Treatment of Bedbug Skin Lesions

Symptomatic Treatment Approach

• For more significant eruptions, consider higher-potency topical corticosteroids such as prednicarbate cream 0.02% for short-term use, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 1
• Oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, or diphenhydramine) provide relief of itching, particularly for grade 2/3 pruritus, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1

Secondary Infection Management

• Monitor for signs of secondary infection: increased pain, erythema, purulent exudate, or fever, and document lesion appearance, size, and location at baseline, as suggested by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2
• If secondary bacterial infection develops, topical mupirocin 2% ointment is effective against common skin pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2