
The anesthetic power of lidocaine makes this cream handy for easing the pain of scrapes and sunburns, too. This remedy uses the maximum amount of lidocaine allowed in over-the counter products to numb the itch away. Gold Bond Medicated Pain & Itch Relief Cream with Lidocaine Camphor was traditionally made from the bark and wood of the camphor tree, but the camphor used in most products today comes from turpentine.

Other ingredients include glycerin, which soothes the skin, and camphor, which helps relieve pain and itching. This gel contains 2% diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that effectively knocks out the itching and swelling according to many users. Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength What to put on insect bites: 5 dermatologist-approved choicesįor mosquito bite relief or relief from pain and itching caused by other insect bites, here are five top picks according to Dr.
BUG BITE ITCH RELIEF SKIN
“Just keep in mind that natural ingredients may not be as effective at reducing swelling or numbing the skin as hydrocortisone or lidocaine, and you may have to apply the product more often,” said Dr. Some natural ingredients, such as camphor, are known to reduce inflammation and pain. Prefer a plant-based option? Natural insect bite treatments contain a variety of ingredients that cool or soothe the skin. “Bonus” ingredients in some products moisturize and soothe. Others contain ingredients such as lidocaine that numb the skin, which can lessen both itching and pain. Many insect bite treatments contain hydrocortisone to tamp down the inflammation, which also calms the itching. Histamine creates inflammation at the site of the bite, which tells immune cells to flock to the area.

It begins its assault by releasing histamine, the same chemical that’s released when you have an allergy attack. “Itching and swelling develop because the body interprets the saliva as a foreign substance and attacks it,” said Jennifer Wong, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology. Several ingredients can effectively tackle itching and inflammation, which are caused by the body’s response to the saliva of the critter that bit you. The most important consideration, of course, is the active ingredients.

That depends in part on your symptoms (do you have pain or just itching?) and your personal preferences (do you prefer a gel, love the idea of a handy applicator or favor plant-based ingredients?). But what’s the best ointment or cream for insect bites? Are you the person mosquitos single out to dine on? Whether you’ve been eaten alive by these tiny, buzzing drones or bitten up by flies, fleas or other insects, your local drugstore - not to mention the internet - has products that can ease the itch and/or soothe the pain, and it’s smart to keep one in your medicine cabinet and travel bag.
