Most bug bites improve with a cold compress, a mild anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone or calamine, and an oral antihistamine if the itching is bothering you. Avoid scratching, and watch for signs of infection or an allergic reaction.

What helps

  • Wash the area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
  • Use calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or 0.5% to 1% hydrocortisone cream.
  • Try an oral antihistamine such as cetirizine or loratadine for itch.
  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the bite is painful.

What to avoid

  • Don’t scratch the bite, because it can make swelling worse and raise the risk of infection.
  • Don’t leave ice directly on skin.
  • Don’t break blisters if they form.

Get medical help

Seek urgent help right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, face, eyelids, or throat, dizziness, fainting, a weak rapid pulse, or widespread hives. Also get checked if redness keeps spreading, there is pus, worsening pain, fever, or body aches.

Simple routine

  1. Wash the bite.
  2. Apply a cold compress.
  3. Put on hydrocortisone or calamine.
  4. Take an antihistamine if needed.
  5. Keep an eye on it for infection or allergy signs.

For a lot of bites, that’s usually enough, and most settle down in a few days to about a week.