Bed Bug Bites in Lagos: Identification, Treatment, and Getting Rid of Them

The Lagos Bed Bug Problem Nobody Talks About

Bed bugs have made a global resurgence — and Lagos is no exception. Dense housing, frequent travel, second-hand furniture markets, and the hospitality industry's rapid turnover all create ideal conditions for bed bug spread.

Identifying Bed Bug Bites

• Small, red, itchy welts — often in a line or cluster ("breakfast, lunch, dinner" pattern)
• Painless during the bite (bed bugs inject anaesthetic)
• Appear on exposed skin: arms, shoulders, neck, legs
• May not appear until 1–2 days after the bite
• Cause intense itching lasting 1–2 weeks

Treatment

• Topical hydrocortisone cream for itch relief
• Oral antihistamine (cetirizine or loratadine) for widespread reaction
• Cold compress to reduce swelling
• Avoid scratching — broken skin invites secondary bacterial infection

Eliminating Infestations

• Wash all bedding at 60°C
• Vacuum mattress seams, bed frame joints, and skirting boards thoroughly
• Use mattress encasements to trap remaining bugs
• Professional pest control is often necessary for severe infestations

If you have skin reactions suggesting immune hypersensitivity, FXMed's Immune Support Programme can help identify and address underlying immune dysregulation.