Treating Swollen Bite Marks: Home Remedies & When to See a Doctor

Bite marks are not only eyesores but can also lead to additional irritation and infection if not treated properly. If you have a serious bite from a bug, human, or other animal, seek medical attention at once. However, you can treat non-serious insect and bug bite marks that swell up with a variety of readily available medications from your local pharmacy, without a doctor's prescription.

Apply a Cold Pack

• Insect and bug bites swell up primarily because blood rushes to the site of the puncture, filling the area with blood, turning the skin red. Treating the area with a cold pack slows the flow of blood to the skin surrounding the bite, reducing the size of the bite mark as well as redness. You can put ice in the center of a clean washcloth or paper towel and press the bundle against the surface of the skin.

Antihistamines

• Taking an antihistamine immediately after a bite occurs, or after the bite begins to swell, will prevent further swelling of the area, as well as reduce the swelling size. Antihistamine pills block the histamine receptors of your body that cause itching at the bite area, possibly causing further irritation. Common antihistamine over-the-counter medications contain either diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine maleate.

Hydrocortisone Creams

• The use of hydrocortisone cream can reduce swelling at the bite area by acting as an anti-inflammatory. Hydrocortisone, when rubbed into the skin, prevents your skin cells from releasing chemicals that cause your blood cells to widen in response to irritation. Bite swelling is the direct result of dilated blood cells in your skin. Hydrocortisone is also a treatment for irritation causing itching that occurs at the bite site.

Warnings

• If you experience a serious bite from a bug, human, or other animal, seek medical attention at once.