Best Ointment For Insect Bites

Are you going camping? Or perhaps you are taking a vacation in a country known for its flourishing bug population. Regardless of why you are here, one thing remains true. You need some ointment for insect bites. But how do you know which products are going to work for you?


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Finding the right ointment for insect bites is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It might seem impossible, but we can assure you that it is! 

In this article, we have gathered the best products on the market so that you do not need to do trials on insect bite ointments that MIGHT work. So, without further ado, let us dive right in and get started!

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Best Ointments for Insect Bites

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Gel – Benadryl Store

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Topical Gel with 2% Diphenhydramine HCI for Itch Relief of Outdoor Itches Associated with Poison Ivy, Insect Bites & More, 3.5 fl. oz

If you need an ointment for insect bites made by a trusted manufacturer, then this product is going to be perfect for you.

It is effective against several different types of outdoor itches, including insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, sunburn, poison sumac, mosquito bites, sunburn, and minor cuts and scrapes.

We found this product to be highly effective against insect bites. It is easy to apply, you can pick different sizes to suit your needs, and it does not cost much money.

If you need a good insect bite ointment, we highly recommend you go with a product like this. We were certainly impressed! 

Pros 

  • Price – This ointment works amazingly well, and best of all, it does not cost a ton of money. So if you need a good insect bite ointment that is budget-friendly, make sure to check out this product.
  • Treats Most Outdoor Itches – This product is excellent at soothing a variety of itches, including insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, sunburn, poison sumac, mosquito bites, sunburn, and minor cuts and scrapes. 
  • Sizes – This product can be purchased in a variety of sizes. So you can pick an option that works best for you and your needs. 
  • For Kids and Adults – Two different tubes can be purchased with this product. There is an extra strength option that is suitable for adults and a kid-friendly option that will be perfect for little kids. 

Cons 

  • Questionable Effectiveness – Some customers found that this product was not effective for certain types of itches. For example, one customer found that this product did not soothe mosquito bites. 

If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website, make sure to check it out at Walmart’s Store.

Insect Bite Relief Soothing Balm – Murphy’s Natural Store

Murphy's Naturals Insect Bite Relief Soothing Balm | Plant Based, All Natural Ingredients | Travel/Pocket Sized | 0.75oz

If you are looking for a good soothing insect bite relief ointment, then this product may be just what the doctor ordered. It is made up of natural ingredients. Despite that, it does not have a huge price tag, and it is still a very effective ointment. 

We found this product to be very effective for soothing insect bites. But what we loved most was that it came in little pocked-sized tubs. So you can easily carry it with you just about anywhere you need it. 

Pros 

  • Price – This ointment works very well and is cost-effective. So check out this product if you need a good budget-friendly insect bite ointment.
  • Size – This product is pocket-sized, which makes it ideal for taking with you on trips. So, if you need something small and compact, then this is the product for you. 
  • Natural Ingredients – This product does not contain Petroleum, Dyes, Synthetic Fragrances, or Harsh Chemicals. Everything in this ointment is natural and fair trade.
  • Pleasant Smell – This product has a nice scent which makes it easier to apply and use. So, if you want an effective ointment that smells good, this product will suit you. 

Cons 

  • Hard to Use – Some customers found this product not easy to use. The ointment is made using hard wax, which can make it hard to apply this ointment. 
  • Arrived Broken – Some customers found that this product arrived damaged, which meant that they needed a replacement sent to them.

If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website, make sure to check it out at Walmart’s Store.

Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone – Globe Brand

(3 Pack) Globe Hydrocortisone Maximum Strength Transparent Ointment 1%,1 oz, Anti-Itch Topical Ointment for Redness, Swelling, Itching, Rash, Bug/Mosquito Bites, Eczema, Hemorrhoids & More

If you are looking for an insect bite ointment that is guaranteed to work, then this product is going to be for you. Hydrocortisone is a very effective bite soother, and best of all; it is not very pricey. 

