How to Relieve the Itch From a Bite

Insects such as fleas, bed bugs and mosquitoes inject saliva into you to anesthetize the skin prior to biting. The saliva contains a protein that causes your immune system to respond. As a result, insect bites can be the source of itchy, inflamed and bumpy skin. Certain factors may put you at a risk for being bitten. According to the website MayoClinic.com, men and people with type O blood may be more susceptible to mosquito bites.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Calamine lotion
• Benadryl
• Wash cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the affected area.

  Wash the bites with soap and warm water. Apply a skin cream or gel that contains calamine to relieve itching.

• 2

  Bring down inflammation with ice packs.

  Use an ice pack to soothe the bite. Cool compresses of wet washcloths stored in the freezer will also help.

• 3

  Take an over-the-counter antihistamine with your physician's approval. Some examples include Benadryl or Claritin. Note that Benadryl may cause drowsiness.

• 4

  Make a topical paste treatment. Apply a mixture of 1 tsp. dry meat tenderizer and 1 tsp. of water, as noted by Mayo Clinic.com.