It’s not in the nature of cockroaches to bite, but they do whenever they feel threatened. The good news is cockroaches are not known to transmit diseases by means of their bites, unlike mosquitoes. The bad news is it can be very easy for cockroach bites to become infected due to the fact that cockroaches carry around lots of bacteria.
Even the smallest cockroach bite can end up really large, inflamed and painful when it becomes infected. It’s not unlikely for it to become purplish or greenish and even filled with pus if it gets infected. Usually, the problem tends to go away on its own in about a week. But for those whose immune systems are weak, things can go downhill really quickly. Needless to say, cockroach bites that do not heal and look nasty should be seen by a doctor.
The moment you realize that you have been bitten by a cockroach, it’s a good idea to spring into action right away to keep it from getting worse. Here are some of the steps that you may take when a cockroach bites:
Cleanse With Soap and Water
Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and water — this is the most important step that you need to take as soon as you realize that you have a cockroach bite. It’s essential to have the area disinfected in order to get rid of as much bacteria left behind by the cockroach as possible in order to minimize risk of infection.
Apply Alcohol
Have no access to soap and water? Then simply apply rubbing alcohol on the bitten area to zap bacteria present on the skin. Another disinfecting agent that you may use is your trusted hand sanitizer. However, do make sure that the one you have is alcohol-based. Otherwise, it won’t be able to eliminate those infection-causing microbes.
Smear Baking Soda Paste
You can also come up with a special paste made from baking soda whenever you are bitten by a cockroach. Simply add a few drops of water to a small amount of baking soda. Apply on the trouble spot to eliminate bacteria as well as relieve itchiness and swelling, if present. There’s no need to wash off the paste afterwards.
Rub a Piece of Onion
Onions have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why they make for excellent natural remedies for all sorts of insect bites, including those that are made by cockroaches. Simply chop off a small piece of onion and then have it rubbed repeatedly on the bite mark to let its juice get rid of both bacteria and swelling.
Massage It With Banana Peel
A lot of people can attest to the effectiveness of banana peel against cockroach bites. What you need to do is cut a small piece of banana peel. With the fleshy part facing your skin, rub it on the bite. Similarly, you may secure a small piece of banana peel over the cockroach bite with the help of duct tape or adhesive bandage.
Opt for a Cold Compress
You can attain immediate relief from the pain, itchiness and redness of a cockroach bite with the help of a cold compress. Wrap an ice cube in a small piece of cloth or towel, and then place it on the problem area for a few minutes. Remember not to place the ice cube directly on the skin to save yourself from ending up with additional problems.
Apply Peppermint Essential Oil
Do you have all sorts of essential oils at home? Well then reach for a bottle of peppermint essential oil and place a drop or two on the area bitten by a cockroach. Other than zapping bacteria, it’s also something that can help in alleviating itchiness. However, see to it that your essential oil is therapeutic grade.
Sources: 17h43.com
