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Let's see how to take care of this insect bite.
Pharmacist

Know that we are talking about insect bites and stings that caused a mild reaction confined to the area of the bite.

If your child is having a severe reaction to an insect bite, seek emergency room visit.

Since most insect bites cause itching and swelling, we will take a look at what is available over the counter to take care of this.

We will also figure out what to do in case there are other symptoms like pain or blisters.

With this in mind, use the search field below to search for an insect and see what is available over the counter to take care of the bites they cause.

Girl scratching her hand

 

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Self-care recommendations for bedbugs bites are discussed below. But you must have pest control get rid of these bedbugs to be successful.
Pharmacist

bed bug

Anti-Itch

Diphenhydramine

You will give the liquid or tablets to help with itching if the affected area is large. If not a large area, the cream, roll-on or spray will do fine.

Calamine Lotion    

This is good as an anti-itch, antiseptic to prevent infection and astringent to dry up the affected spots.

Hydrocortisone 1%    

This is a steroidal cream that helps relieve itching and inflammation. Use this if the affected area is not large and dab it on the spots rather than rubbing all over the skin. You want to minimize the amount that the skin will absorb.

 

Anti-Inflammation

Hydrocortisone 1%    

Helps with the inflammation and itching of the affected area. Do not apply to a very large continuous  area. If the bedbugs bite area is large, your child has to seek urgent care.

NSAIDs

Ibuprofen or naproxen will help if the bites are painful or very inflamed. 

Witch Hazel

Consider dabbing witch hazel on the affected areas if it is oozing. We say use this before applying hydrocortisone cream or lotion.

 

Worth Doing

1. Get a pest control company to get rid of the bedbugs. Do not try to do this yourself. You won't be successful. DIY does not work here.

2. Vacuum mattress and box-spring crevices.

3. Place beddings and clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes on medium to high heat.

4. Cover mattress and box springs with a mattress cover that is impermeable.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

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Remedies available over-the-counter for bee stings are discussed below.
Pharmacist

bee

Remove The Stinger

This is the first step you have to take.Removing a bee stinger It does not matter how you remove it, just do it. The earlier the better. A delay of a few seconds means more venom being injected.

 

For Pain

Cold Compress

Do this once the stinger has been removed. This will help reduce the inflammation or swelling.Applying cold pack to the hand Keep applying ice until the pain has subsided. While doing this, have someone go to the pharmacy to get you benzocaine if the child is not sensitive to the -caines.

Benzocaine, Lidocaine

These are local anesthetics that will numb the area providing pain and itch relief. Look for Lanacaine, Solarcaine sprays. Or go to the pharmacy counter and ask for lidocaine gel/cream. Any percentage is adequate, but the higher the better. LMX is a good brand. If these are not available, apply Orajel or Anbesol used for a toothache if you have any at home.

 

For Inflammation

Hydrocortisone 1%

This should help with the swelling, redness and itch. Use this after using ice or cool compress to reduce the pain.

NSAIDs

Give ibuprofen to help with the inflammation if you can, especially to reduce the redness.

 

For The Itch

Diphenhydramine

Give the syrup or tablets to help with the itch or prevent excessive itching and reduce chances of an allergic reaction to the bee sting.

You may combine this with hydrocortisone 1% cream or lotion for inflammation that can cause redness, swelling and itching. 

Prevent the child from scratching the affected area by using a gauze bandage.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

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Let's see how to take care of this black fly bites.
Pharmacist

black fly

For The Itch

Diphenhydramine

This is an antihistamine to relieve itching. Give the liquid or tablets if affected area is all over the body

Hydrocortisone 1%

Good for both itching and inflammation

Witch Hazel

To reduce inflammation

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

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Remedies for chigger bites available over-the-counter are discussed below.
Pharmacist

chigger

For The Itch

1. Cold / Ice

Apply this to the affected area to start with.

2. Hydrocortisone 1%

Will help with the itching and inflammation

3. Capsaicin cream

4. Heat the bite area with a blow dryer    

5. Add 2 tablespoonful salt in a jar of Vicks Vapor rub.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

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Let's figure out how to take care of this fireants bites.
Pharmacist

Fire ant

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Let's find what to use over-the-counter for these flea bites.
Pharmacist

Flea

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Over-the-counter recommendations for mosquito bites are discussed below.
Pharmacist

Mosquito

Anti-Itch

Hydrocortisone 1%

Apply this for both itching and to get rid of the swelling

Antihistamine

Give the liquid or tablets if the bites are all over the body. Diphenhydramine is a good example. The creams, sprays or lotions are better used if the bites just happened. These can prevent further release of histamine that causes the itching.

Calamine Lotion

This is useful to stop the itching and reduce swelling.

Combination

Hydrocortisone 1% + Diphenhydramine (liquid, tablets or cream).

 

For Inflammation

Cold Compress / Ice    ​

Use this as soon as possible to control any swelling.

Hydrocortisone 1%

Apply this to prevent or reduce swelling and redness of the affected area.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 02/17/2016

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Let's see what to use for insect bites over-the-counter.
Pharmacist

bee

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Let's see how to take care of this moth irritation.
Pharmacist

Puss moth caterpilar

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Let's see what to use over-the-counter for this spider bite.
Pharmacist

spider

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Recommendations for tick bites available over-the-counter are discussed below.
Pharmacist

tick

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Let's see how to take care of this wasp bites over-the-counter.
Pharmacist

wasps

 

Need treatment overview entry here

 

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Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
Article photo

Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
    Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
  • Please read the policies and terms of use for self-care OTC, selfcarepharmacist.com and it's affiliates by clicking on the button below.

 

 

 

 

What if your child is currently experiencing the condition listed below?

Or if you have a question for the pharmacist?
Pharmacist


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