Insect Bite

When to Call for Insect Bite

Care Advice

Treatment for Insect Bites

1. What You Should Know About Insect Bites:
   • Most insect bites cause a red bump. Some are larger (like a hive). Some have a small water blister in the center. These are normal reactions to an insect bite.
   • A large hive at the bite does not mean you have an allergy.
   • The redness does not mean the bite is infected.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Itchy Insect Bite Treatment:
   • Steroid Cream. To reduce the itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed. Put it on 3 times a day until the itch is gone. If you don't have hydrocortisone, use a baking soda paste until you can get some.
   • If neither is available, apply ice wrapped in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.
   • Also, you can put firm, direct, steady pressure on the bite. Do this for 10 seconds to reduce the itch. A fingernail, pen cap, or other object can be used.
   • Allergy Medicine. If the bite is still itchy, try an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl. No prescription is needed. This may help.
3. Painful Insect Bite Treatment:
   • Soak a cotton ball in a baking soda solution. Rub the bite with it for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this once. This will usually reduce the pain.
   • You can also use an ice cube wrapped in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.
   • To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Use as needed but do not take more than the maximum dosage as listed on the package. If you are not sure what to take, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.
   • For painful bites, allergy medicines don't help.
4. Antibiotic Ointment for Infected Bite:
   • If the insect bite has a scab on it and the scab looks infected, use an antibiotic ointment. An example is Polysporin. No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day. Note: usually impetigo is caused by scratching with dirty fingers.
   • Cover the scab with an adhesive bandage. This will help prevent scratching and spread.
   • Wash the sore and use the antibiotic ointment 3 times per day. Cover it with a clean bandage each time. Do this until healed.
   • Caution: for spreading infections (redness or red streaks), you need to be seen.
5. What to Expect:
   • Most insect bites are itchy for several days.
   • Any pinkness or redness usually lasts 3 days.
   • The swelling may last 7 days.
   • Insect bites of the upper face can cause severe swelling around the eye. This is harmless.
   • The swelling is usually worse in the morning after lying down all night. It will improve after standing for a few hours.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Severe pain lasts more than 2 hours after pain medicine
   • Infected scab not better after 48 hours of antibiotic ointment
   • Bite looks infected (spreading redness gets bigger after 48 hours)
   • You think you need to be seen
   • Your symptoms get worse

Preventing Insect Bites

1. Prevention Tips:
   • Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.
   • If you have been bitten, move away from the area to avoid more bites.
   • Avoid being outside when the bugs are most active. Many insects that cause itchy bites are most active at sunrise or sunset. Examples are chiggers, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes.
   • Insect repellents that contain DEET are helpful in preventing many insect bites. Read the label carefully.
2. DEET Products: Use on the Skin.
   • DEET is a very effective insect and tick repellent.
   • Higher strength DEET works longer, but not always better. All DEET over 50% works the same.
   • Use the least amount of DEET you need to cover exposed areas of skin.
   • Do not use near the eyes or mouth. Do not use on skin that is covered by clothing. Don't put DEET on sunburns or rashes. Reason: DEET can be easily absorbed in these areas.
   • Wash it off with soap and water when you come indoors.
   • Caution: DEET can damage clothing made of man-made fibers. It can also damage plastics (such as eye glasses) and leather. DEET can be used on cotton clothing.
3. Permethrin Products: Use on Clothing.
   • Products that contain permethrin (such as Duranon) work well to repel insects and ticks.
   • Unlike DEET, these products are put on clothing instead of skin.
   • Put it on shirt cuffs, pant cuffs, shoes and hats.
   • You can also use it on other outdoor items (mosquito screens, sleeping bags).
   • Do not put permethrin on the skin. Reason: sweat changes it so it does not work.
4. Picaridin Products:
   • Picaridin is a repellent that is equal to 10% DEET.
   • It can safely be put on skin or clothing.

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.