Why Bedbugs Should Be on Your Skincare Radar
When most people think of skincare challenges, bedbugs are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, as the latest reports indicate, a global resurgence of bedbugs is happening, and it’s time to prepare for the impact they might have on your skin. Bedbugs might not transmit diseases, but their bites can produce itchy welts that can interfere with your skin’s health and beauty.
What are Bedbugs and What’s the Buzz?
Bedbugs are small wingless insects that feast on human blood, usually at night. They’re especially talented at finding humans by sensing the carbon dioxide we exhale and our body heat. Cities around the world, including Paris, New York, and Chicago, are currently experiencing a bedbug outbreak that has set off alarms and gained media attention. This increase in bedbug presence could potentially affect millions of people, given upcoming large-scale events like the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Why the Sudden Surge?
While various factors contribute to the resurgence of bedbugs, the most significant one is their growing resistance to most major classes of insecticides, including pyrethroids. Options for eradication are often expensive, making it challenging for low-income communities to manage the situation adequately.
The Impact on Skin Health
Bedbug bites often result in itchy welts, which can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to secondary infections if not treated appropriately. In the context of cosmetic dermatology, such skin irritations could also interfere with your skincare regimen and the results of your cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, fillers, or chemical peels.
How to Protect Your Skin
- Early Detection: When staying in hotels or Airbnbs, inspect the mattress for reddish-brown blood stains which are signs of bedbug presence.
- Post-Travel Care: Before bringing your luggage inside after traveling, take out your clothes and put them in the dryer for at least 30 minutes. Use a garment steamer to heat-treat your luggage outside, killing any eggs.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If you’ve been bitten by bedbugs, consult a dermatologist to manage the skin irritation effectively and to prevent secondary infections. Your dermatologist may recommend specific products to help soothe the skin, such as Simply Serum® (Arnica Extract) or other formulations suited to your skin’s needs.
- Maintain Skin Health: Continue your daily skincare routine to keep your skin barrier strong. Products such as Simply Serum® (Hyaluronic + B5) or Simply Cream® can provide the necessary hydration and nourishment.
Bedbug Resurgence: What to Know
While the rise in bedbug infestations is a general concern, it’s particularly relevant for those invested in maintaining optimal skin health. In addition to taking preventive measures, it’s crucial to consult dermatology experts for advice tailored to your skin’s needs. With the right precautions and skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and beautiful, even in a world where bedbugs are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Schedule a consultation at Simply Dermatology today for all your skincare needs.
An additional blog that you might like to check out: Tick Bite Prevention.
-Dr. Papantoniou