How to Stop A Bug Bite From Itching

There are many ways to relieve bug bite itching.

When spending time outdoors, the last thing you want is a swarm of insects hovering around you, seeking to feed on your blood to nourish their eggs. But when this happens, you often don't realize you've been bitten until a swollen, itchy bump appears on your skin. It seems impossible to resist scratching your bug bites, but try not to. It's essential that you don't touch them, in order to prevent further irritation.

Things You'll Need

• Deodorant

Instructions

1. If you know that you react severely to insect bites, visit your doctor or the hospital right away, to prevent the serious effects of a severe allergic reaction. This also will help you determine whether the bites are from poisonous spiders or other insects known to transmit diseases. Severe reactions may include hives, wheezing and throat swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Rinse the bites with water and soap to clean the area. This prevents other bacteria from entering the bite site and creating further irritation.

3. Apply calamine lotion to the bites. If it doesn't relieve the itch, apply hydrocortisone cream, which contains corticosteroids that help reduce swelling and itching. If you don't have calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to the affected areas. Other home remedies for bug bite itches include vinegar, dry soap bars, rubbing alcohol, mud or the inside of a banana peel.

4. Prevent bug bites by taking precautionary measures. Always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and shoes that completely cover your feet whenever you're outdoors -- especially in wet environments such as near lakes or rivers. Install screens in your windows to prevent insects from entering your home. When entertaining outdoors, apply bug spray around the area, or set up citronella candles.

Tips & Warnings

• Most people don't stock anti-itch cream or chalomine lotion in their cabinets, but just about everyone has a stick or can of deodorant.

• I always carry a small travel size deodorant in my purse, that way if I'm bitten at a park, friends house, etc I have a way to stop the itching!

• Biting insects, especially mosquitoes, are known to carry deadly diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria and yellow fever. If you experience fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion or body aches following a bug bite, inform your doctor immediately.

References

• Mayo Clinic; Mosquito Bite Symptoms; April 2011
• Health Guidance; Home Remedies for Insect Bites; Kevin Pederson
• Mosquito Bites 101; How to Survive the Itch; August 2010