After Bite Home Remedy

Insect bites generally appear as red, swollen bumps that are annoying and irritating. Most insect bites are harmless irritation and not a serious condition that is hazardous to your health. The most common insect bites are from mosquitoes and flies. Insect specialist Dr. May R. Berenbaum states bites from deerflies, blackflies and horseflies can lead to severe irritation, but that all insect bite irritation develops from foreign proteins that are injected into the skin by insects with each bite. There are several home remedies you can try to treat bite irritation.

Water

• Wash all insect bites, including minor bites, with soap and water to rid the skin of germs and allergy-provoking substances. Washing the sight of the bite will promote healing and prevent the bite from worsening. Soothe itching and swelling symptoms after an insect bite by rinsing the sight of the bite in cool water. Dr. Constance Nichols recommends applying ice to insect bites to decrease itching and swelling symptoms. Applying ice after an insect bite will reduce the urge to scratch the bite and will decrease inflammation. Try creating an ice compress by wrapping ice in a small towel to use on and off throughout the day.

Kitchen Spices

• Dr. Arthur Jacknowitz suggests using meat tenderizer with papain to soothe pain after an insect bite. Make a paste by mixing meat tenderizer and water, and apply it to the bite immediately. Dr. Claude Frazier recommends mixing a paste of table salt and water to treat bites. You also may treat insect bite discomfort by dissolving baking soda in a cup of warm water, dipping a washcloth or a towel in the solution, and placing it on the bite for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Oatmeal and Cream Solutions

• Nichols recommends taking an oatmeal bath to relieve and alleviate insect bites, especially if you have numerous bites. Create an oatmeal bath by pouring powdered oatmeal preparation into lukewarm bath water, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Oatmeal baths can reduce the urge to scratch bites and relieve irritated skin after an insect bite. Dr. Saralyn R. Williams suggests dabbing insect bites with calamine lotion to reduce the urge to scratch and relieve irritation. You also may dab hydrocortisone cream on insect bites to reduce redness and swelling.

Prevent Infection

• Boyer warns against scratching an insect bite, which can lead to secondary infections from bacteria under your fingernails. Trim your fingernails to ensure you are unable to scratch bites and attempt to stay busy in order to divert your attention from scratching bites.