Advice for Treating Insect Bites

Insect bites refer to the marks or injuries caused on the skin by the feeding or defensive actions of various insects. When insects bite, they may inject saliva or venom into the skin, which can trigger localised reactions in the affected area. Insect bites can be irritating, itchy, and sometimes painful, depending on the insect species and the individual’s sensitivity to the bite.

Common insect bites can cause itchy, raised, red and/or inflamed bumps or blisters that can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks or scars) once healed. Some people may become allergic to the bites of insects that can produce an itchy blister, and this is called Bullous Papular Urticaria.

Treatment tips that can help with treating insect bites

• Avoid scratching the bite
• Avoid using topical antihistamine creams or botanical oils
• Apply a soothing barrier cream that will help alleviate the inflammation, redness and itching of the skin
• Avoid direct exposure of the area to sunlight, especially in darker skin phototypes
• Always apply good quality high factor broad-spectrum sunscreen to the area to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Skincare ingredients that can help with treating insect bites

• Panthenol
• Centella Asiatica Extract
• Madecassoside
• Thermal Spring Water
• Niacinamide
• Zinc

Skincare products that can help with treating insect bites

Using products for treating insect bites can provide relief, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing. Dr Webster recommends:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Invisible Body Mist SPF 50+
• MartiDerm Acniover Cicavent
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 SPF 50+