Bug bites can hurt and can come with a lot of swelling.Infections can be made worse by scratching an itch and swollen bug bite.It usually goes away after a few days, even if it's a sign of something more serious.There are a number of ways you can help reduce the swelling caused by bug bites.
Step 1: If you have been stung, take the sting out.
The longer a bee sting remains in your skin, the more venom it can release.You can use a pair of tweezers or your fingers.Don't try to pull it out.Tweezers or scrapers should always be used.If you are allergic to bees, leaving the sting in your skin for a long time can make your reaction worse.
Step 2: The jewelry is close to the bug bite.
As it begins to swell, this will prevent the area from being cut off.Take off or loosen clothing around the area.
Step 3: Keep the bite clean by washing it with soap and water.
It is possible that the bug that bit you was carrying something else on its body.If you use soap and water to wash the bite, you can prevent it from becoming a problem.You only need to do this once as part of your first aid response to a bug bite.You can apply an antibiotic cream to the bite to keep it clean.
Step 4: To treat swelling, apply ice or a cool compress to the bite.
For up to 10 minutes, wrap an ice pack in a cloth or damp cloth and remove it.It is necessary to repeat this process every 1-2 hours to reduce swelling.Don't put ice on your skin or leave the cool compress on for too long, as this can cause tissue damage.Before using ice as a compress, make sure you wrap it in a towel or cloth.The back of a spoon can be used as a cold compress.You should leave the spoon in the freezer for a few minutes to make it cold.
Step 5: If the bug bite is on an arm or leg, raise it.
It's a good idea to elevate the limb above your heart to reduce the amount of blood flowing to it.If you want to elevate your bite, prop up your arm or leg on pillows for 30 minutes at a time, and repeat this process 3-4 times a day.Make sure your limb is high enough to cause less swelling by elevating it at least 6 inches above your heart.Since you can not elevate it above your heart, you cannot use this method to treat bug bites on your midsection.
Step 6: Keep the bite clean by putting some honey on it.
Anti-Inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are found in honey.If you have to use a small amount on your bite, put it on once a day.It is possible to reduce itching caused by mosquito bites by using honey.
Step 7: Rub a basil leaf on your bite if it is itchy.
When applied to your skin, Basil has anti-itch properties.If you don't get the crushed leaf on your bite, you can try boiling the leaf in 2 cups of water and rubbing the mixture onto your Bite.If you don't get any results, you can try using 2 basil leaves on your bite.
Step 8: You can use apple cider vinegar on your bites.
Apple cider vinegar has anti-itch and inflammation properties that make it a great treatment for bug bites.Place a few drops of the vinegar on a cotton ball and rub it on your bites 3-4 times a day.If you have itchy bug bites across your entire body, you can soak in a vinegar bath instead of applying it with a cotton swab.
Step 9: Try to keep the bite clean by using witch hazel.
The essential oil witch hazel has anti-Inflammatory and Anti-bacterial properties.Take a small amount of witch hazel and put it on a cotton ball.As needed, repeat this process 3-4 times a day.witch hazel doesn't have to beDiluted like other essential oils before you can apply it.You can buy witch hazel at many stores.
Step 10: Calamine lotion or baking soda can be used on bug bites.
If you scratch an itch on a bug bite, it will make it itchier, more swollen, and possibly worse.If you want to make an anti-itch paste, mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water and apply it to your bug bite.If your baking soda and water mixture doesn't stick to your skin, try mixing it with lotion to get a stickier paste.
Step 11: If your bug bite is itchy, use hydrocortisone cream.
Inflammation of the skin, redness, swelling, and itching can be treated with hydrocortisone cream.Apply a thin layer of the cream to your bite twice a day to reduce swelling.You can get hydrocortisone cream at any drugstore.There are over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams.Generic triamcinolone can be applied to the sting or bite for 1-2 days.
Step 12: If you have swollen, itchy bites, consider using an anti-histamine.
It is possible to take over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling.If you have a bug bite, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about using an antihistamine to treat it.In a 24 hour period, adults can take up to 25 to 50 grams of antihistamines.Dosage recommendations on the label should never be exceeded.There are many brands of over-the-counter antihistamines.Benadryl can cause drowsiness.
Step 13: If approved by your doctor, take NSAID to relieve pain.
Advil, naproxen, and Aleve can be found over-the-counter.Follow the instructions on the label.Depending on your age, medical history, and other medications you're taking, you can take 1-2 pills for up to 8 hours.Don't exceed the recommended dose if you follow the instructions on the label.NSAID's are not safe for long-term use.Always check with your doctor if you want to take NSAID's.If you can't take NSAIDs, your doctor may recommend other pain killers.
Step 14: You can use your EpiPen.
If you have an allergy to bites or sting, you may be able to get one of the generic EpiPens.It's important that you watch for signs of an allergic reaction and if necessary, use your EpiPen or generic equivalent to stop the reaction.Follow the instructions to use your EpiPen.After using your EpiPen or generic equivalent, call your medical provider or emergency services.You need to be treated.If your doctor prescribes EpiPens for you, you should always have 2 in your possession.
Step 15: If the bite doesn't improve over time, you should see a doctor.
A rash, swelling or pain that increases over time is a sign of skin infections.If your symptoms don't go away after a few days, you should visit a doctor.The doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic in pill or cream form.Symptoms generally improve in a matter of days when these are used.