9 Best Bug Bite Relief Products of 2022
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“Bite Away is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared and can be used on children ages 2 and up. But I’m not sure I’d use it on a toddler.” — Jessica Timmons, Healthline writer “Yes, there’s evidence out there that heat can offer itch relief, but this thing was way too hot. I pressed the on button as I put it to my skin and waited, only to yelp when the heat kicked in. It almost felt like being stung by a bee.
“I even made a friend try it to make sure I wasn’t just being a baby, and he yelped just like I did! I’m sure it’s harmless, but the sting wasn’t worth the potential benefits. I’d also definitely avoid using this on little kids.” — Jamey Powell, Healthline editorSHOP NOW AT TARGET
“This simple tool works well, but it’s a little fiddly, and it took a few tries to get the hang of it. Once you know what you’re doing, it’s a great way to manage bug bites.” — Timmons “I wanted to love the Bug Bite Thing — brand points for keeping it real with the name — but it wasn’t a winner for me. It’s a manual suction tool that claims to suck out insect venom and saliva (ew!) from under the skin. However, the packaging says to use immediately after a bite or sting, and they’re not kidding.
“Although I weirdly enjoyed the sensation of suctioning a day-old bite on my calf, I didn’t feel any itch relief, which is a bummer. I’m not often aware I’m being attacked by bloodsuckers until a day later.” — PowellSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
“Some ingredients are meant to reduce inflammation, and I do feel like it made my swelling go down. However, it doesn’t help with the itchiness as much as I’d hoped.” — Chelsea Logan, Healthline editorSHOP NOW AT EIR NYC
“While Itch Away is intended for kids ages 2 to 10, I find it useful for relieving the itch of my own bug bites. And I’m not the only one — of more than 700 reviews about this product on the Plant Therapy website, a good number are adults who are happily using it themselves.” — TimmonsSHOP NOW AT PLANT THERAPY
“The only drawback (which is true for most hot baths) is that it can be dehydrating afterward, so I like to drink a big glass of water after I dry off.” — Jen Anderson, Healthline copy editorSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
“You can use it on hives, mosquito bites, and spider bites. This has worked well for me as someone whose bug bites tend to swell up.” — Abellon
“Another bonus is that, since it’s a solid stick, it doesn’t take up space in your liquids bag when you fly. It also isn’t as messy or sticky as some other products (no waiting for it to dry).” — LoganSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257884/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI Copy Edited By Anne Arntson Jan 11, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Amanda Conover Copy Edited By Copy Editors VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 18, 2022
Bug Bite Relief What Works and What Doesn t
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 18, 2022Share on PinterestWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.A quick look at the best bug bite relief
Best heat-based device: Bite AwayBest manual bug bite relief device: Bug Bite ThingBest roll-on bug bite relief: EiR NYC Bite TamerBest roll-on bug bite relief for kids: Plant Therapy Itch Away KidSafe Essential OilBest for multiple bites: Aveeno Soothing Bath TreatmentStrongest bug bite relief without prescription: Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch CremeBest prescription bug bite relief: Prescription hydrocortisone cream 2 5%Best numbing bug bite relief cream: Gold Bond Pain & Itch Relief Cream with 4% LidocaineBest bug bite relief stick: Badger After-Bug Balm Summer often means more time outdoors (woo!). But trips to the lake, mountain hikes, barbecues, and stargazing all have one thing in common: bug bites, and the painful, itchy, swollen reactions that come with them. While there are a lot of products that promise to ease your suffering, it’s hard to know what will actually do the trick. We tried nine different bug bite relief products to see what works and what really doesn’t, so you can quit scratching and get back to summer fun.Our testing process
