Self-Care Guidelines
Management of bedbug bites includes removing the bedbugs themselves and controlling the child's itching.
Wash all linens in hot water, and dry them in a hot dryer. You may also need to wash the curtains. Scrub furniture to remove eggs, and fix any cracks that may be in the furniture; you may need to take the furniture apart to do this well. Vacuum the room, including the mattress (concentrating on the seams) and any surrounding crevices. You may want to fill and seal any cracks around the room and paste down any rolling wallpaper seams. Check the adjoining rooms for bedbugs as well, even if the occupants do not complain of itching.
Sometimes, in cases of severe infestation, it may be best to have a licensed pest control agent inspect and eradicate the bedbugs. Remember that some insect repellants can be toxic to children, so make sure to find out exactly what chemicals the agent will be using and what the chemical's risk profile is.
A low-strength topical corticosteroid cream or ointment, such as hydrocortisone, can be purchased over the counter to help with itching. It should not be applied to the face or in skin folds. Make sure to keep children's nails trimmed short to prevent creating breaks in the skin from scratching.
When you travel and stay in hotels, keep your suitcase and clothing away from the bed or other furniture. Upon returning home, wash the clothing you took with you and place your suitcase in an attic, basement, or garage, where there is little chance of the bugs encountering humans for prolonged periods at night.
When to Seek Medical Care
Your baby may need a prescription-strength topical steroid to help intensely itchy bites. Infants have an especially hard time refraining from scratching, especially at night, and will attempt to rub the affected area on anything nearby. Consult with your child's doctor before trying an antihistamine such as Benadryl®. Because scratching can lead to infection, if there is pus, redness, swelling, fever, or if the reaction blisters or is otherwise severe, call your child's doctor. There have been rare cases of severe allergic reaction that affect breathing (anaphylaxis). If this is the case in your child, seek emergency medical care.
Signs and Symptoms
