By the time summer finally rolls around, we Brits are so ecstatic about the prospect of sunshine that we tend to forget about all the stresses and strains that the heat brings with it.
From suffering from heat-stroke within the confines of well-insulated flats – which aren’t equipped with centralised air conditioning units – to stinging and raw sunburn, summer in the UK is not all flowers and ice cream. The thing that bugs us the most in the warmer half of the year? Insect bites.
Naturally, warmer weather means everyone wants to spend every waking hour outdoors. Public parks and green spaces are flooded with suncream-clad Brits clutching pitchers of Pimm’s and stripping down to swimwear to get in on the tanning action. That’s all well and good, until you flip yourself over onto an innocent pollinator, itself taking a break from the searing heat.
All of a sudden, there it is: white-hot pain, far worse than the magmatic outdoor heat. The same goes for hanging around Hampstead Ponds, or any other slightly damp environment, where clusters of midges roam free – poised to attack. Countryside dwellers will know all too well the horrendous pain that comes with horsefly stings, while holidaymakers as well as UK natives are unbearably familiar with the bite of a mosquito.
What are the symptoms associated with insect bites?
The most common, immediate symptom you’ll notice after being bitten or stung is the obvious redness and swelling. The bite might start to itch or form a rash around it; this is mostly your body’s natural defences in getting the poison out, but resist the urge to itch as it will expose even more of your skin and leave you susceptible to infection.
In severe cases, or for those who suffer with allergies, an insect bite might bring on a headache or dizziness.
How to treat a bug bite or insect sting and relieve itching
The most common means of treating bug bites is by taking an antihistamine pill or applying a topical treatment containing an antihistamine. In order to treat the itchiness, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
How to reduce the swelling caused by an insect bite
The best way to relieve swelling and pain caused by insect bites is to elevate the area if possible and apply a cold compress. You can also take anti-inflammatory pain killers and apply topical soothing treatments.
It’s time to fight back, or at least find a way to soothe those burning itches. There are a vast array of topical treatments and innovative devices that can help to relieve painful stings, and we’ve rounded up the best of them.
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Insect bite devices
Beurer Insect Bite Reliever
This innovative device from Beurer is designed to provide temporary relief from the pain and itchiness so often cause by insect bites and stings. Without using any chemical additives, the Beurer Insect Bite Reliever helps to combat itching and swelling through pulsating heat blasts which are delivered through a quick-warming ceramic hot plate.
It has two programmes depending on your skin type, with Beurer recommending that sensitive skin sufferers use programme one. This set includes the two AAA batteries that the device needs to operate.
Buy now £28.00, QVC
Bug Bite Thing - Suction Aid, Poison Remover
You might have seen these small plastic syringes scattered around the homes of friends and family who live in the countryside or abroad. A particularly bad bee sting or mozzie bite is followed by the cry “get the bug bite thing!”
A fantastic name for this strange, poison-removing syringe contraption, The Bug Bite Thing is a suction device which is designed to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin. The naturally soothing suction device instantly relieves pain and soothes itching like magic, and the double-sided cap is a breeze to clean after each use.
However, the brand doesn’t recommend using the device on sensitive and thin areas such as the face or neck as the suction might leave a mark.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Boots Bite Relief Click-It
Another chemical-free device, the Click-It from Boots relieves itching by delivering a small piezoelectric charge to mosquito bites. All this means is that the act of pressing down on a small solid material such as a crystal works to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thus producing a small shock. Simply grab the device as soon as you notice the bite and apply 5-10 clicks before feeling some relief.
Buy now £5.99, Boots
Moskinto Plaster anti-itch relief
These clever little latex-free, waterproof plasters are a useful tool to help prevent younger children from scratching away at their bites, which can often lead to infections. They also work to relieve the symptoms of mosquito bites by gently lifting the first layer of the skin to help drain the itchy substance secreted by the nasty insect.
Buy now £6.49, Amazon
Insect bite creams, ointments and gels
HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream
A catch-all treatment for eczema, dermatitis and insect bites, hydrocortisone cream provides near-instant relief for itching, irritation and swelling. Clinically proven and dermatologically tested, hydrocortisone simply works by forcing your body to alter its response to inflammation.
Buy now £5.49, Boots
Savlon Bites & Stings Pain Relief Gel - 20g
From the makers of Savlon comes this multi-action formula which has been created to soothe insect bites and string while protecting against potential infection. The active ingredient in this ointment is Licocaine Hydrochloride 2.0%, a form of anaesthetic which provides a numbing effect to help relieve pain. We’re also big fans of the fact that this gel has a cooling effect on the skin.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
After Bite Insect Bite Remedy
This handy pen can be popped in your bag or rucksack for on-the-go relief following stings or bites from the likes of mosquitoes, horseflies, wasps, bees, nettles and even jellyfish. Simply apply the liquid formula through the saturated pen tip and wait a few seconds for it to dry before going about the rest of your day, re-applying as needed.
AfterBite’s formula contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal and camphor to moisturise, cool and then warm the skin to relieve itching. Its active ingredient, however, is ammonia (hence the strong smell)– which neutralises the bites.
Small and compact it’s a must for campers and hikers.
Buy now £8.14, Amazon
Dr J's Bite & Sting Relief Roll On with Witch Hazel & Aloe Vera
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to relieving the sting of insect bites, try Dr J’s Bite & Sting relief roll-on treatment. With gentle active ingredients including aloe vera to soothe and tea-tree oil to help disinfect the area, this roll-on liquid treatment is suitable for the whole family.
Buy now £9.51, Amazon
