Major bug bite symptoms are painful, redness, swelling, irritation and itching. The bites make you feel uncomfortable and itchy. How to treat the bug bites and heal them fast? Here are some treatments for every type of bug bite.
In this following article, you will find out:
- What are the most common bug bites?
- How to heal bug bites fast?
- When should you be concerned about a bug bite?
What are the most common bug bites?
- Mosquitoes: raised and pink bumps on the skin
- Bedbugs: small bite marks and typically appear in a straight line
- Flea: small, itchy red lumps and commonly found in ankles or forearms
- Bee: A red bite mark with the sting, causing pain and swelling
- Tick: an itchy, red lump with a blister or bruising that can transmit Lyme disease; sometimes the bite will develop into a rash which looks like a “bull’s eye on a dartboard”
How to heal bug bites fast?
(1) Clean the bite and avoid scratching
You should wash and clean the bite with soap and water. Besides, scratching your skin can’t stop itching.
For example, A mosquito bite releases histamine and causes itching. If you keep scratching the bite, more histamine will be released and make you feel itchier.
Therefore, don’t scratch the bite to avoid the infection of the outer layer of your skin.
(2) Apply medication on the bites
Don’t use vinegar, toothpaste, and baking soda on the affected area since these may lead to further irritation or infection, or scarring to your skin.
You should apply medication on the bites to reduce redness, relieve the pain and itching.
Hydrocortisone cream has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which can reduce swelling and itching.
Hemorrhoid cream is also great for bug bites. Dap a bit of cream onto the bites can help kill the itch and heal faster. But these medications may not be suitable for everyone. You should seek medical advice in advance
(3) Put ice on bites
Put a cold compress or a bag filled with ice on the bug bites can provide you an instant and short-term relief.
Cold temperature can help reduce itching and inflammation caused by bug bites. Don’t leave the ice directly on the bitten area for over 5 minutes as it can hurt your skin.
(4) Soothe bites with essential oil
Essential oils are highly concentrated distilled extracts from certain plants. Some of them contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to treat bug bites.
Basil essential oil is great for all types of bug bites, such as bee stings.
Lavender oil is helpful for bee stings, spider bites and fire ant bites.
Mint essential oil not only provides a cooling effect to the bites but also help keep insects away.
These essential oils help relieve pain and itching significantly.
When should you be concerned about a bug bite?
Most of the bug bites get better within a week or two. However, you should go to the doctor if:
- the symptoms are getting worse like spread redness and getting swollen around the bite
- symptoms of infection appear like pus, sores
- you have flu-like symptoms like high temperature or swollen glands
- the sting and bite affect your mouth, throat or near the eyes
- you got severe allergic reactions like trouble breathing or swallowing, dizziness, and vomiting, at this case, you should get an emergency medical help
Sources: NHS