Dealing with insect bites

Jul 25, 2011, 2:06 GMT

Berlin - The itching sensation following an insect bite can be relieved by quickly cooling the affected area of skin -- for example with cold water, an ice cube or cold pack.

This is the advice of Ursula Sellerberg, spokeswoman for the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists. Scratching the bitten area only makes the itching worse, she said. And if scratching causes bacteria to get into the skin, the site may even become inflamed.

'If antipruritic (itch-relieving) gels or creams are repeatedly applied, the previous application should be washed off with cold water first,' Sellerberg said. If bite symptoms do not subside within a few days, or if the site becomes inflamed or is very painful, the person should see a doctor.

Insect repellents help to keep mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs away. Along with synthetic repellents are those based on essential oils or coconut oil that work by masking the smell of the human body.

'Plant-based doesn't necessarily mean well-tolerated, though,' Sellerberg said. 'The essential oils can irritate sensitive skin, and all the more so in sunshine.'

How long a repellent is effective for depends on the amount applied and the type of insect. Some repellents can damage plastics, so they should not come into contact with objects such as sunglasses or mobile phones.

Insect repellents work best when they are applied early and without gaps -- also under very thin articles of clothing. They should be applied to intact skin only and never, for example, on a sunburn.

'A sunscreen lotion or body care product should never be applied on top of an insect repellent. Otherwise the repellent's effectiveness will diminish,' Sellerberg said.

As is the case with sunscreen, an insect repellent should be reapplied periodically, particularly after swimming or profuse sweating. It can be washed off when no longer needed, for instance when the person goes indoors.