Bites
Bites
Insect bites can be itchy, painful, and sometimes show signs of infection. Learning what to expect and how to treat them can help you feel better quickly.
Read our guide to: Bites
Bites
Insect bites can be itchy, painful, and sometimes show signs of infection. Learning what to expect and how to treat them can help you feel better quickly.
Treatment and Care Options
Most insect bites are minor and resolve on their own. Treatment focuses on reducing itching, inflammation, and preventing secondary infection.
Supportive Care Tips:
- Clean the area: Wash the bite gently with mild soap and cool water.
- Reduce itching: Apply over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Oral antihistamines can help if itching is severe.
- Cool compress: Applying a cool compress or ice pack for 10-15 minutes can reduce swelling and pain.
- Watch for infection: If signs of infection develop (increased redness, warmth, discharge, or streaks spreading from the bite), contact a healthcare provider immediately.
What Causes this Condition?
Bites are most commonly caused by the feeding habits of small insects. The irritation usually comes from the insect's saliva, which can contain proteins that trigger an immune response.
- Mosquitos (Aedes, Culex, etc.)
- Fleas and Ticks
- Bed Bugs