Bitten by a bed bug? Here’s what Myrtle Beach area doctors say to do
Recently, there have been a few lawsuits filed by people who say they got bitten by bed bugs while traveling in the Myrtle Beach area.
So, if you’re by the beach on vacation and you end up with bed bug bites, there are a few options for treatment, local medical providers said.
According to emergency medicine physician at Grand Strand Health Medical Center, Dr. Kaitlyn Phelps, bed bug bites don’t require specialized treatment and don’t require a visit to the emergency department.
“Symptoms of mild pain and itching can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, and topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream,” Phelps wrote in an email to The Sun News. “For specific guidance regarding the identification and eradication of bed bugs or any pest infestation, please contact your local pest exterminator.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that bed bugs are not known to spread diseases to people.
In some cases with bed bug bites, as with any bug bite, some people can have allergic reactions or develop infections.
According to Dr. William Epperson with Tidelands Health Family Medicine at Prince Creek, people can wash the bites with soap and water to help prevent infection and reduce itchiness.
“Bed bug bites can be itchy and uncomfortable but usually don’t pose a serious health risk and typically heal and go away within a week or two,” he said. “A key to healing is to prevent repeated bites each night by getting rid of the bed bugs. Those recurrent bites are what are likely to lead to complications including infection.”
If the itching and swelling don’t improve, or if the bites get worse after a few days or causes extreme discomfort, Epperson recommends seeking care from a doctor, who can assess for possible reactions or infections and provide appropriate prescription creams and antihistamines, as well as antibiotics, if an infection has developed.
Bites that show signs of redness and oozing may be infected, he said. Anyone experiencing severe allergic reaction symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling or fever should seek immediate medical attention.