We asked our writer and editors to test some new products to see if they really work. We also polled six of our editors who spend lots of time outdoors (or who just tend to attract lots of mosquitoes) what works for them, as well as what doesn’t. In some cases, we got different feedback from different testers on the same product — meaning some liked it, and some weren’t as impressed. In those cases, we made sure to include all feedback in our review. What works best for you will likely depend on your preferences and body chemistry, but these nine picks should give you a place to start.Pricing guide
$ = under $10$$ = $10–$25$$$ = over $25Healthline s picks of the best bug bite relief products
Best heat-based device
Bite Away
Price: $$$Pros: chemical-free and doesn’t leave residueCons: hotVegan: N/AKey ingredients: N/A This device uses heat to take the itch and sting out of bug bites. The sleek, lightweight design has a ceramic plate that you hold over the bite. Pressing one of two buttons activates a 3- or 5-second burst of heat, and within just a few minutes, the itching and pain are gone. “This is a chemical-free option with zero odor or greasy residue, and it really does work. But fair warning: This thing gets hot! At around 124° F (51° C), it’s not enough to burn your skin, but it’s definitely noticeable.“Bite Away is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared and can be used on children ages 2 and up. But I’m not sure I’d use it on a toddler.” — Jessica Timmons, Healthline writer “Yes, there’s evidence out there that heat can offer itch relief, but this thing was way too hot. I pressed the on button as I put it to my skin and waited, only to yelp when the heat kicked in. It almost felt like being stung by a bee.
“I even made a friend try it to make sure I wasn’t just being a baby, and he yelped just like I did! I’m sure it’s harmless, but the sting wasn’t worth the potential benefits. I’d also definitely avoid using this on little kids.” — Jamey Powell, Healthline editorSHOP NOW AT TARGET
Best manual bug bite relief device
Bug Bite Thing
Price: $Pros: chemical-free and doesn’t leave residueCons: has to be used immediatelyVegan: N/AKey ingredients: N/A This As Seen On TV device uses suction to draw out insect saliva or venom, alleviating the itchy, swollen pain they cause. That means that, instead of treating the symptoms alone, the Bug Bite Thing (like Bite Away) actually addresses the cause of those symptoms. To use the device, place it over the bite, handles down. Slowly pull the handles up until you feel suction. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then release the suction by pushing down. “The design of this little tool is well-thought-out. The cap is reversible to accommodate bites on smaller parts of the body, and I’ve actually used the smaller size successfully on a few splinters. Plus, since it’s removable, you can wash it off between uses — just don’t get the pump part wet. The handle is also designed to flick off any stingers that may be left in the skin.“This simple tool works well, but it’s a little fiddly, and it took a few tries to get the hang of it. Once you know what you’re doing, it’s a great way to manage bug bites.” — Timmons “I wanted to love the Bug Bite Thing — brand points for keeping it real with the name — but it wasn’t a winner for me. It’s a manual suction tool that claims to suck out insect venom and saliva (ew!) from under the skin. However, the packaging says to use immediately after a bite or sting, and they’re not kidding.
