Insect Bites & Stings

Why it works: Astringent + anti-inflammatory effects. Witch hazel bark/leaves are rich in polyphenols (notably tannins such as hamamelitannin) that tighten tissue (astringency), reduce weeping/s...

Instructions: First-aid first: If it’s a sting, scrape out the stinger (e.g., with a card) before treating; wash the area with soap/water. If swelling is severe, or there are systemic symptoms,...

Warnings: External use only. Avoid swallowing. Keep out of eyes; rinse with water if contact occurs. Stop and...

Studies: Clinical labels/monographs: Multiple current DailyMed entrie...

Why it works: Cooling, anti-itch action via TRPM8 (“cold”) receptors. Menthol—the main active in peppermint oil—activates the TRPM8 ion channel on sensory nerves, which reduces the itch signal (...

Instructions: Dilute properly (don’t use neat).. • For small, localized skin use, start at ~0.5–1% peppermint essential oil in a carrier (e.g., jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut). That’...

Warnings: Do NOT use on infants/young children’s faces (including under the nose). Inhaling menthol can cause...

Studies: There are no high-quality trials specifically on peppermint...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & analgesic: Lavender oil and its major constituents linalool and linalyl acetate show anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating effects in cell and animal models, wh...

Instructions: Do standard first aid first. Remove any visible sting (scrape, don’t squeeze), wash the area, apply a cold compress 10+ minutes, elevate if swollen, and avoid scratching. Seek urge...

Warnings: Skin allergy & irritation: Lavender components (linalool/linalyl acetate) can oxidize and form sensi...

Studies: Anti-inflammatory lab studies: Lavender oil reduced inflamma...

Why it works: Cold (ice/cold packs):. • Constricts skin blood vessels (vasoconstriction), which limits fluid leakage into tissues, reducing swelling and redness; it also numbs nerve endings to e...

Instructions: Cold compress for swelling, pain, itch (first 24–48 hours):. If a stinger/tick is present, remove appropriately, then wash the area. nhs.uk. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth (o...

Warnings: For cold:. • Never place ice directly on skin; always wrap it. Limit single sessions to ~20 min to a...

Studies: Acta Dermato-Venereologica (2023): 1,750 participants, >1...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & cooling: Aloe gel contains polysaccharides (notably acemannan) and phenolics that dampen inflammatory signaling, which can reduce redness and swelling; it also...

Instructions: These steps combine standard bite/sting first aid with where aloe fits in:. Clean the area. Wash with soap and water; for stings, remove the stinger by scraping (don’t squeeze). Ap...

Warnings: Allergy/irritation is possible (rare): There are patch-test–confirmed case reports of allergic conta...

Studies: Direct RCTs on insect bites are scarce. The supporting evide...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory + antipruritic actions. Plantain leaves contain iridoid glycosides (notably aucubin/catalpol), phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside), tannins, and soothi...

Instructions: For minor bites/stings only. If there’s systemic allergy (hives away from the site, trouble breathing, swelling of lips/face, dizziness), use emergency care immediately.. Fresh-lea...

Warnings: Allergy/dermatitis risk: Rare cases of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis from P. major are rep...

Studies: There are no modern randomized trials specifically for insec...

Why it works: Antibacterial activity (esp. against skin pathogens). Mānuka’s non-peroxide activity is largely due to methylglyoxal (MGO), plus acidity and high sugar (osmotic) effects that inhib...

Instructions: Use medical-grade mānuka honey (e.g., sterile honey gels/dressings). Avoid using table honey on broken skin.. For an intact, itchy bite (no broken skin):. • First-aid basics: cold...

Warnings: Allergy: Do not use if you’re allergic to honey/bee products; any wheeze, throat/tongue swelling, di...

Studies: Systematic reviews (all wounds): Cochrane finds honey can sp...

Why it works: FDA-recognized indication: Colloidal oatmeal is an OTC skin protectant officially indicated to “temporarily protect and help relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to… insec...

Instructions: Topical lotion/cream (1%–2% colloidal oatmeal, typical OTC):. • Apply a thin layer to itchy/bite areas as needed. (This is the FDA-standard direction for direct-application product...

Warnings: Follow the standardized OTC skin-protectant labeling (check your product’s Drug Facts):. • External...

Studies: Randomized, controlled clinical trials of colloidal-oatmeal...

Why it works: Symptom relief (itch): The U.S. CDC includes a baking-soda-and-water paste among simple self-care options for mosquito bites, noting it “can help reduce the itch response.” Mechani...

Instructions: CDC’s simple paste method:. • Wash the area with soap and water.. • Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste.. • Apply to the bite/sting for ~...

Warnings: Skin irritation/dryness: Because it’s alkaline, prolonged contact can irritate or dry the skin. If b...

Studies: Direct clinical trials for baking soda on insect bites/sting...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & antihistamine-like activity (mechanistic): Onion is rich in quercetin and organosulfur compounds. Quercetin has been shown to reduce histamine-related skin reac...

Instructions: There are no standardized medical protocols. If you want to try onion for mild, uncomplicated bites (not stings with retained barbs, infected bites, or systemic reactions), a cauti...

Warnings: Allergy & dermatitis risk: Onion can cause contact dermatitis, respiratory symptoms from vapors, and...

Studies: Direct clinical trials on onion for insect bites/stings: Non...