HOW TO GET RID OF BUG BITES BEFORE YOU SCRATCH THEM OPEN
Bug bites seem to be the universe’s way of slapping us on the wrist for our trivial wrongs. Jaywalking? Bug bite. Didn’t hold the elevator for someone? Bug bite. Bad tipper? Three bug bites. It’s just maddening enough to teach you a lesson, but doesn’t come with any jail time.
Of course, mosquitoes don’t actually keep track of your white lies and minor traffic violations. But those incessantly itchy bumps sure feel like punishment. The reality is, they’re just a part of enjoying the great outdoors.
According to Pinterest, searches for the phrase "bug bite relief" increased by over 200% this month, and while there may not be a surefire way to get rid of mosquito bites immediately or altogether, there are a few trusty remedies that can help curb the annoying itchiness so you can get some sleep. To help you enjoy your time outside more, we asked dermatologists how these bugs get under our skin, why it's so damn itchy, and how to get rid of bug bites once they happen.
Meet the experts:
- David Bank, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Mount Kisco, New York.
- Anar Mikailov, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Burlington, Massachusetts, and founder of Skintensive.
- Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson.
In this story:
- What exactly happens when a bug bites you?
- What are bug bite symptoms?
- When should you see a doctor for a bug bite?
- What about mosquito-borne illness?
- How to heal bug bites
- How to prevent bug bites
What exactly happens when a bug bites you?
A mosquito bite is always from a female; they need protein from your blood for the development of their eggs. (Male mosquitos exclusively feed on plants.) These ladies can sense carbon dioxide and skin odor and use it to track down a meal (i.e. you).
Once they’ve found you, they pierce your skin and blood vessels with their long, straw-like mouths. While feeding, “they inject saliva, which then triggers an inflammatory response,” says Dr. Sheila Farhang, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson.
Why the inflammation? “Your body is producing an immune response,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Bank, who is based in Mount Kisco, New York. This means your body is trying to battle a foreign substance (the saliva). “Your immune system plays the largest role in what type of reaction you have,” Dr. Bank explains.
What are bug bite symptoms?
“The intensity of your response to the mosquito saliva varies from person to person,” says Dr. Farhang. “Most get redness, swelling, and itching around the site, and others have a bigger hive reaction—also known as welt or wheal—which is due to an allergic response.” You may also have more persistent swelling or itching if you’re in a new location (with new types of bugs), have entered a new season, or haven’t been bitten in a while, she adds.
Of course, not all annoying bites are mosquito bites. Two of the most common summer bite pests are spiders and ticks. Spider bites can happen indoors and outdoors, though they have slightly differing symptoms. “Spider bite symptoms include localized pain, itching, redness, swelling, and warmth,” says Dr. Farhang. Venomous spider bites may cause additional symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, sweating, headache, and ulcers—in which case a trip to urgent care is in order.
However, you should be able to spot the difference. “Spider bites are very rare,” adds Dr. Anar Mikailov, a board-certified dermatologist based in Burlington, Massachusetts. “Spider bites are typically singular, as opposed to mosquitos that are multiple. Spider bites, like mosquito bites, can be itchy, but mosquito bites are never painful.”
Tick bites can result in minor symptoms like swelling or soreness, but don’t usually itch. Often, they’re nothing to worry about, but should be monitored for signs of Lyme disease like a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, and fatigue. You may also come across fly bites and ant bites in the summer—but they are less common than mosquito bites and also are marked by pain or systemic symptoms instead of itch.
When should you see a doctor for a bug bite?
As a rule of thumb, anytime you are concerned that your skin is not healing properly (you’re not seeing it progressively improve in swelling and itchiness from day to day or it hasn’t gone away in a week), you should talk to a doctor, says Dr. Mikailov. If you notice open skin or ulcers, you’ll need a professional opinion. “Sometimes a simple bug bite can get infected if scratched too much,” adds Dr. Farhang.