“Although I weirdly enjoyed the sensation of suctioning a day-old bite on my calf, I didn’t feel any itch relief, which is a bummer. I’m not often aware I’m being attacked by bloodsuckers until a day later.” — PowellSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
Best roll-on bug bite relief
EiR NYC Bite Tamer
Price: $$Pros: all-natural and smells niceCons: not as effective as some other optionsVegan: yesKey ingredients: castor oil, camphor bark, tea tree oil EiR Bite Tamer is a roll-on itch reliever designed to offer immediate relief from itchy bites. A blend of castor oil, camphor bark, tea tree oil, and copaiba, among other ingredients, offers soothing properties and gives it a minty, herbal fragrance. “I used this on a mosquito bite on the top of my foot, and, while it didn’t make the bite heal any faster, it did make quick work of the itch and even reduced the swelling. Plus, I really love the scent, so I have no problem rolling this on whenever I start idly scratching.” — Timmons “I prefer using natural, eco-friendly products whenever possible, so this product gets points from me in those categories. I like that most of the ingredients are organic, and the packaging is mostly glass (with a plastic cap). It also has a really nice herbal smell.“Some ingredients are meant to reduce inflammation, and I do feel like it made my swelling go down. However, it doesn’t help with the itchiness as much as I’d hoped.” — Chelsea Logan, Healthline editorSHOP NOW AT EIR NYC
Best roll-on bug bite relief for kids
Plant Therapy Itch Away KidSafe Essential Oil
Price: $Pros: safe for kidsCons: might need to be reapplied frequentlyVegan: yesKey ingredients: essential oils This is another anti-itch roll-on made with a mix of pure essential oils, including copaiba, lavender, spearmint, patchouli, and more. The oils are all designated as “kid safe,” with a safety data sheet explaining all safety information and potential sensitivities. “I’m a sucker for great fragrances, and this one is really nice: sweet and lightly floral with a little spice. It’s a nice bonus that it’s also an itch-relieving product.“While Itch Away is intended for kids ages 2 to 10, I find it useful for relieving the itch of my own bug bites. And I’m not the only one — of more than 700 reviews about this product on the Plant Therapy website, a good number are adults who are happily using it themselves.” — TimmonsSHOP NOW AT PLANT THERAPY
Best for multiple bites
Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment
Price: $Pros: works well if you have a lot of bites or sensitive skinCons: can be dehydratingVegan: yesKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal This colloidal oatmeal bath treatment is made to soothe the pain and itchiness associated with sunburn, rash, eczema, and, you guessed it, bug bites. Gentle and fragrance-free, the bath could be just what you need if you’re dealing with more than an isolated bite or two. “I’m a big fan of baths to begin with, but anytime I have a rash or bug bite, I lean into colloidal oat baths. They’re so soothing and calming.“The only drawback (which is true for most hot baths) is that it can be dehydrating afterward, so I like to drink a big glass of water after I dry off.” — Jen Anderson, Healthline copy editorSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
Strongest bug bite relief without prescription
Cortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme
Price: $Pros: strongest medication available without a prescriptionCons: mixed reviewsVegan: noKey ingredients: hydrocortisone, chamomile Hydrocortisone meets chamomile and vitamins A, C, and E in this creamy formula, which is made to soothe itchy skin related to bug bites, poison ivy, and plain dry skin. According to the manufacturer, this is the strongest itch-relief medication you can buy without a prescription. While online reviews were generally positive, our personal experience is mixed. “On mosquito bites with allergic reaction, this didn’t really stop the itching, no matter how thoroughly I covered a bite.” — AbellonSHOP NOW AT TARGETBest prescription bug bite relief
Prescription hydrocortisone cream 2 5%
Price: variesPros: strong and effectiveCons: requires a prescriptionVegan: noKey ingredients: hydrocortisone For a stronger hydrocortisone cream, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. A 2.5% strength topical steroid cream can be used to treat inflammation and itching, which makes it effective if your bug bites get really swollen. “I’ve found this strength to be more effective than over-the-counter options. A major drawback is, of course, access. In the United States, you need a prescription through a doctor. The other ingredients are typically petrolatum and mineral oil.“You can use it on hives, mosquito bites, and spider bites. This has worked well for me as someone whose bug bites tend to swell up.” — Abellon
Best numbing bug bite relief cream
Gold Bond Pain & Itch Relief Cream with 4% Lidocaine
Price: $Pros: steroid-freeCons: contains methylparabenVegan: noKey ingredients: lidocaine Lidocaine is a topical antiseptic with a mild numbing effect, and that’s the role it plays in this lotion. The steroid-free formula can be used to soothe minor burns and scrapes, insect bites, and even sunburn. “It soothes and works quickly — the mosquitoes are bad this 2021 camping season!” — AbellonSHOP NOW AT WALGREENSBest bug bite relief stick
