Use a pea-sized amount of an antihistamine cream and smear it into the bite until it is fully absorbed. Take a non-sedating oral antihistamine such as 10 mg cetirizine once daily to help with symptoms. Use of both oral and topical antihistamines at the same time is not recommended.
1% hydrocortisone creams can be purchased over the counter and will reduce the inflammation. Put a pea-sized amount on your finger and rub it into the bite until it soaks in completely.
Reapply the lotion according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The lotion will dry out the bite and remove any chemicals from the bug’s saliva that are irritating your skin.
Put a topical anesthetic on the bite to get immediate relief from the discomfort. A 2% Xylocaine Gel works well. [4] X Research source If a topical pain reliever does not help, try an over the counter oral painkiller such as paracetamol (not available in the United States) or ibuprofen. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Use a tweezers to grip the tick as close as possible to your skin. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Pull perpendicular to your skin with a steadily increasing pressure until the tick comes out. Don’t twist or jerk the tick because this can cause the tick’s body to break off from the head/mouth parts and leave them in your skin. You want to remove the whole tick. If the head or mouth parts do remain in your skin, disinfect the tweezers with rubbing alcohol and remove them. If you cannot remove them yourself, have a doctor do it. Do not apply nail polish, petroleum jelly, or a smouldering match to the tick and then wait for it to detach on its own. To minimize the risks of tick borne diseases, you should remove it yourself as soon as possible.
Apply clean water and scrub the bite gently with a mild soap. This will prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into the wound and causing an infection.
Rubbing alcohol Iodine scrub Hydrogen peroxide[8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you have difficulty not scratching, try putting a band aid on it to cover it. This will remind you not to scratch and it will also prevent you from scratching in your sleep.
A red donut or bull’s eye around a tick bite is a symptom of Lyme Disease and must be treated as soon as possible with antibiotics. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If you develop a fever with a red or black spotty rash, see a doctor to be screened for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Fever Headache Dizziness Joint and muscle aches Vomiting
Hives or rashes spreading beyond the site of the bite Itching or swelling in other parts of your body besides where you were bitten Difficulty breathing or wheezing Difficulty swallowing Dizziness Vomiting Racing heart
If you don’t have an ice pack ready and waiting for use in the freezer, you can quickly make one by wrapping ice cubes or a package of frozen peas in a towel. Be careful not to hold the ice on your skin for too long. Limit it to 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Heat a spoon in boiling water. Hold it with a potholder so that you don’t burn your hand. Gently press the back of the spoon onto the bite. Hold it there for 15 seconds and then remove it. Use a blow dryer to heat the bite and the area around the bite.
Clean the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Smear a quarter teaspoon of honey onto the bite and then let it sit. The honey will be sticky, so be sure to keep the area clean so that dirt doesn’t get stuck in the honey and transferred to the bite.
Make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water in a 2:1 ratio, then dab the mixture onto and around the bite. Let it dry completely before wiping it off. This will help dry out the bite and remove toxins. Dab a pea-sized drop of toothpaste onto the bite and let it dry on the bite. Toothpaste is an astringent and it will help draw out the fluids under your skin.
Dissolve the meat tenderizer in a small amount of water. Dab the mixture directly onto the point where the bite occurred. You should get relief right away. Let it dry and then wash the meat tenderizer off with water.
If you have a commercially manufactured aloe vera gel, apply that generously over the bite and surrounding area. If you have an aloe plant in your house, break off a leaf and split it open. Apply the gooey gel directly onto the bite.
To be comfortable, try lying in bed and propping your arm or leg up on a pile of pillows. Stay in this position for at least 30 minutes to give the swelling time to go down.
Any time you apply essential oils to your skin use caution, essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. [17] X Research source Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and may help prevent infection, as well as relieve itching, swelling and pain. Put a small drop on your finger or a clean cotton ball and then rub it directly onto the bite. Try other essential oils like lavender or coconut to reduce the itching and swelling. These also have the benefit that they will smell good.
Lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar are common cooking ingredients that have high acidity. Soak the edge of a kitchen towel or napkin in the juice/vinegar and then dab it onto the bite until it is thoroughly coated. Let the juice/vinegar dry and reapply it whenever the itching starts again.
Avoid getting the spray in your eyes and do not inhale it. Do not spray it into open wounds. Consult with a doctor before using bug repellents if you are pregnant. Consult with a doctor before using sprays on infants. Shower to wash the spray off your skin when you no longer need it.
Be sure to check the net for holes.
