Beware of the Bedbugs

Bedbugs exist pretty much everywhere you would expect. According to Dr. Joseph Leija, an allergist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital (part of the Loyola University Health System):

“A family came in covered in bedbug bites from infested ‘free’ furniture they found in an abandoned apartment. The couple had only taken the wooden headboards and baseboards of the beds – not the mattresses because they knew that would be unsanitary – as well as a table and chairs. The bugs were found in the tiny crevices.”

Dr. Leija has also treated patients with bedbug bites originating from clothing purchased at yard sales. “Bedbugs are insidious survivors that travel well. They hide in cracks in wood and in the weave of cloth,” Dr. Leija added. “They are vampires. They are dormant during the day but come out at night and feed on human blood.”

Bedbugs use pinchers to pierce the skin and inject saliva. The saliva contains anticoagulants and a numbing solution. At the same time, other pinchers drain the blood from the “host”. When mating, Dr. Leija notes: “The male bedbug also uses the pincher to pierce the abdomen of the female . . . and bedbugs reproduce rapidly.”

Dr. Leija provides five useful tips for those befuddled by bedbugs:

• For used clothing, keep it tightly sealed in a plastic bag and wash immediately in hot water. Use the dryer at high heat to make sure all parasites are killed.

• Paint or seal any newly acquired used furniture

• Spray insecticide and vacuum bedding and furniture thoroughly. Don’t forget to throw away the vacuum cleaner bag in the trash (outside).

• When travelling (especially this holiday season), check the mattress. “If you see tiny brown specks, move yourself and your clothing and your luggage out immediately,” Dr. Leija explained.

• If you are the victim of a bedbug bite, clean the area immediately with soap and water. If the bite area starts to swell or hurt, you may need to see a doctor for medication.

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Additional sources: Physorg.com; Medical News Today.

When in doubt, always consult your primary health care professional, and never delay treatment due to something you read on the Internet. In the event of any medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.