This product is one of the best out there. It is a tried and trusted product that we can personally vouch for. If you need an insect bite ointment that is effective and reasonably priced, then make sure to try out this product. 

Pros 

  • Price – This ointment works amazingly well and is very affordable. So if you need a good insect bite ointment that is budget-friendly, make sure to check out this product.
  • Highly Effective – This product is highly effective for insect bites, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, itch relief, and more. 
  • Pack Size – This product comes in a pack size of three, which makes it ideal for those of you that need more than one tube of insect bite ointment on hand. 
  • Brand – This product is made by a renowned company that makes many excellent products. So you can rest assured that it will work well for you. 

Cons 

  • Tube Size – The tubes are quite small, which may mean you will need to purchase more of this product before too long. 
  • Burned Skin – While this was not the case for everyone, some customers found that this product burned their skin which meant that they could not use it. 

If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website, make sure to check it out at Walmart’s Store.

Organic Soothing Ointment For Bug Bites – MOMiN Store

No products found.

If you are looking for an ointment that is made using natural ingredients and is effective at soothing insect bites, this is the product for you.

On top of there only being natural ingredients in this ointment, it also does not contain any GMO or other harmful chemicals.

But that is not all; this product also has a climate-friendly pledge. So, you can rest assured that the production of this product will not affect the environment negatively. 

We loved this ointment. It is easy to use, comes in little pocked-sized containers, and is very effective at soothing insect bites.

The fact that this product is made using all-natural ingredients shows just how good this product is. So, if you are looking for a little tub of insect bite ointment, make sure to consider this product. 

Pros 

  • Price – This ointment works amazingly well and best of all it does not cost a ton of money. So if you need a good insect bite ointment that is budget-friendly make sure to check out this product.
  • Size – This product is pocket-sized, which makes it ideal for taking with you on trips. So, if you need something small and compact, then this is the product for you. 
  • Organic – This product is organic and contains only natural ingredients. So, if you are looking for a natural bug bite ointment that is GMO-free, this product may suit you. 
  • Climate Friendly Pledge – This product has a climate pledge friendly rating, which means that it does not have a terrible impact on the environment. 

Cons 

  • Questionable Effectiveness – Some customers found that this product was not effective for certain types of itches. For example, one customer found that this product did not soothe mosquito bites. 

Buyers Guide 

In this section, we are going to take a look at some of the features you need to keep in mind when you are looking for a good quality and effective bug bite ointment. So, without further ado, let us dive right in and get started!

What Types Of Bug Bite Cream Is There?

There are a few different types of ointment on the market. Two of the main types are as follows: 

All-Natural

Products made using all-natural products are usually very effective and safe. The negative thing about these products is that they usually come with an unaffordable price tag. 

Chemical-Based

Almost all creams and ointments today will be full of chemicals. Despite that these products are usually very effective and fast-acting which is why they are so popular. 

What About The Ingredients?

Different products have different active ingredients which can reduce pain, itching and swelling.

When you are looking for a good bug bite ointment you may want to pay special attention to the ingredients. Some of the more popular ingredients in bug bite ointment are as follows: 

  • Menthol
  • Natural Oils
  • Aloe Vera
  • Chamomile

While any of these ingredients can help reduce your discomfort and are effective they may not work for everyone.

For example, you may be allergic to menthol and for this reason you need to avoid bug bite ointments with this ingredient. So, make sure to consider what is in your ointment before you make your final decision. 

What About The Consistency Of The Bug Bite Cream?

The consistency of your bug bite ointment is important. It can make it easier or harder to use the cream.

For example if the ointment is thick or semi-solid then they may be easier to apply to the bug bite. On top of that they will not be quite as runny and messy as ointments that are less thick. 

How Fast Do You Need The Bug Bite Cream To Act?

Bug bite cream works best when it acts fast. There is no point putting topical cream on your bug bite if it does not act instantly. We recommend that you use an ointment that acts fast.

