Bed Bug Bites on Babies and Kids – Health Risks and Treatment

Parents love their kids the most in this world; nothing can replace their love for them. And seeing their kid in pain is like a nightmare for parents. But sometimes bed bugs get the better of your kids and may ruin the beautiful smile on their faces. Bed bug bites can be a concerning issue for parents, especially when it comes to their babies and young children. These tiny, nocturnal pests can cause itchy, uncomfortable bites that may distress little ones. The good news is that the problem can be handled. One only needs to be patient and know how to go about the problem.

Here, we will help you learn the health risks posed by bed bug bites on kids, the signs to look for, and effective treatment methods to alleviate symptoms and prevent future infestations.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are blood-sucking parasites, scientifically called Cimex lectularius. They are a common bug that is primarily found in warm places such as mattresses, hence the name.

Generally, bed bug bites on children do not require medication as they are known to be painless, but the discomfort and itchiness caused by these parasites can give your kids sleepless nights. Bed bug bites can easily be distinguished as they form red spotty lines or clusters on the skin, unlike mosquito bites.

What Are the Causes of Bed Bug Infestations?

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on blood and appear mostly at night. They generally hide in warm parts of the house, such as unclean corners or mattresses.

Bed bugs are not associated with how clean or dirty your surroundings are. Instead, they may emerge in places many have been visiting, such as train stations, airports, hotels, etc. Hotel rooms become common breeding grounds, and sources of infestations and bed bugs can easily be brought home from the hotel room with your luggage! Carpets, furniture, linen, etc., become secondary sources of infestations (1).

What Are the Signs of Bed Bug Bites on Babies and Kids?

It’s important to differentiate between bed bug bites and mosquito bites. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment. Read the following symptoms to confirm if it’s a bed bug bite that’s been bothering your kid (2).

• Small clustered red bumps on the skin
• Small red bumps in a row or a line
• Puncture at the centre of the bump (this is where the bed bug may have bit your kid)
• Frequent itching and irritation
• Red patches on bare skin surfaces such as on the arms, legs or face

Can Bed Bug Bites on Children Cause Health Risks?

Bed bug bites do not call for medical assistance. But, a bed bug bite causes itchiness, and when your little bundle of joy scratches the bite site, it may lead to other infections. But then again, this situation may vary from kid to kid. Not everyone has to suffer from infections; some may have painless reddish blotches that may go away with time without intervention.

The only side effect of a bed bug bite would be itching accompanied by irritation that may, in turn, give your child sleepless nights.

What Are the Causes of Bed Bug Bite Reactions?

Bed bug bites rarely cause severe allergic reactions. However, there have been some cases where it has caused asthma attacks, anaphylactic shocks and severe skin infections. Your baby may sometimes suffer from a reaction to bed bug bites for the following reasons.

• An anti-coagulant injected into the body during the bite determines the nature of the reaction to a bed bug bite.
• The number of times you’re bitten is also a factor in how the skin reacts.

Reactions also tend to vary based on the sensitivity of each person.

How Is Diagnosis of Bed Bug Bites Done?

Diagnosis of a bed bug bite is not much of an issue. The following is considered to rule out a bed bug bite (5):

• The red, bumpy appearance of the bed bug bites in clusters or a line.
• Presence of rashes on the affected area.
• Presence of bed bug droppings and exoskeletons, i.e. tiny brown or red material and pale yellow empty skins.

Treatment for Bed Bug Bites

Treatment for bed bugs differs for babies and kids, depending on the age and severity of the bed bug bite.

Treatment for Babies

When looking for bed bug treatments safe for babies, you can try the following (3):

• Applying antiseptic creams
• Cleaning the area that has been bitten with water and soap
• Applying an ice pack on the affected area in intervals
• Applying baking soda paste on the bitten area

Treatment for Kids

When treating bed bug bites in kids, you can try these measures (7):

• Applying antiseptic creams
• Applying corticosteroid ointments
• Using oral corticosteroid prescribed by your physician
• Giving your kid oral antibiotics would be helpful in case of infection

Home Remedies to Treat Bug Bites on a Child

As discussed, bed bug bites don’t cause severe medical conditions. They can be managed easily, and adopting certain home remedies can help your kid find some relief from those itchy bumps. Here are some that you can try:

• Mix baking soda and water and blend well to form a paste. Apply it to the affected area.
• You could also apply sandal paste mixed with a tinge of turmeric. Sandal would trigger the cooling effect, whereas turmeric would imitate the job of an antiseptic.
• Apply ice packs to provide a cooling effect to the affected area (7).
• Crush neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and paste them on the affected area for rapid recovery (8).

How Can Bed Bug Bites Be Prevented?

Do the following to prevent kids’ bed bug bites (6):

• Use bug-resistant sprays around the home.
• Keep your kids well covered and avoid taking them outdoors for a long time.
• Keep windows and doors closed, especially during evening time.
• Apply mosquito repellant creams on bare body parts.
• Use hot water to wash your kids’ clothes to eliminate bed bugs.
• Check strollers that you rent when on trips.
• Vacuum and clean the mattresses and carpets whenever possible.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Over-itching as a result of bed bug bites may lead to swollen or liquid-filled scars that require medical attention. In the following cases, consulting a doctor would be a good option (4):

• If the size of the red bumps increase
• If your baby develops a fever
• If he develops respiratory issues due to allergic reactions

FAQs

1. What should I do if my home has a bed bug infestation?

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, acting quickly is essential. Start by thoroughly cleaning bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and vacuuming mattresses, beds, and furniture. Declutter your home to reduce hiding spots, and use bed bug-proof mattress covers. It’s best to contact a professional pest control service for severe infestations, as bed bugs can be challenging to eliminate completely on your own (2).

2. How long do bed bug bites last on a child’s skin?

Bed bug bites can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the reaction and the child’s skin sensitivity. The itching usually decreases within a few days, but the red marks may last longer.

3. Can bed bugs infest toys and other belongings?

Yes, bed bugs can hide in toys, books, clothing, and other personal items, especially if these items are kept close to the bed or other areas where bed bugs are present. To prevent this, regularly inspect and clean your child’s toys and belongings, especially during and after travel.

Bed bug bites on the baby’s face and the body may lead to irritation. You can prevent these bites by following simple measures to keep your house clear of these pests. However, if your baby gets bitten and the problem persists, consult a doctor immediately.

References/Resources:

1. Bedbugs; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bedbugs.html

2. Bedbug Bites; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Bedbug-Bites.aspx

3. Hey! A Bedbug Bit Me!; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bedbug.html

4. Bedbugs; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/bedbugs

5. Bed Bug Bite; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Bed+Bug+Bite

6. Bedbugs; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedbugs/

7. Bug Bites In Children: Prevention, Treatment And When To See A Pediatrician; Children’s Nebraska; https://www.childrensnebraska.org/health-news/bug-bites-in-children-prevention-and-treatment/

8. Gernady. L; Everyday Ayurveda for Summer: Neem to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites; Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health; https://kripalu.org/resources/everyday-ayurveda-summer-neem-prevent-and-treat-bug-bites#

Also Read: 

Dog Bites in Kids
Chigger Bites on Kids
Deworming for Children
Dealing with Insect Bites in Kids

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