Bed bugs are insects that infest warm areas like couches and beds. They latch on to their hosts and are transmitted from infested apartments and hotels on to other clean areas. They feed on human blood but, unlike mosquitoes, usually do not transmit diseases such as malaria etc. However, they do cause irritation, itching, and inflammation of skin apart from many psychological symptoms such as fear, sleeplessness, anxiety and, among the vulnerable, even anaphylactic shock.
Remedies
Homeopathic remedies for bed bug bites
- The patient who experiences fever and rash (that is thick and red in color, rough to touch, inflamed and itchy) must consult an experienced homeopath. Homeopathic remedies for bed bug bites are generally prescribed and administered based on the principle that “like cures like”. Apis is one such remedy and, in the natural world, it is actually bee venom. Bee bites also produce symptoms on the skin like those of bed bugs. APIS is the most important of all Homeopathic remedies for bed bug bites especially when the bites increase the body temperature or cause severe rash. APIS is a fast acting remedy known to heal and clear the skin.
- In some cases, patients have pale rash with inflammation that is extremely painful and there may be a drop in body temperature. LEDUM maybe administered for such a patient. To decide between APIS and LEDUM, check if the patient feels better when he/she is kept warm or exposed to cold. If the patient’s temperature worsens, LEDUM is the perfect remedy. Otherwise, best to use APIS. LEDUM is also a useful remedy for puncture wounds caused by other sources like nails, insect bites, and animal bites. Just look out for symptoms characteristic to LEDUM.
- Sometimes, a patient may develop ulcers or blisters on the skin that are accompanied by itching and burning pain; then the best homeopathic remedy in such a case is CARBOLIC ACID. If the ulcers ooze and burn, or change color and turn blue black, use ARSINIC ALB. If the pustules begin to bleed, or are very sensitive to contact or sting, use HEPAR SULPH.
- If the bites are mild but not painful or irritating, use CALENDULA mother tincture. Rub a drop or two on the skin gently.
Homeopathic medication to treat psychological symptoms in kids
Some children experience fear of bugs, anxiety, and may be unable to sleep owing to bed bug infestations. They might even become restless prior to bedtime or during the day from lack of sleep.In such cases, the remedy is ACONITE NAP. ACONITE NAP is a remedy that shows results in a very short duration. It is administered for acute conditions described above. When in doubt, it is best to administer this remedy but also rush the patient to the emergency room. If your diagnosis is right, the symptoms should subside and the child should start to feel better. If your diagnosis is incorrect, ACONITE NAP, like every other homeopathic remedy, will not cause any harm or side effects. It will also not react adversely to any conventional medication you might administer later on.
Inimical remedies
Some homeopathic medicines are not compatible with others. They are called inimical remedies. When you are not sure of such relationships between medicines, it is best to consult a homeopathic doctor.
Some homeopathic remedies for bed bug bites act fast, like ACONITE and APIS; others take time. Whatever the case, if the symptoms do not improve within an hour, you might have chosen an incorrect remedy. If you are confident, choose a different remedy that does not adversely react with the one that you have already administered and wait for it to take effect. In an acute condition, however, consult a doctor or rush to an emergency room.
