Hiding in the bed gap and biting at night... Bring this medicine to treat bed bugs when traveling abroad

Over-the-counter medicine for bedbug bite treatment

When traveling abroad, you often encounter bed bugs. Although bites are extremely itchy, it is not easy to avoid being bitten. Bed bugs hide in furniture, cracks in bedroom walls, or wallpaper seams, and begin feeding at night. They are more active in the early dawn than in the evening. After being bitten, symptoms such as ▲red skin spots ▲linear or triangular bite marks ▲itchiness may appear. What over-the-counter medications should you bring to avoid ruining your trip by scratching bed bug bites?

Over-the-counter medications that can be used to relieve itching caused by bedbug bites include antihistamines and topical steroids (ointments). Seoul Pharmacists Association Executive Director Im Geum-ji (pharmacist) stated, "Antihistamines such as 'Allegra' containing fexofenadine (HanDok), 'Glaritin' containing loratadine (Bayer Korea), and 'Zyrtec' containing cetirizine (Korea UCB Pharmaceutical) can be taken once a day, one tablet each," and "Topical steroids should be used according to the instructions, applying to the bitten area about 1 to 3 times a day." The Ministry of Health and Welfare recommends that people with severe allergies carry antihistamines as part of their travel first-aid kit when traveling abroad.

If you have over-the-counter steroid ointment remaining from skin inflammation treatment, you can apply it to bedbug bites. However, you should check the expiration date and the period since opening before use. Steroid ointments classified as prescription drugs carry a high risk of side effects, so self-medication is strictly prohibited. Do not excessively apply over-the-counter steroid ointment just because the itching is severe. Pharmacist Geunghyun Ji said, "Over-the-counter topical agents typically indicate the appropriate amount using a Finger Tip Unit (FTU, about the amount on one finger segment, roughly 0.5g)," and "For hands and fingers, 1 FTU; for chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks, 7 FTU; for face and neck, 2.5 FTU; and for both arms and hands, about 4 FTU per side is appropriate."

If there is only 'Vermuli (Hyundai Pharmaceutical)', which is applied when bitten by mosquitoes, can it be applied to bedbug bites to see any effect? It may not be as effective as taking over-the-counter antihistamines, but it can provide some help. Director Im Geun-ji of the academic department said, "Vermuli contains antihistamines, local anesthetics, and licorice-derived anti-inflammatory ingredients, so it can help alleviate itching even at bedbug bite sites." Cold compresses also help relieve itching.

Secondary infection can occur in wounds caused by scratching bedbug bites. In such cases, antibiotic ointments such as 'Fucidin ointment (Donghwa Pharmaceutical)' or 'Erasporan ointment (J.W. Pharmaceutical)' can be used.

If symptoms are not controlled with over-the-counter medicines, you should visit a hospital. This also applies in cases where a secondary infection occurs severely from a scratch. Professor Yoo Hwa-jeong of the Dermatology Department at Korea University Ansan Hospital said, "When you visit the hospital, you can receive a prescription for oral steroids through consultation with a specialist or get an epinephrine injection to suppress allergic reactions," and "In cases of severe secondary infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed."

Rarely, some people may experience anaphylactic reactions. If suspicious symptoms are observed, a hospital visit is necessary. Professor Yoo Hwa-jeong stated, "Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction to specific substances, and most anaphylaxis patients show symptoms within an hour of being bitten," and added, "Symptoms such as cough, chest pain, numbness in the mouth and extremities, rapid heartbeat, itching rash, and vomiting can be signs to watch for." In some cases, difficulty breathing may also occur.