What Dermatologists Use When They Are Covered in Bug Bites

Look, you’re delicious. This is why faults revolve around when you’re close, and it’s nice to spend some time outside as if it’s just a target for all the awful thrills that resonate around. When you go home and you see all the red marks, you feel that within a few days you will experience irritation and discomfort.

Although they know a lot about skin, dermatologists also have bites. Here’s what they say about dealing with a difficult situation today – and possibly avoiding it in the future.

Aki! Why so much pain?

“When an insect bites our skin, it releases a small amount of saliva, which triggers an immune response,” the dermatologist said. Maei MD Skincare Founder Rebecca Marco. “Histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and irritation, is released as a signal to the body to send white blood cells to fight the abuser.

Basically, he says Dermatologist Janet GrafClinical Professor of Dermatology School of Medicine of Mount Sinai, “Your skin increases its immune response to a foreign substance.”

ᲠCan I do it? (And what should I avoid?)

First of all, be patient. “The itch can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on how hard your body reacts to the bite,” the dermatologist says. Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

“I recommend using a topical steroid cream as soon as possible,” Marcus says. Another easy way to feel better soon is to close the freezer. “Ice can help bites temporarily feel better by compressing superficial blood vessels and reducing inflammation,” he explains.

The Count offered us several home remedies, including Aloe Vera. “It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve irritation,” he says. Another of her favorite remedies is baking soda baths. “They are nice if you have a lot of fly bites. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves irritation for some time.

What should I avoid doing?

Even if you’re looking for something – something – to relieve the irritation, keep in mind that some things can be a bad idea. Dermatologist Loretta Siraldo, Founder Dr. Skin Care Loretta, Warning about using heat in the area. “It will increase redness, swelling and irritation,” he said. “Also, don’t use polysporin or other antibiotic ointment. It often causes allergic reactions and can actually make the bite worse rather than improve it.

And while we’re on the to-do list, you know you don’t have to wake up anymore, right? “You can cause an open wound and increase the likelihood of getting an infection,” Zeichner said.

When should I see a doctor?

“If you’re so anxious that you can’t sleep, a dermatologist can help you with a prescription for a strong steroid cream or oral medications to relieve itching,” Marcus says.

“If you have significant swelling beyond the first bite, or if you have difficulty breathing, see a doctor right away,” Zeichner said.

“See a doctor if you have a fever, which could mean the bite is infected,” Graf said. “If the bites are blisters and numerous, it’s also a sign to see a doctor.”

“If four to five days pass and the area gets worse than it gets better, seek medical help,” Siraldo said. “If you see a red streak appearing in the area, it could mean an infection is entering the bloodstream, usually from an extra scratch.”

What can I do to prevent this next?

“Use insect repellent,” Marcus urges. I swear by the fisherman’s formula (shown below), whose active ingredient is picaridin. Studies have shown Picaridin is as effective as DEET To repel mosquitoes. However, unlike DEET, picaridin is odorless, non -greasy, and insoluble in plastics or other synthetic materials.

Here are some products recommended by dermatologists.

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