These harmful and unwanted insects like to find refuge in houses or apartments, much to the chagrin of their inhabitants. In addition to risking contaminating homes, they are capable of biting humans. What to do in case of a cockroach bite? Can we be allergic to it? Responses from Marie-Estelle Roux, dermatologist.

Cockroaches, also called cockroaches, are not among the insects that need to bite humans in order to survive, unlike ticks or mosquitoes. Moreover, they do not sting, because they have neither stinger nor sting. On the other hand, they are equipped with two mouth parts, which allow them to grind their food.

Cockroaches don’t usually bite humans, and when they do, it’s usually because they think they see food to be eaten, or there is traces of food on the skin. . The parts of the body most likely to be affected by bites are therefore the mouth, fingers or face.

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that therefore essentially come out at night to feed. It is then when you wake up that you can see cockroach bites. “Cockroach bite causes red, papular, itchy lesions on the skin,” says Dr. Roux.

While the cockroach bite does not directly transmit disease – as can be the case with mosquito or tick bites – the insect can, however, carry germs or bacteria capable of infecting the bite.

The cockroach bite is usually not very painful and does not wake the bitten person. It can cause varying reactions from one patient to another, ranging from a simple erythema to a large inflammation.

It is not strictly speaking the bite of the cockroach that can cause allergic reactions, but its droppings and saliva. “There is an allergy to cockroach droppings, which can be found in the dust in housing. It most often causes respiratory symptoms ”specifies the dermatologist.

People who are allergic to cockroaches may have a more severe reaction to its bite.

After a cockroach bite, it is advisable to wash the skin with water and mild soap to eliminate the germs left by the insect. “We can then relieve the itching with a soothing cream or a cortisone cream, and if the itching is severe, taking an antihistamine can be effective” specifies the dermatologist.

In the event of an allergic reaction, it is best to consult a doctor.

The best way to protect yourself from cockroach bites is to avoid infestation in your home. For that you need :

• Avoid leaving food or water lying around as much as possible;
• Fight against humidity to prevent the proliferation of mold, which attracts cockroaches;
• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink;
• Regularly clean the kitchen to avoid fatty deposits;
• Hermetically seal open packages such as: pasta, cookies, flour, cereals;
• Do not leave food in pet bowls;
• And above all, never crush cockroaches with your foot, at the risk of a pregnant female. His eggs stuck under the shoes would then be scattered throughout the home.