Icing, in fact, seems to be the most medically-proven way to relieve itchy bug bites. [2] X Research source Other home remedies include: aloe vera gel, blue gel toothpaste; mentholated topical ointments (such as Vicks VapoRub); tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil; baking soda and water mixed into a paste; soaking in a warm bath with a cupful of powdered oatmeal mixed in. [3] X Research source
Don’t use hydrocortisone cream for longer than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Always follow the product instructions carefully and contact your doctor first if you have any concerns about side effects or drug interactions. [7] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source You might try, for instance, a gel containing 2% lidocaine or 1% hydrocortisone.
If you have numerous sandfly bites, you might have better results from taking an oral antihistamine—such as 10 mg cetirizine or loratadine—instead. Once again, follow the product instructions. You can buy topical and oral antihistamines over the counter (OTC), but it never hurts to contact your doctor before using an antihistamine. As with other OTC bug bite remedies, there is limited evidence that oral or topical antihistamines make much of a difference. [9] X Research source
Follow the product instructions or your doctor’s advice for specific guidance on using calamine lotion. If you develop a rash or irritation, stop using calamine lotion. Once again, the evidence for calamine lotion’s effectiveness in soothing bug bites is limited at best. [11] X Research source
If you can’t take NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.
The bite may be infected if the swelling or redness increases, if you feel warmth in the area of the bite, if there’s any discharge from the bite, or if you get a fever. Contact your doctor if this occurs, whether or not you’ve been scratching the bite. You may need to use topical or oral antibiotics if the bite becomes infected.
Focus especially on your feet, ankles, and lower legs, since this is where sandflies tend to bite most often. You may want to tuck your pants into your socks.
Not all sandfly varieties follow this pattern, however—some types are more active during mid-day sunshine, for instance. Ask locals for some insider info on the native sandfly varieties and how best to avoid them.
Insect repellents that contain DEET are safe to use on children, but use the lowest amount that’s effective. Alternatively, use an insect repellent that contains natural ingredients if it’s effective. [17] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Repellents containing DEET seem to be most effective in keeping away sandflies, but you can try alternate chemical or natural repellents instead.
If you live in or are traveling to Central or South America, the Middle East, North or Central Africa, southern Europe, or tropical parts of Asia, you may be at higher risk of getting leishmaniasis from sandfly bites. If you’re in an area with an elevated risk, it’s important to take measures to avoid getting sandfly bites. These include wearing long clothing, applying insect repellent with DEET, and avoiding moving bodies of water during dawn and dusk.
Visceral leishmaniasis is more rare and involves an infection of your internal organs. Instead of watching for signs of infection at the site of the bite, keep an eye out for fever, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Your doctor will check for abnormal blood test results, low blood counts, and swelling of the spleen and liver. If you experience these symptoms but haven’t been in an area where leishmaniasis is endemic, you likely have another type of infection. You should still go to your doctor for an evaluation.
Some types of cutaneous leishmaniasis (especially types found in Central and South America) can spread to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat. Active treatment is more likely if this is a possibility in your case. Most cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis don’t cause long-term medical problems, although you may experience scarring where the bumps or ulcers form.
When detected early on, visceral leishmaniasis can usually be treated successfully. Advanced cases, however, are often fatal. This is why it’s so essential to keep an eye out for signs of infection if you’ve been in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic.
