Bedbug Bites: How to Care for Your Child

Bedbugs feed on human or animal blood. Their bites can cause itchy red bumps, but do not lead to serious illness. Bites usually clear up in 1–2 weeks. It is very important to check your home for bedbugs. If you find bedbugs, there are ways to get rid of them.

• Wash the bites every day with soap and water until healed.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for using any prescribed medicine.

• If the bites are itchy, try:

  • cool compresses

  • calamine lotion

  • anti-itch cream

  • oatmeal bath

  • an over-the-counter antihistamine, if your health care provider says it's OK

• Wash and dry your child's bedding, clothing, and stuffed animals on the hottest setting possible.

• Check your home and places you visit for bedbugs:

  • Look for bedbugs near the seams of mattresses and box springs and on chair cushions.

  • Look for tiny red or dark stains on bed sheets.

Your child:

• has trouble sleeping from the itching

• shows signs of a skin infection, such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or pain

• develops a fever

How do I get rid of bedbugs in my home? If your home has bedbugs, call a professional exterminator. The exterminator can use chemical and non-chemical ways to get rid of the bedbugs. It takes time and patience, but bedbugs can be controlled.

How can I prevent bringing bedbugs into my home? Bedbugs can come into your home on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes, or clothing. To prevent a bedbug infestation in your home:

• Check secondhand furniture for signs of bedbugs before bringing it home.

• Cover your mattress and box spring with a plastic protective cover.

• Reduce clutter in your home, and vacuum often.

• When traveling, check mattresses and headboards for signs of bedbugs, and place luggage on the dresser or table rather than the floor.

• After traveling, check your luggage for signs of bedbugs before bringing the luggage into your home. Unpack directly into the washing machine. Dry your clothes on the hottest setting.