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Insect Bites: How to Treat

Insect bites can be quite bothersome for some people. This article discusses how to treat your insect bites to make the itch go away and avoid complications.

Mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, mites, and fleas are the common causes of insect bites we encounter in the clinic. Others that may cause bites and stings include flies, bees, wasps, spiders and ticks.

Usually insect bites present as erythematous or red, slightly swollen papules that fade in a few minutes. They may cause slight discomfort or none at all.

In some patients who are sensitive to insect bites, their reaction tends to be more severe. Patients experience more severe erythema or redness, swelling, itching. It may even be painful. The symptoms may last for days to weeks. Symptoms may even worsen especially when patients scratch the bites.

what can we do? how do we treat insect bites?

To avoid insect bites, you may use insect repellants and wear protective clothing. Use of mosquito nets is a simple and cheap yet effective way in keeping nasty mosquitoes out especially when you sleep at night. At home, keep house clean. Necessary measures may be done to control ant, mosquito and other bug infestation. If your pet is the source of flea bites, have your pet treated too.

As a home remedy, a cold pack may be applied to relieve the itch. Soothing creams such as Suu Balm, Calamine, and others also help control the itch. Over-the-counter medications such as anti-histamine tablets and Hydrocortisone cream may also be tried.

If symptoms persist or worsen, you may consult a board-certified dermatologist for prescription medicines. This usually includes a more potent steroid cream, anti-histamines and oral steroids if needed. You may also be prescribed antibiotics if the bites become infected.

dark spots / PIH

Once the insect bite heals, you may notice a dark spot over the involved skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. This usually fades over time. It may take weeks or months or even years depending on the severity of the bite reaction and your skin healing. Sun exposure may also play a role in the development of PIH.

In the clinic, our dermatologists will prescribe you with an appropriate lightening cream to help address your PIH. Soap, lotion, or oral medication, etc may also be recommended depending on your skin condition and goals. Chemical peel or SmartLase fractional CO2 laser may also be suggested depending on the scars.

Book your appointment now with AC SKIN HEALTH’s board-certified dermatologists.

Cheers to healthy skin!

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