How to stop insect bites from itching

Why does the bite itch?

An insect bite can trigger inflammation, causing itching, redness, warmth and swelling. Mosquito, flea and mite bites tend to itch more than they hurt, while bee and wasp stings are usually painful. Scratching irritates the skin further and can break its surface, allowing bacteria to enter. The itch is a reason to cool the area, not to keep scratching until the skin breaks.145

What to do now

A cold compress is a practical first step for an itchy bite, with considerably less ceremony than a bathroom full of jars.1

1. 1If a bee or wasp stinger remains, scrape it sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a bank card. Do not pull it out with tweezers, which can squeeze more venom into the skin.
2. 2Wash the area with soap and water. Cleaning the bite helps lower the chance of infection.
3. 3Hold a cool, damp washcloth against the itchy area for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the itch eases. If you use ice instead, wrap it in a cloth. One approach is 10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off, repeated as needed.
4. 4If the bite still itches, try hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine. A pharmacist can help you choose a treatment.
5. 5Keep a swollen arm or leg raised when possible, and watch for increasing redness, swelling or pain over the next several days.

Which itch treatments can help?

Hydrocortisone cream reduces itching and swelling, while an oral antihistamine is another option for itch relief. If you regularly take other medicines, check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking an antihistamine. Do not use antihistamine cream on skin exposed to caterpillar hairs. Skip home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda.234

For additional comfort, general itch care includes applying a fragrance free moisturizer after bathing while the skin is still damp, or whenever it itches. If moisturizer does not help, calamine, menthol or a cream or gel containing pramoxine, a skin applied pain reliever, are other options. Loose cotton clothing helps keep skin cool without the irritation of rough fabrics. Avoid high heat and extreme temperature changes, which can make itching worse.1

How long should it take to settle?

Most bites and stings clear up within several days. A local allergic reaction can cause swelling that grows over several hours, then gradually decreases over a few days. Infection sometimes develops two to three days after a bite, particularly after scratching. Increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, pus or a red line extending from the bite need medical attention the same day.4

When should you get medical help?

Get medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve, or if you develop a rash, fever or body aches after a bite. Tell the doctor about the bite. A baby under 1 year with a bite or sting should see a doctor. Get urgent advice for a sting in the mouth or throat, near the eyes, or after multiple stings.23

Call your local emergency number immediately for trouble breathing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, face or mouth swelling, or fainting. These can signal anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Use your prescribed emergency epinephrine kit if you have one.5

How to avoid more bites

Protective clothing helps prevent more bites, even if insects have declined to respect your outdoor plans. Cover exposed skin with long sleeves, trousers, socks and closed shoes. Use insect repellent containing 20 to 30 percent DEET and reapply as directed. If you also use sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, let it dry, then apply repellent. Keep the two products separate rather than using a combined sunscreen and repellent.26