Don’t scratchgive these bug bite relief tips a try instead.

We talked to a few doctors to find out how to stop bug bites from itching and get relief.

And rubbing alcohol may be useful for another reason, too.

It’s simple to use, too: Simply dab your bug bite with a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball.

This is a vicious cycle that can self-propagate for days."

Curb your scratching habit as much as it’s possible for you to.

“Icing or cooling numbs the skin,” Posina says.

“That temporarily gives relief for itching and discomfort.”

Bonus: It may help you avoid scratching, which can make the inflammation worse.

If you could find a way to curb your urge to scratch, that is definitely a good thing.

Apply Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroida steroid hormone used to reduce inflammation.

So it shouldn’t be too hard to get hold of an over-the-counter (OTC) cream containing hydrocortisone.

Some topical creams containing menthol and camphor can irritate the skin, so read and follow the directions carefully.

Talk to your primary care provider if you notice your skin becoming irritated.

Again, these creams won’t technically cure a bug bite, but they may temporarily relieve post-bite symptoms.

However, some of these creams get their numbing power from NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Stick to one NSAID at a time.

They can help you navigate any side effects you experience and avoid an NSAID overdose.

Because antihistamines block the effects of histamine, they can cut down on some of these familiar bug-bite-related symptoms.

“Treat bug bites as you might treat any other allergy,” Strachan recommends.

“If you know you’ll get bitten, take an antihistamine to reduce the reaction.”

OTC antihistamines are widely available at your local drugstore.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any OTC antihistamine.

These drugs may cause negative side effects when paired with certain medications or cause drowsiness.

Call your primary care provider and get the go-ahead before taking one.

These are pretty easy to find at any drugstore.

Still, they may be worth a tryespecially if you already have one in yourmedicine cabinet.

Orat the very leastread and follow the directions on the bottle.

Apply Aloe Vera Gel

This subtropical plant has a history of health use.

Rub on Some Baking Soda

You probably already have this common pantry essential in your kitchen.

To help stop bug bites from itching, mix equal amounts of oatmeal with water to make a paste.

Apply the oatmeal paste to the bug bites for about 10 minutes, then rinse clean.

“If the itch is intolerable, a doctor can help,” Strachan suggests.

Unfortunately, this triggers a quick inflammatory responsecausing the location of your bite to swell and itch.

2022;11(6):1119.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

National Institutes of Health, August 2020.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC, May 14, 2024.

Paudel D, Dhungana B, Caffe M, Krishnan P.A Review of Health-Beneficial Properties of Oats.Foods.

2021;10(11):2591.

Published 2021 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/foods10112591