5 Ways to Stop Bug Bites from Itching (2024)

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There you are, out for a long hike on the trail, or chilling with your buddies during a camping trip, when you start to feel that telltale itching on your ankles, arms, legs, or other exposed parts of your body. You’ve been attacked by bugs, likely mosquitoes or even ticks or flies, and suddenly you’re less able to focus on your fun more than your itching and the skin reaction that’s likely to follow.

While you may show up prepared with insect repellent, you may find that you still end up getting bitten if you don’t reapply it diligently, especially if you’ve been sweating a lot and have applied sunscreen (good move). Fortunately, there are ways to find relief, assuming you have access to some common remedies.

Why do bug bites itch?

While bug bites aren’t an actual skin condition, according to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, a bite is essentially a localized allergic reaction in the skin. This is because once you’re bitten, your skin develops inflammation and swelling, which translates to a red, itchy bump. Bug bites can result in further skin irritation if you give in to the urge to scratch them.

How can you treat bug bites?

Ignoring them isn’t likely to help matters much, even if you have the willpower to keep from scratching. To get rid of the itchy discomfort, you need to treat the bite. (Of course, it's always good to try to prevent the bite in the first place with insect repellent, applied appropriately. Here are the best insect repellents.)

“When treating a bite, the goal is to reduce inflammation as quickly as possible and to do what you can to repair the skin barrier,” Dr. Zeichner says. This can be done with various remedies, often in the form of over-the-counter medicated creams and lotions, or even homemade remedies.

5 remedies to relieve itching from bug bites

Hydrocortisone cream

“Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream is a go-to product for bites, as it helps reduce inflammation and can improve itch,” says Dr. Zeichner. Cortizone-10 is usually a good option, though you can usually find equally effective generic brands at your drugstore. The tube is also small enough that it’s easy to transport in your hiking or camping pack.

Cold therapy

Applying a cold compress or ice pack is an easy and effective way to provide relief from itchy bug bites, Dr. Zeichner says

“The cold constricts blood vessels, which reduce inflammation in the skin,” he explains. No tech or fancy equipment needed: Just grab a washcloth and some ice from the freezer or cooler to bring some quick relief.

Petroleum jelly

Applying petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) is an easy way to bring down itching while you wait to treat bites more efficiently.

“It forms a protective seal over the skin that allows the barrier to repair itself, especially if you’ve been scratching,” Dr. Zeichner explains.

Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is a skin-protecting ingredient found in many moisturizers, though it shouldn’t be your first line of defense if you have other options, Dr. Zeichner says. It’s usually meant for people with eczema, as this balm from Aveeno denotes.

“Colloidal oatmeal has calming effects which is ideal for bug bites,” he says. “But while it can help, unfortunately, it will not relieve significant itch.”

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is an ideal solution for bug bites, as it has soothing and anti-itch effects, Dr. Zeichner says. You can simply apply it to the affected area and let it dry to help the skin heal and prevent you from scratching.