Bed Bugs--What Do I Do If I Get Them?

Scabies, more commonly known as bed bugs, can be a nasty problem that many people across the world face. In third world countries it is a life long struggle, that is often lost, to rid oneself of scabies. I have spent time in Honduras treating patients and bedbugs was one of the most common conditions seen. Life long scars are often present and bedbug are not picky--they infest infants to the elderly

Here in developed nations, we are not immune to scabies. Infestations break out quickly, and often spread even quicker. Scabies is often confused with lice, but unlike lice, these critters burrow under your skin and form tunnels. The symptoms associated with scabies are due to an allergic reaction to the bugs.

Common symptoms of bed bugs are:

• Severe itching and rash 
• Burrow tracks often in straight lines 

Most Affected Areas:

• Hands
• Feet
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Buttocks
• Groin
• Face (if severe enough) 

Treatment:

• There is no over the counter treatment for scabies! You must go to the doctor
• Permethrin: This is a cream that is prescribed by your doctor that you apply all over your body before bed and wash off in the morning for 7-14 days
• Ivermectin: This is a pill prescribed your doctor that if taken once can kill the bugs on and in your body
• IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR HOME BE TREATED EVEN IF THEY DO NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS

Prevention of Re-occurrence:

• Anything that fits in a washer should be washing in HOT water (blankets, sheets, clothing, etc.)
• Anything that cannot be washed should be sealed in garbage bags and placed in a secluded area such as a garage or basement for TWO WEEKS