What can you put on bug bites to stop itching?

How can you stop bug bites from itching quickly?

1. 1Remove any attached tick or remaining stinger carefully before treating the area.
2. 2Wash the bite with soap and water to lower the chance of infection.
3. 3Apply a cold compress. If the bite is swollen, use an ice pack wrapped in cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water for at least 20 minutes.
4. 4Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.

Keep the affected area raised if you can. Do not scratch the bite, because scratching can lead to infection.3

What remedies help itchy bug bites?

Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are both options for reducing bug bite itching. Hydrocortisone is also useful for swelling around the bite. Skip home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda rather than substituting them for these treatments.13

General itch care can help you stay comfortable: take a lukewarm bath with little soap, rinse thoroughly, and apply a soothing lotion afterwards. An oatmeal bath is another option. Moisturizer helps when dry skin is adding to the itching, rather than treating the bite itself. Wear cool, loose clothing and avoid rough fabric over the area. Excessive heat and humidity can make itch care harder, so avoid prolonged exposure.2

An oral antihistamine is another option for itching. Diphenhydramine, sold as Benadryl, can cause drowsiness. A pharmacist can help you choose an antihistamine or steroid cream. Do not use antihistamine cream if caterpillar hairs caused the reaction.23

How long will the itching last?

Most insect bites and stings get better in a few days. Chigger bites can be intensely itchy, with itching peaking about 24 to 48 hours after the bite. These bites often cluster around sock lines, waistbands and skin folds.34

Keep your fingernails short to limit skin damage if you scratch. Avoid rubbing the area too. During the day, activities that distract you from the itching can help you leave the bites alone. Get medical advice if the itch is severe or does not go away.2

Does it matter which bug bit you?

Identifying the exact insect can be difficult, because the culprit rarely stays for paperwork. Mosquito bites usually form itchy, raised bumps; the swelling and itching are your immune system reacting to the bite. Flea bites often appear as tiny itchy spots near the feet and ankles. A mosquito bite's appearance cannot tell you whether the mosquito carried an illness.4

When does a bite need medical help?

• Get the bite checked if it feels hot, becomes more painful or swollen, or leaks pus or fluid.
• Seek prompt medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve, or you develop fever, swollen glands, vomiting or dizziness.
• After a tick bite, seek medical advice for flu like symptoms or a round or oval rash, including a bullseye pattern.
• Have a clinician assess an insect bite or sting in a child under 1 year old.

Call emergency services for sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or fainting with inability to wake. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.3

If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit.5

How can you avoid more bites?

Repellent helps prevent new bites, which is more useful than giving the same insect another appointment. Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers, and use insect repellent as directed. After outdoor activity, check your entire body for ticks and remove any you find properly.1