Causes and risk factors
Bed bugs are formed in overcrowded places like refugee camp, by living in unhygienic conditions. They are common in places such as hotels, hostels, college dormitories where there is large turnover of people from various places. Increased international travel risk development of bed bugs. Conditions which favour bed bugs production are closed rooms, lack of sunlight entering the room, lack of pest control, unhygienic habits such as infrequent changing of bed covers etc.
Clinical presentation
Bed bug bites anywhere but especially on neck, back when the person is asleep. Bed bug bite is not felt immediately as the insect bites but several hours after the bite. It releases some fluid which anaesthetise the skin temporarily. Bed bug bite presents with intense itching [pruritus], rash caused by an allergic reaction to the bites, red bumps on the skin. Scratching leads to further infection with swelling and bleeding.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Presence of bugs in beddings or bed sheets confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
No treatment is required for patients bitten with bed bugs. Medicines such as antihistaminics or local corticosteroids can be given. It can be easily treated by improving the personal hygiene. Regular pest control, changing of bedcovers, bed linens and washing them thoroughly in hot water will prevent bed bugs.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating bed bug bites. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating bed bug bites.
