INSECT BITE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR INSECT BITES

  1. Local Treatment - Itchy Insect Bites (including all mosquito bites)
    • Apply calamine lotion or a baking soda paste.
    • If the itch is severe, use 1% hydrocortisone cream.  Apply 4 times a day until the itch is less severe, then switch to calamine lotion.
    • Try applying firm, sharp, direct, steady pressure to the bite for 10 seconds. A fingernail, pen cap, or other object can be used.
  2. Antihistamine for Severe Itching: Take an antihistamine by mouth to reduce the itching Benadryl (OTC diphenhydramine) is a good choice. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth, take it up to 4 times a day. Do not take antihistamine medications such as Benadryl if you have prostate enlargement.
    • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
    • Other OTC antihistamines are: Alavert (Ioratadine), Claritin (Ioratadine).
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  3. Local Treatment - Painful Insect Bites
    • Rub the bite for 15 to 20 minutes with a cotton ball soaked in a meat tenderizer solution.  This will usually relieve the pain. (Caution: don't use near the eye)
    • If not available, use a baking soda solution on a cotton ball.
    • If neither is available, apply an ice cube for 20 minutes.
  4. Pain Medication: If local treatment measures do not adequately reduce the pain, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  5. Antibiotic Ointment: If the insect bite has a scab on it and the scab looks infected, apply an antibiotic ointment 4 times per day.
    • Cover the scab with a Band-Aid to prevent scratching and spread.
    • Repeat washing the sore, the antibiotic ointment and the Band-Aid 4 times per day until healed.
  6. Expected Course: Most insect bites itch or hurt for 1 to 2 days. The swelling may last a week.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Severe pain persists more than 2 hours after pain medicine
    • Infected scab doesn't look better after 48 hours of antibiotic ointment.
    • Bite looks infected (redness, red streaks, increased tenderness)
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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