Insect bite help please!

Wellyboots6

I am totally covered in bug bites. They are so itchy it is driving me mad, and I look awful!

Any suggestions on what to put on them?

The chemist gave me a pen type thing with ammonia in it to neutralise the bites but it doesn't seem to be doing much

WelshWoofer

Try taking an antihistamine tablet (Piriton etc) to help with the swelling and itchiness. I'm always bitten by insects and mosquitoes and this does help a bit.

jackyann

calamine sometimes helps, and bathing in soda bicarbonate. I agree about anti-histamines - but do read the info & check carefully.

I am paranoid about using insect repellant - citronella is the best for me.

Wellyboots6

I have taken antihistamines but it doesn't seem to be making any difference.

I will try calamine tomorrow and see how that helps.

I have an insect repellent spray (which obviously I forgot to use!) but it has DEET in it which for some reason I think is bad?

Stan_Here

Nothing to add about what to put on the bites. However, when I was in Thailand on holiday, it was evident that most of the damage caused by bites is the incessant itching and the subsequent scratching which irritates the bites, causes more swelling and, if you scratch enough, bleeding and even more issues such as infection.

I took with me a piezo "clicker" which is a bit like the spark thing in a lighter. This is placed over the bite and clicked a few times and it removes all itching and the bites get better very quickly. It immediately stops the itch. Although I bought this online with repellant I have since seen them in Boots.

Stan_Here

It was less than a fiver, so well worth trying

Wellyboots6

Thanks Stan. I am now worried though as I cant stop scratching and have made some bleed

WelshWoofer

This may not give long term help but until the shops open again try putting a cold wet flannel/cloth or baby wipe on them.
It will cool it down and stop the itch temporarily.

Wellyboots6

I would have to wrap myself in a damp towel or something, I am totally covered!

How on earth mosquitoes get in your knickers I will never know!!

mandi

I feel your pain katy721

On a recent holiday to the canary islands I was covered in mosquito bites .Talk about itch, itch itch ... !

Honestly the worst thing you can do is scratch as it will leave marks for months .

If you need to scratch then scratch around the bite instead of directly on it .

The after bite pens are amazing so keep using that .

I honestly don't think calamine lotion etc will work , but worth a try .:)

Dunroamin

Not all antihistamines are the same. Piriton (or own brand but same chemicals) is the only thing that works for me.