If you’re having any flu-like symptoms like fever or nausea, you should see a doctor (or head straight to the emergency room if you’re experiencing difficulty breathing). It could be that you’re having an allergic reaction or have been bitten by something else, like a deer tick carrying Lyme disease. “Ticks are one of the most well-known vectors of disease including Lyme disease, encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and babesiosis,” says Dr. Mikailov.
What about mosquito-borne illness?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 200 types of mosquitoes in the U.S., and about 12 of those can spread disease. The most common type of bite is from what the CDC calls a “nuisance mosquito,” which does not spread disease but—you guessed it—can be a real nuisance.
If you’re in the United States, it’s much less likely to be bitten by a mosquito carrying diseases like West Nile or Zika, but it's not impossible. In those instances, you will definitely need medical attention from a health care professional, says Dr Bank. If your symptoms become systemic (like fever, nausea, or vomiting), or move beyond mild, itchy hives that don’t resolve in a day or so, see a doctor for further testing.
How to heal bug bites
While annoying, bug bites are generally not life-threatening. Home remedies and over-the-counter products are usually more than enough to heal bug bites. If you seem to be more allergic than most (if your bumps turn to welts and persist), your dermatologist can prescribe more high-potency steroid creams.
When it comes to at-home remedies, don’t believe every wives’ tale. While some swear by baking soda and toothpaste, both are alkaline and can irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, stick to the solutions below.
Antihistamines
When you’re bitten by a mosquito, your immune system releases a chemical called histamine to help rid your body of the allergen. It’s what causes you to sneeze and itch. “Oral antihistamines generally help decrease that inflammation and itching,” says Dr. Farhang. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both effective options, though Zyrtec has less of a sedative effect.
Hydrocortisone
“Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream can be used as needed, and is safe for the face for up to two weeks,” says Dr. Bank. A dab of this topical corticosteroid can calm inflammation and itchiness, and some formulas contain other soothing ingredients like aloe for extra relief.
Ice packs
“Ice is great for itch relief, as a pain reducer, and as a swelling reducer,” says Dr. Bank. These handy packs are the perfect size and shape to hit individual bites, and they’re sold in a pack of six in case you really get eaten up.
Bug bite suction
These little suction devices claim to lift the venom from your skin, thus alleviating the itchy reaction. The effectiveness is purely anecdotal (and there have been no reliable studies), but champions of this tool say it works like a charm.
Our tester, senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, took this device with her on an excursion-filled vacation. “It made me forget that I was totally covered in bug bites," she said. “It alleviates the nagging itch.”
How to prevent bug bites
Of course, the best defense against bug bites is preventing them altogether. While there’s only so much you can really do, there are a few solutions (other than long-sleeve shirts and, you know, staying indoors) that can keep you from becoming a four-course meal.
Studies have shown that bug sprays with DEET offer the best protection against bug bites including mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has a scary reputation because of its chemical strength, but the CDC considers it safe, if used as directed.
Over the last couple of years, the bug-repellent market welcomed DEET-free formulas that not only shield skin from skeeters but do so without screaming “I'm bug spray!” We like the Kinfield Golden Hour Mosquito Repellent, which smells like a sweet citronella candle with notes of citrus and vanilla. The fragrance-free Off! Clean Feel Insect Repellent is a boon for those with sensitive skin—with or without mosquito interference.
Essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and citronella are popular “natural” options—both in spray and candle form. Studies have shown they can be effective repellents, though slightly less so than DEET.
It’s also worth noting that, according to the American Mosquito Control Association, your chances of being bit by a mosquito increase when you’re drinking alcohol thanks to increased body temperature and ethanol content in your sweat. Switching your beer for a lemonade is an easy way to spend less time swatting and more time enjoying your time outdoors.
More skin-care how-tos:
- How to Prevent Razor Burn: Remedies You've Never Heard Of
- Your Ultimate Guide to Treating Dark Circles, According to Dermatologists
- How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne Once and for All
Now, watch Charli D'Amelio's quick beauty routine for acne-prone skin: