Bed bug bites are actually allergic reaction to the chemicals released by the bugs when they bite a person. And, not everyone suffers from itches when bed bugs bite. Also, though bed bug bites do not spread any disease, there have been a few cases wherein the bites have posed serious health hazards to the sufferer. You do not really have to worry, because those cases have really been very rare. However, if you do suffer from any other symptoms, you need to visit a doctor immediately. The first thing you need to keep in mind about the itch is that you should not scratch it. It could open up the skin and expose it to infections. Then, you can embark on treatments to alleviate itching. As first aid, you can wash the affected area with soap and water and apply ice on it. Washing will disinfect the skin and ice will bring relief from the itch.
There are various treatments for getting rid of itching. Lavender is effective in bringing relief from irritation. Use sprays that contain lavender or make your own solution by mixing six drops of lavender oil in two ounces of virgin coconut oil and five drops of oregano oil and rub it on the affected region. Mint is also a great remedy at treating insect bites and itches. You can rub mint on the bites or draw a bath with peppermint oil added to it and soak in it. Similarly, if you add apple cider vinegar to your bath, it will help in getting rid of the itch. Vinegar will also disinfect the skin. Applying aloe vera gel or pulp obtained from the plant, witch hazel, or Vitamin E oil on the itchy area will also bring relief in a short span of time. Applying the juice of onion or garlic or rubbing these on the bites will also ease the itch. Sandalwood and rose water are also soothing products; make a paste using both these ingredients and apply it on the affected skin.
After you have gotten rid of the itch and bites, you need to disinfect your infested clothes by washing them in hot water. This will control the bed bugs growth. You can also keep your furniture, bedding, carpets or any other infected objects at home under the hot sun to kill the bed bugs. Using kerosene to disinfect the furniture and bedding is also an option but it raises quite a stench and can affect your skin adversely.