How to care for bug bites with sensitive skin
Learn ways to care for bug bites when you have sensitive skin.
Most sensitive skin sufferers know that the skin tends to overreact to even minor irritation.
A harmless bite for others can turn into a painful two-week disaster, or a small bump for others will be triple the size within 2 minutes.
In the Caribbean, where bugs are abundant all year means that scratching becomes more frequent and a mindless activity. It is almost impossible to avoid and the heat and sweating make it feel worse for many.
Here’s the kicker: Most products on the market are full of added fragrances, dyes, or chemicals that are harsh on your sensitive skin. Many also use known irritants as ingredients, like soy and nut oils.
Photo: Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico
#1 - Plan ahead by using a deterrent and bringing an easy-to-apply treatment with you
Put the deterrent near the place you leave your house keys, so you can see it when leaving the house (and not forget it).
Buy a travel or a small-sized version you can take with you in your pocket or bag.
Do not leave these products in your car. The extreme heat will damage the effectiveness of these products.
#2 - Do things to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and biting midges (aka no-see-ums or mimes)
Avoid dark colored clothing and wear colors in the white, tan, yellow, or orange families.
Wear long pants and sleeves that cover ankles and wrists.
Wear clothes that are not fitted and allow air flow so you do not overheat. Bugs can also bite through fitted clothing.
Use a portable fan or place yourself where there is a strong breeze. Insects can't land and bite when there is a breeze.
Apply a plant-based oil repellent on exposed skin, often they cannot bite through the oil but avoid harsh ingredients (see our list below).
#3 - Clean the bites as quickly as you can
Clean the area with mild soap and water immediately. The longer you wait, the more time the venom has to affect your skin.
No soap and water handy? Use hand sanitizer or any liquid to rinse off the venom left behind. Sometimes, simply spitting on the bite and rubbing it in will help.
Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
No cloth to wet with cold water? Ask for a glass of ice, grab ice from the cooler, or hold that cold beer on the bump.
Bring a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient like arnica, aloe, chamomile, or calendula, and apply after washing the bite.
#4 - Avoid ingredients that can cause more irritation or chemicals
Dyes and added fragrances. Not only are they unnecessary, but they are also known irritants for sensitive skin.
Menthol, peppermint, or camphor. These ingredients are great for a cooling effect, but they often give sensitive skin reactions.
Chemicals, steroids, and artificial preservatives. Overuse of these types of ingredients isn't healthy for our skin and can cause more irritation.
#5 - Cover the bites to stop reactivation
Bites can be reactivated when you scratch but also by clothing or the bedsheets while you sleep.
Cover the area before going to sleep to reduce the chance of reactivating the bite. Use band aids, skin patches, medical tape, or kinesiology tape over the bite and remove in the morning. Repeat this process daily until the bites no longer itch.
During the day wear loose clothing where you have bites or wear shorts/skirts/dresses to eliminate the risk of rubbing.
