Scientists have revealed the preliminary description of bed bug sialoma: proteins in saliva that allow bed bugs to feed on humans without fatal retaliation.

Bed bugs belong to a group of parasitic insects that feed on blood. Their success at feeding without discomfort depends in part on the protein in their saliva. These substances cause the host’s blood vessels to dilate to facilitate blood flow to its body, inhibit clotting, and prevent immediate pain and itching.

The immune system determines the host’s response to proteins. Bed bugs can cause a number of health effects, including psychological effects, allergic reactions, and physical effects, such as prominent blisters on the skin.

Common allergic reactions include the development of a large, itchy, swollen welt that can last for several days. Multiple bites can trigger blister-like rashes. People with severe allergies can develop anaphylaxis. Allergens from bed bug bites are associated with asthmatic reactions.

Bite marks grouped in a linear pattern are suspected to be bed bug bites. The post-bite effect occurs in 3 stages including no reaction (development of few or no antibodies), delayed reaction; immediate and delayed reaction, only immediate reaction and no visible reaction.

Symptoms include a raised, inflamed welt at each bite site with intermittent itching for several days. The immediate reaction can occur within 24 hours of being stung and lasts 1-2 days.

The delayed reaction to bed bug bites appears in 1 to 3 days, followed by redness and periodic intense itching that can last up to 5 days. Delayed reactions can take up to 9 days before lesions appear.

Medical experts say that people who receive frequent bites develop sensitivity syndrome which includes nervousness, constant restlessness and insomnia. The medical literature suggests that a person can develop secondary infections from scratching the wheal, and the bites can cause blister-like rashes on the skin, anemia, and anaphylactic reactions, and trigger or worsen asthma.

Sometimes bed bug bites develop into a hard, whitish swelling that leaves a dark red patch surrounded by a reddened area. Bed bug bites usually go away after a while, but sometimes old bites come back if the wound hasn’t healed properly and the person keeps scratching the welt.

If you have been bitten by bed bugs and react negatively to the bite, you should take some steps to treat the welt so it can heal. You should see your doctor immediately after noticing the bites, especially if you develop severe allergic reactions.

There are home remedies and over-the-counter medications available to treat bites. People’s skin responds differently to treatments, so consult your doctor before using any home remedies.

Home remedies

(a) Treat the affected area with ice to soothe the wound

(b) Clean the affected area with an antiseptic soap (eg Dettol) before treating the wound. This prevents microbes from entering the wound. Rinse with cold water and apply a paste of coconut oil (1 tablespoon) and toasted turmeric powder (1 tablespoon). Leave the treatment on for 8 hours.

(c) Spray lavender oil on the wound for instant relief from itching. If you have an allergic reaction to the stings you can take corticosteroids. Consult your doctor before doing so.

(d) Apply mint, garlic or cayenne pepper to the affected area after treating the wound.

(e) Black pepper, walnut and red pepper are useful herbs to treat bites.

(f) Mix one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking powder and add water to make a paste and apply to the wound.

(g) Apply a thick paste of cornstarch and water to the wound. Cornstarch eliminates toxins in the affected area.

(h) Apply an astringent such as witch hazel, St. John’s wort or lemon juice to a cotton ball and rub the wound to reduce itching.

(i) Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area to relieve itching. Avoid scratching the wounds to prevent infection.

(j) Use a few drops of cedarwood oil with other medications (eg corticosteroids and oral or topical antihistamines) to treat inflammation.

(k) Add concentrated peppermint oil, baking soda, oatmeal or Alka-Seltzer (only if you are not allergic to aspirin) to a warm bath and soak in it to reduce itching.

(l) Honey and aloe vera can also treat the wound. The gel from the aloe vera plant has antifungal and antibiotic properties to treat wounds.

(m) If you are not allergic to aspirin, you can dip a cotton ball in the Alka-Seltzer solution and apply it to the wound.

(n) Apply a light paste of aspirin mixed with water to the wound (if you are not allergic to aspirin).

(o) A warm cloth on the affected area can also relieve itching.

over-the-counter remedies

(a) Creams such as cortisone ointment and calamine lotion reduce inflammation, itching and speed healing.

(b) Topical anesthetics containing pramoxine relieve pain. Diphenhydramine relieves itching.

(c) Antihistamines like Benadryl control swelling.

(d) Hydrocortisone cream eliminates itching.

(e) Prednisone, an oral steroid, can treat itching. This medication requires a prescription.

(f) Naproxen or ibuprofen reduce swelling.

(g) Zyrtec and Claritin (oral antihistamines) are available without a prescription to reduce allergic reactions.

(h) For systemic allergic reactions, a physician sometimes administers injections of antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.

(i) Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics if a secondary bacterial skin infection develops.

Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but they are of significant public health importance. They carry at least 40 human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Researchers have confirmed that these pathogens are not transmitted to humans through bites.