How to deal with itchy bug bites?

[GoingtoSeeRella]

Anyone know what kind of gel they give out at the first aid station? My friends were given some on their last trip and they said it worked great - but does anyone know what it is?

Hi ZoZo. I have no idea what the gel was, but your friends are right. The stuff worked very well. It took the itch out immediately and it also reduced the swelling and dried up the bite.

I'd be interested in knowing what it is too.

 

[radev104]

We use Benadryl anti itch gel, it works. But if you forget the stuff at home just wet a napkin or paper towel with warm water and then put salt on it then hold it on the bug bite for a couple minutes. It sounds weird but it works, I've tried it at school during practice one day and I was surprised it worked. I would also try to invest in some kind of bug spray too.

 

[Redbudlover]

We use After-Bite stick...it smells like it is an ammonia based product but to honest I've never cared badly enough to look at the label. DNephew always takes one with him to Boy Scout camp and I keep one at home as I'm allergic to mosquito bites and welt up pretty badly. This definately takes the itch out.

I used to use the after bite stuff, too and in fact still take it to the golf course - it is great for fire ant bites - but ammonia is the main ingredient and much cheaper. Works great, but so does vinegar!

 

[suzimar57]

we use band-aid brand anti-itch gel

cools, soothes, nice menthol-y scent - works immediately

 

[jenelope]

I'm pretty sure the gel at the First Aid stations is Caladryl Clear. That's what they gave me, anyway. A few years ago, I got bitten by yellow flies on the second day of a week long vacation. I had bites on my ankles and the tops and bottoms of my feet. I bought hydrocortisone cream and used that every day, which relieved some of the itching. But I had problems with those bites until after I came home.

 

[MEM]

We have found the systemic approach works well - taking a Benadryl tablet or two after getting bitten and before the bites can turn into something red and itchy. Some hydrocortisone cream rubbed in works as an adjunct to the oral Benadryl.