after insect bites - vinegar? AfterBite?

[WOODMAN]

Nasonex is the shiznitz for such itchiness. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/325232-after-no-see-ums-bite-you-what-then.html

It is a powerful corticosteroid. Dab it on with a q-tip or get the same drug formula in a tube as a cream suspension.

This will absolutely work and do so within seconds.

Hmmm. I didn't realise that this stuff came in a solid form, as it is not commonly prescribed that way, at least in my experience. (35 years as a RN) A little research shows it as Mometasone 0.1%, and it is sold under the brand name of Elocon. It comes in cream, ointment, and lotion form, all with the 0.1% strength. My sources rate it as a medium strength corticosteroid, and of course, this use for it is not mentioned. (naturally-) Well, it sure wouldn't be the first drug to have a signifigant use discovered for it other than the original intended use. I am strongly considering using the stuff in lotion form, and think it would sure be easier to handle than trying to wrestle with a nasal spray applicator and q-tips. The trick will be to use tiny amounts of the stuff, rather than slathering it on all over, but we will see. Woody

 

[cdolphin]

WOODMAN,
I have prescription Mometasone 0.1% cream: it does work to relieve insect bites. IMO, it also speeds healing, since you don't keep repeating the itch/scratch cycle. It is helpful for any skin irritations, and a little goes a long way. I don't think you can buy that strength other than Rx, though.



.......donnad, are we there yet???????

 

[morecowbells]

A tube of prescription strength Cortisone cream is priceless. Perhaps describing your dilemma to your physician will facilitate this. I find the Benedryl gel works wonders with bites. However, be warned that applying to large areas can be dangerous due to too much getting systemically absorbed. I find Tea Tree oil soothing plus it has antibacterial components. It comes in convenient, small roll on applicators at places like Trader Joe's etc. Wet, used tea bags also help. The caffeine helps constrict the vessels and helps reduce inflammation(works great for bags under the eyes too!).

 

[Belmont]

AfterBite is not very good and it smells bad.
Benadryl in the spacial applicator works best. It eliminates the histamines that cause the itch and swelling.
Cortisone is also good.
Both should be applied locally to the bite site and not used continuously. They are very potent medication.

 

[BettyfromToronto]

We always use Afterbite and agree it smells and runs down your legs. We went to our local Costco to stock up for our upcoming trip to Cuba and they have it in a new format. Small tubes of a nice smelling cream; not the runny liquid stuff. Not sure how well it works though. Will find out next weekend.

Betty

 

[Belmont]

We always use Afterbite and agree it smells and runs down your legs. We went to our local Costco to stock up for our upcoming trip to Cuba and they have it in a new format. Small tubes of a nice smelling cream; not the runny liquid stuff. Not sure how well it works though. Will find out next weekend.

Betty

From the experience of myself and four members of my family Benadryl with applicator is superior to AfterBite in removing the itch of mosquito bites and it also reduces swelling.

 

[leadweight]

What I have found is that with sand fly bites the itching subsides by itself in about 20 minutes provided I do not scratch, YMMV and this does not work with mosquitoes. Cortisone creams, especially the prescription strength ones have worked well too.

Take repellent on the boat with you and apply the second your feet are on the dock.

 

[silvernotch]

rum, lots and lots of it. after enough you tend to forget you're even itching

But on a serious note, and more preventative, if you have any friends in the active military, see if they can get a hold of some military grade bug repellent. I have a friend in the AF who gives me some regularly and I have no issues with bug bites while I'm wearing it and I'm one of those people who always end up with dozens and dozens of bites. It comes in a plain gray tube and is very thick, almost paste like but works like a charm.

 

[WOODMAN]

Well, I just loaded up on medications for our impending invasion of this tropical paradisealmtree:, and I acquired a little bottle of mometasone lotion for defense against the dreaded no-see-um's evil manifestations. Hmmm, pricy stuff! A 60 cc bottle of this elixir will set you back about $80 retail! Wow! I have been in the pill-pushing business since Hector was a pup, and you would think I would be used to this by now, but ... And that is a generic version of this stuff! Granted, my health insurance paid for almost all of it, but still! But there is worse to come! We also obtained a supply of Malarone for malaria prophylaxis, and 30 tablets of this (enough for the two of us for a one week trip's treatment) comes to about $250 retail!:coolingoff: Oh well, small potatoes compared to the other costs associated with this expedition, I guess. One week to go! Woody