Badger After-Bug Balm
Price: $$Pros: organic and doubles as a bug repellentCons: doesn’t help with swellingVegan: noKey ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, sunflower, coconut, castor, and essential oils This is an effective itch reliever made with organic ingredients — think: colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, sunflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and several essential oils. The gentle balm doubles as a natural bug repellent, and the stick applicator is convenient. “Mosquitos love me, and my body hates them — I swell up a ton anytime I get bit. This doesn’t really do anything for swelling, but it’s my go-to product for itchiness. I like that it’s made with natural ingredients, and it’s USDA certified organic.“Another bonus is that, since it’s a solid stick, it doesn’t take up space in your liquids bag when you fly. It also isn’t as messy or sticky as some other products (no waiting for it to dry).” — LoganSHOP NOW AT AMAZON
A comparison of the best bug bite relief products
Bug bite relief productPriceProsConsVeganKey ingredientsBite Away$$$chemical-free and doesn’t leave residuehot—heatBug Bite Thing$chemical-free and doesn’t leave residuehas to be used immediately——EiR NYC Bite Tamer$$all-natural and smells nicenot as effective as some other optionsyescastor oil, camphor bark, tea tree oilPlant Therapy Itch Away KidSafe Essential Oil$$safe for kidsmight need to be reapplied frequentlyyesessential oilsAveeno Soothing Bath Treatment$works well if you have a lot of bites or sensitive skincan be dehydratingyescolloidal oatmealCortizone 10 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme$strongest medication available without a prescriptionmixed reviewsnohydrocortisone, chamomilePrescription hydrocortisone cream 2 5%variesstrong and effectiverequires a prescriptionnohydrocortisoneGold Bond Pain & Itch Relief Cream with 4% Lidocaine$ steroid-freecontains methylparabennolidocaineBadger After-Bug Balm$$organic and doubles as a bug repellentdoesn’t help with swellingnocolloidal oatmeal, beeswax, sunflower, coconut, castor, and essential oilsHow to choose a bug bite relief option
Clearly, you have options when it comes to products designed to relieve the itching and pain associated with a bug bite. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.The product type and purpose: Bug bite relief products can be creams, balms, heating devices, manual tools, roll-ons, and more. Some are designed for versatility, like soothing rashes and minor scrapes and burns in addition to bug bites. Some also double as bug repellents. Consider your bug bite type and condition to help you zero in on the product that’s most likely to help.The product’s ingredients: Different products use different ingredients to offer relief. You may find essential oils, aloe vera, lidocaine, colloidal oatmeal, and more in your product, so make a point of scanning the ingredient list before use.How quickly the product works: The idea is to resolve the pain and itchiness quickly, so check the label carefully to see how fast a product should start having an effect.Frequently asked questions
Why do I get so many bug bites
Some types of biting insects, like mosquitos, are attracted to specific compounds in body odor, which could make you more attractive. Wearing dark or black clothing may also attract mosquitos, along with being pregnant or consuming alcohol. Blood type may also play a role. You can minimize your chances of bug bites by covering bare skin with clothing, wearing shoes, and using insect repellent.Why do bug bites itch more at night
It may be because we’re more tuned into our bodies and less distracted as we wind down for sleep. Fewer distractions means we pay more attention to how we’re feeling.Is Neosporin good for bug bites
Neosporin is a mild corticosteroid medication that can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, including bug bites. It also helps relieve the itch associated with poison oak and poison ivy, dermatitis, eczema, and more.Takeaway
Having a quick remedy on hand when you suddenly realize you’ve been bitten or stung is no small thing. And, whether your preference is using heat, suction, or a topical product to relieve the itchiness and swelling, it’s good to know you have options that really work. Keep in mind: You may have to try a few different products before you figure out what works best for you. Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com. Last medically reviewed on September 18, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Müller C, et al. (2011). The use of concentrated heat after insect bites/stings as an alternative to reduce swelling, pain, and pruritus: An open cohort-study at German beaches and bathing-lakes.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257884/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI Copy Edited By Anne Arntson Jan 11, 2022 By Jessica Timmons Edited By Amanda Conover Copy Edited By Copy Editors VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jessica Timmons — Updated on September 18, 2022