Allergies similar to bed bug bites - can bed bugs cause allergies, treatment at home

Reader Question:

Lily

We don't have allergies in our family, so the symptoms my husband has had since we found bedbugs at home are cause for concern. The itching and pain are the least of the woes. The swelling appeared the day after we saw the red spots, which increased in size over several days. Now they are bumps up to 5 cm in diameter, sore, itchy.
But worst of all is the breathing disorder. Tonight my husband started wheezing, so I called an ambulance. The doctor gave me an injection, and my husband was relieved. Immediately he was told that by all indications he was allergic to bedbug bites (they examined the bumps on his body). Now we are thinking about where to move my husband temporarily while the parasite treatment is done. But I'm also wondering if this kind of reaction happens to parasites. Can you also tell me what to do to take away the acute allergy symptoms that show up on the skin, since the ER doctor already told me what to do for respiratory distress. Thank you in advance.

The author of the portal answers the question:

Generalized/generalized allergic reaction

This is one of the varieties of acute forms of the pathological condition. It occurs in people with high sensitivity to allergens. Symptomatology includes specific and nonspecific signs. The first include: the appearance of red spots, itching, mild swelling. Nonspecific allergy symptoms make it clear that a generalized form is developing:

Age-related features of allergies to bed bug bites

Victims of different ages may react differently to allergens. Statistically, adults are more likely to have generalized allergies, while children are less likely to have them. However, the risk of a severe negative reaction increases when the child reaches adolescence.

At the same time, symptoms that were not typical until recently can occur, sometimes there is a sudden appearance of general allergy to bedbugs.

How to treat the disease

Several areas of therapy are noted:

• symptomatic treatment (take medications aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the pathological condition);
• purification of the body from the allergen by means of sorbents;
• support of the liver, strengthening of the immune system (auxiliary treatment, prescribed individually according to the patient's condition, the presence of chronic diseases).

First aid, main actions

If the exacerbation develops indoors, the affected person should be removed from the facility. It is necessary to exclude contact with the allergen. This is done by searching for sockets insects, at the same time all surfaces are cleaned, things are washed, bedding, clothes. First aid to the victim:

• If breathing is disturbed, an ambulance should be called;
• First, the victim must take an antihistamine (in tablets, if there are no breathing problems) or an injection, and second, the skin is treated with a drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-itching properties;
• You need to treat the bites with an antiseptic or wash them with soap and water.

Medication therapy

First of all, the allergic reaction to the bedbug biteFor this purpose, a course of drugs is prescribed:

• Antihistamines have anti-allergic properties (Claritin, Zyrtec, Cetrin, etc.);
• Glucocorticosteroids: eliminate signs of allergy, inflammation (Methylprednisolone, Pulmicort, Hydrocortisone).

Bed bug bite test

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory and skin tests are performed. In the first case, a blood test is effective (shows the number of eosinophils, determines the presence of immunoglobulins).

Skin tests help detect a reaction directly to bed bugs (an allergen is injected into the structure of the epidermis).

Reviews

Allergy medications

Drugs are divided into groups, the earlier ones are of the first generation, the later ones are of the second generation. The latest generation drugs are devoid of many of the disadvantages of other drugs, but today some of the early antihistamines are still prescribed, as they are highly effective, despite serious drawbacks.

Suprastin

One of the best remedies, but belongs to the first generation group. Quickly eliminates allergy symptoms from bedbug biteseven in the generalized form.

It works right away, it does not have a cumulative effect.

Tavegil

Also refers to the drugs of the first generation. It causes drowsiness, affects concentration. Other side effects (digestive tract disorders, urination, cardiovascular system disorders, etc.) are much less common.

Loratadine

It is a second-generation remedy which eliminates symptoms of idiopathic urticaria, allergic rhinitis. It is characterized by cumulative action, which means a weak effect at the initial stage of administration. The advantage is the selective action against H1 receptors. The disadvantage is moderate efficacy, it does not always eliminate the symptoms of a generalized reaction.

Zyrtec

Pharmacological action - blocking of H-histamine receptors. The drug is available in tablets and drops.

In addition to antihistamines, it also shows antipruritic, antiexudative properties, which helps to improve the condition of the outer skin.

Cetrin

In composition, it is a direct analogue of the previously considered Zyrtec (both drugs contain cetherazine hydrochloride in the same dosage). Accordingly, they are identical for the indications, contraindications for use and side effects. Form of manufacture of the drug Cetrin is tablets.

Zodak

It is a modern remedy (third generation). The active ingredient is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which accelerates the onset of relief. The drug is not addictive and does not affect concentration.

Claritin

It is a second generation remedy. It does not provide a sedative effect, but it works quickly and effectively. The daily dosage is small.

This drug is a direct analogue of the above mentioned Loratadine (by the type of active substance).

Eden

Form release - tablets. The drug of the last generation, recommended for elimination of symptoms of urticaria, allergic rhinitis. Positive changes persist for 24 hours after 1 dose of the drug.

