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I would like to share a hint found useful for dealing with bed bugs and the treatment of bed bug bites. Firstly, before leaving Australia I treat my sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, pillowcase, backpack & boots with Permethrin (Debugger), available from many camping places. I ensure everything is packed into my backpack at night ie don’t leave clothes hanging over the beds.
This way your gear is protected from bed bugs and you won’t carry them with you. When I was bitten from lying on top of my sleeping bag in the middle of the afternoon, I applied Cold Sore Cream (active ingredient Acyclovir) as soon as I noticed the bites. Acyclovir is anti-viral and seems to stop the bite from developing the horrible watery blisters which can easily become infected. I also take an anti-histamine to reduce the itchiness which leads to scratching.
In 2012 the municipal albergue in Boadilla was closed for 3 days, usually a sign of debugging being undertaken. We subsequently stayed in a private albergue filled to over-flowing… It was there I was bitten – the girl on the bunk above actually awoke and saw the bed bugs in her bed!