11 Best Bug Bite Relief Products of 2021 – Healthline

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 doesnt.

In some cases, we got different feedback from different testers on the same product meaning some liked it, and some werent 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 11 picks should give you a place to start.

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), its not enough to burn your skin, but its definitely noticeable.

Bite Away is U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) cleared and can be used on children ages 2 and up. But Im not sure Id use it on a toddler. Jessica Timmons, Healthline writer

Yes, theres 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 wasnt just being a baby, and he yelped just like I did! Im sure its harmless, but the sting wasnt worth the potential benefits. Id also definitely avoid using this on little kids. Jamey Powell, Healthline editor

This As Seen On TV device uses suction to draw out the 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 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 Ive actually used the smaller size successfully on a few splinters. Plus, since its removable, you can wash it off between uses (just dont 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 its a little fiddly, and it took a few tries to get the hang of it. Once you know what youre doing, its 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 wasnt a winner for me. Its 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 theyre not kidding.

Although I weirdly enjoyed the sensation of suctioning a day-old bite on my calf, I didnt feel any itch-relief, which is a bummer. Im not often aware Im being attacked by bloodsuckers until a day later. Powell

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 didnt 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 doesnt help with the itchiness as much as Id hoped. Chelsea Logan, Healthline editor

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.

Im a sucker for great fragrances, and this one is really nice: sweet and lightly floral with a little spice. Its a nice bonus that its 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 Im 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. Timmons

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 youre dealing with more than an isolated bite or two.

Im a big fan of baths to begin with, but anytime I have a rash or bug bite, I lean into colloidal oat baths. Theyre 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 editor

This is a cooling anti-itch spray designed to begin working on contact. The formula includes a diphenhydramine topical analgesic and a zinc acetate skin protectant for quick relief.

Some online reviewers note that the spray works well to relieve itch, but it leaves a sticky film behind.

I am mosquito caviar, and this product is *essential* to survive summer. I love it, because you dont actually have to touch your bug bite to apply it. And the relief is almost instant. A few sprays replaces inflamed, itchy agony with cool relief. Ashley Sepanski, Greatist editor

Benadryls gel version offers similar relief from itching and swelling. Its transparent and lightweight, leaving behind a mild shine but minimal to no stickiness if you apply it sparingly.

Note that the formula does contain parabens, if those are something you avoid. It shouldnt be applied more than four times per day.

This works well. Ive used it on mosquito bites, poison oak, and bedbug bites (ew!). I like that it doesnt show on the skin and doesnt smell strong. Maggie Brown, Healthline Content Operations Manager

I wouldnt say this product doesnt work, but its much less effective than the spray. I find it very counterproductive to have to apply this manually, and rubbing the gel onto a bite really decreases the cooling effect.

Its mosquito bite rule No. 1: Even though it takes a Herculean effort, you need to leave bites alone. More scratching equals more itching, and for sensitive folks like me, even just touching a bug bite can bring on a wave of itchiness. Save yourself from scratching your skin into scabby wounds and go with the hands free spray option. Sepanski

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.

This works well, and I like that it doesnt show on the skin. Brown

On mosquito bites with allergic reaction, this didnt really stop the itching, no matter how thoroughly I covered a bite. Candice Abellon, Healthline editor

For a stronger hydrocortisone cream, youll need a prescription from your doctor. A 2.5 percent strength topical steroid cream can be used to treat inflammation and itching, which makes it effective if your bug bites get really swollen.

Ive 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

Lidocaine is a topical antiseptic with a mild numbing effect, and thats 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! Abellon

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 any time I get bit. This doesnt really do anything for swelling, but its my go-to product for itchiness. I like that its made with natural ingredients, and its USDA certified organic.

Another bonus is that, since its a solid stick, it doesnt take up space in your liquids bag when you fly. It also isnt as messy or sticky as some other products (no waiting for it to dry). Logan

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11 Best Bug Bite Relief Products of 2021 - Healthline