What can be done for itching and pain from bites and stings?
Oral OTC antihistamines can bring itch relief. Oral OTC drugs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can provide relief of pain from bites and stings. In addition, there are many topical OTC drugs that are applied to the skin and can provide itch and pain relief. Some of these topical OTC drugs are labeled as “external analgesics” or “topical analgesics.” They contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone, pramoxine, and lidocaine. There are also topical OTC drugs labeled as “skin protectants” that provide itch relief for insect bites and stings. These products contain ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and sodium bicarbonate. Keep kids’ nails short. If they scratch the area and break the skin, it can lead to a bacterial infection that will require treatment with antibiotics.
