Insects (cuts bites)

Practicalities Health Insects (cuts bites) Afterbite Products 

Once you've been bitten the itch can be extremely irritating, particularly to young children, so you might like to carry something to treat. Things get worse the more bites there are as apparently each new bite triggers the itchiness of the previous ones.

Note that any antihistamine creams should not be exposed to strong sunlight (for example on the beach) when on the skin as they can create sensitivity.

• A cold compress can help.



• Products reported to help include Witch Hazel, Forever Living Aloe Vera Gelly, lavender or tea tree essential oils, calamine lotion and Tiger Balm.



• After Bite, Autan Bite Ease and Sting Ease are all designed to offer fast relief. An ammonia smell is a downside, as is the possibility of a reaction on sensitive skin.



• Antisan and Piriton are cooling sprays/bite treatments. An oral treatment, for example Piriton or Clarityn may be suitable from 12 months but can cause drowsiness.




• Once Bitten is a compact pen containing calamine, clove oil and peppermint oil. This can be squeezed in a 'micro-dose' on to bites and stings to anaesthetise the affected area and reduce inflammation. Apparently it even works on jellyfish stings and is reported usable on any age from toddlers up.



• There are further products available by mail order. For details see After Bite Products in Suppliers.