Nothing can ruin a fun summer night like a swarm of biting bugs. Bugs like mosquitoes and gnats are known for causing small, itchy bumps that take can days to heal. These biting bugs usually cause a small, localized skin reaction that is a bit of a nuisance but doesn’t cause any serious issues. In some cases, bug bites can cause a more serious reaction and need to be treated by a doctor.
To help you fight the itch we’ve compiled 12 effective remedies. These treatments range from prescription medicine to natural at-home remedies. If you’ve been bitten by a bug that’s causing you to scratch take a look at our list to find one or more solutions to stop the itch.
Ice
Bug bites can cause swelling, irritation, and itching. One remedy is using ice to reduce inflammation and numb the skin. The cold causes the blood vessels under your skin to tighten up and reduce the blood flow. This causes less swelling near the bug bite. Cold also interrupts the pain signal in the body which lessens pain. By using cold you are changing what your body is feeling and instead of feeling itchy, it feels cold.
Grab an ice pack or even a frozen bag of vegetables and put it on your bug bites. Healthline recommends that you “don’t leave the ice directly on your bite for more than five minutes as it can damage the skin. You can also put a barrier, such as a washcloth, between your skin and the ice so you can leave the ice on the bite longer.”