Adventan

It belongs to the group of glucocorticosteroids for external use. Indications: elimination of signs of inflammation, allergy in skin adverse reactions. The systemic effect is manifested minimally.

Synaflan

The drug is a topical glucocorticosteroid. Its action is aimed at eliminating the signs of damage to the external skin if an allergy develops from bedbug bites or for other reasons. It comes in the form of an ointment.

The drug is used as part of a complex treatment.

Prednisolone

Refers to the group of glucocorticosteroids intended for oral administration. It is available in tablets. The drug is effective for allergies caused by bedbug bites and pathological conditions caused by other allergens. It affects protein, lipid, carbohydrate, water-electrolyte metabolism.

Hydrocortisone

 It is a direct analogue of the previously discussed drug Prednisolone. Its form of production is an ointment. The product is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid drug. The mechanism of action is based on the ability to accumulate and metabolize directly in the tissues of the affected areas of the epidermis.

Folk remedies

When allergies from bedbug bites occur, a drug-based treatment regimen must be prescribed. Folk remedies can be used as an additional measure, since they speed up the onset of recovery.

Plantain leaves

Means on the basis of such a plant help not only with damage to the outer skin, but also with allergies. Prepare an infusion:

• Brew 3 tbsp. of crushed leaves with boiling water (1 cup);
• after 4 hours, the solution is strained;
• Use 1/3 cup three times a day.

The skin is treated with a compress. It must be remembered that such a plant can also cause allergies.

Sequence

Should choose those varieties of the plant that do not contain poisonous components. To quickly restore the body from the inside, take infusion (20 grams of raw materials, 1 cup boiling water brewed in a water bath, after 15 minutes the container is removed from the stove).

To treat the exterior, prepare a more concentrated infusion.

Nettles

Improvement is provided due to the two properties of this plant: diuretic, anti-inflammatory. The main task in allergy, which is caused by bedbug bitesThe main purpose of the treatment is to purify the blood. Take 2 tbsp. raw materials, pour boiling water (1 cup). When the infusion cools completely, it is filtered, used to treat the external surfaces. You can drink a remedy based on nettles.

To do this, prepare a less concentrated infusion (1 tbsp. raw materials, 2 cups of boiling water).

Mint

It has antiseptic, sedative properties. You can take an infusion: take 1 tbsp. raw materials, 1 cup boiling water. Infuse for 30 minutes, then strain, use 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Video clip (photo + video): allergic edema, how to treat symptoms

How to protect yourself from bedbugs

If you are bitten by a parasite, after which there is a negative reaction on the skin, then among the first measures to remove the allergen. To do this, you need to clean the room from traces of life insects.

At the same time, measures are taken to destroy and repel bed bugs so that they no longer parasitize on humans.

Folk ways

At the same time it is necessary to do everything to bedbugs could not get to humans. Create intolerable conditions for their habitat:

• wash the floor with water and ammonia;
• Spray all surfaces with a solution based on essential oils (the active ingredient is taken in different amounts: from a few drops to 1 tsp. per 1 cup of water);
• put herbs with bitterness (wormwood, tansy) or strong-smelling plants (lavender, etc.) inside the furniture.

Facility treatment

The use of insecticidal agents is recommended. They are more effective, but are unpleasant smelling and toxic. Available types of remedies:

With the latter type, the insecticide coats surfaces evenly, which increases the likelihood of rapid eradication bedbugs.

It is important to change the product periodically, even if it provides a good result, because bed bugs gradually develop resistance to the poison.

Testimonials from allergy survivors

Expert tips

Anna

Entomologist, researcher. Work experience of 16 years.

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- to determine that it was a reaction to bed bugs, really by the time of the bites, their shape: if they are found in the morning in the form of paths (straight, zigzagging), then you can assume without tests, who bites;
- Allergy symptoms are not always specific, there is also cough, headache, and itchy throat in the background of allergies, to distinguish them from other diseases will help the presence of a rash with the signs I described above;
- The doctor prescribes a drug with an antihistamine mechanism of action, but it is also important to take a sorbent - it removes allergens from the body.

Conclusion

Infestation of an apartment bedbugs causes a lot of inconvenience, sometimes life-threatening. It is important to understand what to do when this happens:

1. Pay attention to the symptoms: rash, itching, lacrimation, respiratory disorders, Quincke's edema. The more prone to allergies, the more obvious the pathological condition is.
2. Allergies are caused by a substance injected by a bedbug when it bites (protein in its composition), as well as particles of chitinous shells of parasites, their excrement. Allergies should be combated along with cleaning the room from traces of insects.
3. The main methods of treatment: symptomatic therapy, elimination of allergens from the body, support through vitamin complexes. The most effective scheme for a negative reaction of any form: antihistamine + sorbent, with the use of hormonal and non-hormonal medications, depending on the degree of allergy development.