At the very least it should act within a few minutes. On top of acting fast you will need to ensure that your product also works for several hours. If you have to constantly put cream on you are bound to run out faster. 

Is The Packaging Of The Bug Bite Cream Important To You?

In general bug bite ointments will come in either a tube or a tub. Both options have their place and are quite easy to use. Obviously a tube is better suited to travel as they tend to be smaller and less cumbersome.

At the end of the day however you just need to make sure that you have a good amount of ointment available. If you are not careful about the quantity you may find that you will need to purchase another tub or tube of bug bite ointment.

Best Ointment for Insect Bites

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we are going to try and answer some of your most frequently asked questions so that you know everything you need to know about these products. So, without further ado, let us dive right in and get started!

Is Hydrocortisone Good For Insect Bites?

In short, yes hydrocortisone is excellent for insect bites. It is a steroid cream which is used to treat psoriasis, eczema and insect bites. 

Is Calamine Lotion Or Hydrocortisone Cream Better For Bug Bites?

Both of these drugs are available over the counter at most drugstores. While calamine lotion usually works as a way to soothe bug bites it does not always do the trick.

In such cases we recommend that you get hydrocortisone ointment or cream. This steroid cream should help clear up the symptoms of a bug bite. 

Why Do You React So Badly To Insect Bites?

In general people do not have severe symptoms as a result of bug stings or bites from an insect. However, if you have a bad reaction it might be because you have developed antibodies to the venom.

If this is the case for you then it is more than likely that you will have a more intense allergic reaction as a result of a bug bite or sting. 

What Is The Best Antihistamine For Insect Bites?

Antihistamines are one of the first treatments that are prescribed for insect bites. They are effective in reducing the swelling, hives and itching that are a result of the bug bites.

The best antihistamines out there have to be effective and do not cause drowsiness. In our opinion the following are the best options out there:

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
  • Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

Which one you use is up to you. We highly recommend you talk to your doctor or a pharmacist before choosing one. They will know what will work best for you and your symptoms. 

How Do You Know If An Insect Bite Is Serious?

It can be hard to know when an insect bite is serious. When should you go and see your doctor?

There are three main things to look out for with bug bites, and any one of them may mean that you will need medical attention. We have listed what bug bite symptoms may result in you needing to visit the doctor:

  • If your bug bite causes significant swelling in areas other than where you were stung. So, if you feel that your eyes, lips, tongue, throat, or other facial areas are swollen, you may need to visit a doctor.
  • If your bug bite causes you to feel dizzy, stops you from swallowing as normal, or if you have trouble breathing due to your bug bite.
  • If your bug bite causes you to start feeling ill as the result of ten bug bites or more that you have sustained simultaneously. 

 If any of the above symptoms result from bug bites, then make sure to contact your physician so that they can prescribe medicine and treatment for the symptoms and the bite itself. 

Natural Insect Bite Relief

BUG BITE THING Suction Tool - Bug Bites and Bee/Wasp Stings, Natural Insect Bite Relief, Chemical Free - White/Single

Are you looking for an alternative to ointment for insect bites? The Bug Bite Thing is a chemical-free suction tool that removes poison from bug bites and insect stings.

It removes insect venom, saliva, and other irritants left under the skin using suction. By removing the irritant, the body stops producing the reaction that is causing you to itch & swell

This natural insect bite relief works on: mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, sea lice, and more. It is compact, lightweight, reusable, and easy to carry.

As someone highly sensitive to mosquito bites, I have found significant relief from itching when I use The Bug Bite Thing immediately once I realize I have been bitten. Using this suction tool, in addition to applying an insect bite ointment, provides the greatest relief for me from the incessant itching caused by mosquito bites.

Final Thoughts 

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about these ointments for bug bites. Any one of them should do the trick, but if you did not see something here that you like, do not worry.

There are plenty of alternative options available online or at your local drugstore. If you know what you need, then it should not be a problem for you to find something that works. 

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Last update on 2023-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The BE Family Travel Team writes articles to help parents travel with children.