |
In some rare cases, bedbug bites can lead to severe allergic reactions. If you begin to notice signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or infection call 911. If your conditions worsen with treatment, you should speak with your doctor or dermatologist. We are not affiliated with any listed manufacturer, but we may receive a small commission from Amazon if you decide to make a purchase.
Next up, read:
Should I throw out my mattress if I have bed bugs?
Do you have to treat the whole house for bed bugs?