Home care for bedbug bites is directed at controlling symptoms and may include:

• Avoid scratching
• Oral antihistamines for itching:
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• 1% hydrocortisone cream for itching
• Launder all bed clothes and bedding materials to at least 97 degrees F (36 C.)
• Obtain insecticides to kill them in the home. Hire an insect exterminator.
• Vacuum daily and dispose of vacuum bags or freeze them for at least 24 hours to kill the bedbugs.

General home treatment measures for itching include:

• Avoid exposure to substances that cause itching.
• Apply cold compresses:
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours
• Clean the skin gently:
• Use mild soap and water.
• Do not scrub the skin.
• Dry the skin.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Consider using colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) in the bath.

Medications for itching include:

• Oral antihistamine:
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Anti-itching cream:
• Calamine
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment:
• Cortaid Maximum Strength
• Cortizone 5
• Cortizone 10
• Cortizone for Kids
• Domeboro Astringent