How to Treat Minor Insect Bites

Minor insect bites prompt you to action quickly, not because of seriousness or life-threatening worries, but just because they hurt. They occur quickly, often without warning or notice, and for moments afterward they may stop your world until treated. Minor insect bites include mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, lice, scabies and non-poisonous spiders. If the insect bite does not produce a serious allergic reaction or toxic reaction, treat the insect bite topically.

Things You'll Need

• Calamine lotion

Instructions

1. See if the stinger is still on the skin if you are stung by a bee. If you can still see the stinger, remove it. Do not rub or try to squeeze the stinger. Make sure you remove the stinger.

2. Clean the wound with soap and water (for minor insect bites.)

3. Apply calamine lotion with a cotton ball or soft cloth.

4. Put an ice pack to the bite wound for 15 minutes. If necessary, repeat the ice pack treatment, leaving the ice pack on the wound for 15 minutes up to 2 hours.

5. Apply a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream for persistent swelling or redness.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have calamine lotion, you can make a paste from ingredients in your kitchen. Use baking soda and water to create a paste to apply to the wound after cleansing.

• If you do not have an ice pack, cover the wound with a cold compress.

• If you know in advance that you will have a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, apply insect repellent to protect your skin.

• If you experience difficult breathing, a tight throat, confusion, or nausea or vomiting, your reaction is more severe than a minor insect bite. Seek medical advice immediately.