Regarding scratching bed bug lesions, what should the nurse inform parents?

Regarding scratching bed bug lesions, what should the nurse inform parents?

• A. Scratching lesions accelerates healing
• B. Scratching lesions may cause secondary infection
• C. Scratching lesions has no consequence
• D. Scratching lesions causes scarring only

Answer: (B)

When a child scratches bed bug bites, the skin’s surface is broken, which allows bacteria on the skin to enter and cause a secondary infection such as impetigo or cellulitis. Because of this, parents should be advised to help the child resist scratching and to manage itching with gentle cleansing, cool compresses, and appropriate topical anti-itch treatments or antihistamines as advised by a clinician. Keeping nails short and clean, and using soothing remedies like calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths can reduce urge to scratch. Teach parents to monitor the bite area for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus) and to seek care if those occur. Scratching can also slow healing and increase the chance of scarring, so preventing scratching is an important part of care.

When a child scratches bed bug bites, the skin’s surface is broken, which allows bacteria on the skin to enter and cause a secondary infection such as impetigo or cellulitis. Because of this, parents should be advised to help the child resist scratching and to manage itching with gentle cleansing, cool compresses, and appropriate topical anti-itch treatments or antihistamines as advised by a clinician. Keeping nails short and clean, and using soothing remedies like calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths can reduce urge to scratch. Teach parents to monitor the bite area for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus) and to seek care if those occur. Scratching can also slow healing and increase the chance of scarring, so preventing scratching is an important part of care.