We all love warmer weather, but the pesky insects that come along with it? Not so much. We know that bug bites or stings can put a damper on a fun day spent outdoors. That’s why we want to help you prevent them, as well as show you some simple ways to treat them. Here are the top 5 tips for bug bite treatment and prevention:
1. Use Insect Repellent
Of course, one of the easiest big bite prevention tips is to use insect repellent. Insect repellent can help protect against mosquitos, ticks, and other bugs. Plus, it’s quick and easy to use! All you have to do is follow the instructions on the repellent, and reapply as directed. We carry a variety of top insect repellent brands at Hines Street Pharmacy, so be sure to stop by to get some and help keep the bugs away!
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Another easy way to prevent bug bites is to wear protective clothing. If you know you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time, it’s best to be prepared and dress appropriately. We recommend clothes that cover the skin as much as possible, like long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and closed shoes instead of sandals. You should also pay attention to the material of your clothing. Clothes made of denim, wool, velvet, and nylon ripstop work best. While polyester, gingham, and thicker cotton material can offer protection, you still may get bites with them on.
3. Clean the Area
In the event that you do get a bite, one of the first forms of bug bite treatment should be to clean the area. You should gently wash the area of the bite with soap and water. Any broken skin can lead to infection or more severe health consequences. By washing the area thoroughly, you can prevent this from happening.
4. Use Hydrocortisone Cream
The worst part of a bug bite is the itching. It can be difficult to resist scratching the bite, but it will take longer for the bite to heal if you’re constantly scratching it and can lead to infection. That’s why anti-itch cream is such a popular bug bite remedy. We recommend using hydrocortisone cream. Hydrocortisone cream will work to reduce the inflammation around the bug bite and relieve the itching. You can also take an oral antihistamine, like Benadryl. Both can be found at our local pharmacy!
5. Apply a Cold Compress
Another simple tip for bug bite treatment is to apply a cold compress. Putting an ice pack or cold cloth on the bug bite for about 10 to 20 minutes will reduce the swelling and itching. You’ll want to reapply the cold compress as needed to alleviate the itching.
Now that you know the top tips for bug bite treatment and prevention, you can enjoy your time outdoors and worry less about the consequences! Come visit us at [Hines Street Pharmacy](/about) to find all the things you need to prevent or treat bug bites.
