11 Best Cream For Bites: Top Picks for Quick Relief

The summer and spring are warmer and hotter. They cause an influx of bugs and mosquitoes that bite the skin. For some people, insect bites are little more than minor bumps with milder itching. For the majority of people, the bites cause painful swelling and itching (pruritus), resulting in swollen lymph nodes, hives and a low-grade fever. 

The insect bites cause itchiness due to the saliva injected into the bodies. The swelling and redness are part of the body's natural healing response to these events. The medical intervention aimed to minimise the body's reactions helps decrease the discomfort. Plenty of products have entered the marketplace today that help handle the pain, itching and redness linked to mosquito bites. 

How do we ensure safety while using products with specific ingredients? Considerations like price, effectiveness, and type of application are essential. We consulted the dermatologists about the skincare products. The application of each of the products is considered separately. 

The Welzo dermatologists reviewed and analysed this article for scientific and medical accuracy. The best products on our list are: 

Product’s Reviews

Anthisan Cream to Reduce Pain and Itching: Fast relief for stings and insect bites, with soothing and anti-inflammatory action. A must-have product for summer adventures! Betamethasone Ointment and Cream: Powerful relief for dry skin conditions; it offers soothing corticosteroid action at a lower price.  Tetralysal Capsules for Skin Infections: Tackle skin infections and acne with ease, thanks to its potent formula that contains tetracycline antibiotics. Duac Gel for Topical Red Spots: A powerful duo of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, effectively targeting inflamed spots, blackheads and whiteheads. Piriton Allergy Tablets for Insect Bites & Skin Allergy: Rapid relief from allergies and hay fever, including non-drowsy formula for versatile use against various triggers of allergy, from insect bites to hay fever. Eurax Cream for Itching, Dryness and Skin Bites: Versatile relief for itchy skin, sunburns, eczema, tackling insect bites,  and more, with crotamiton for effective and fast and effective action. Loratadine Tablets for Hives, Eczema, Stings, & Conjunctivitis: Effective relief for allergic conditions and hay fever, including insect bites, eczema and hives, offering comfort for various allergy-related conditions. Skincalm Sting Relief and Bite Cream (1%): Powerful relief for inflamed and itchy skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, with prescription-strength effectiveness and suitability for children aged ten and above. After Bite Classic for Stings & Bites: Effective and quick relief for insect bites, offering daily protection with its potent formula and portable size, perfect for outdoor activities. FENISTIL Gel for Fast Relief from Rashes, Itching Skin, Insect Bites and Skin Burns: Trusted by hundreds of users in the past month, offering soothing and effective relief for the whole family in a convenient gel formulation. After Bite Kids for Sensitive and Gentle Skin: A soothing cream for stings and insect bites, ideal for children with sensitive skin, with a cruelty-free formula with a portable applicator.

Anthisan Cream to Reduce Pain and Itching

Price & availability: £5.54 (buy Anthisan Cream 25g at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Mepyramine maleate (2% w/w)

Recommended for: Children % adults

Dosage guidelines: Topical application 

User reviews: 5/ 5 (based on 28 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Anthisan Cream delivers an effective relief from nettle rash, stings and bites. Its active ingredient, Mepyramine Maleate, provides a soothing discomfort for both children (over two years) and adults. Application is simple as one is recommended to apply just 2-3 times daily for up to three days. However, caution is necessary. The users are advised to avoid using it on broken or larger skin areas. 

Although accessible for minor skin issues, age restriction is necessary, and consultation with a healthcare professional is required for breastfeeding mothers under 16. Overall, it's a prudent option for pesky insect encounters. 

Betamethasone Ointment and Cream

Price & availability: £13.00 (buy Betamethasone Ointment and Cream 30g at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Betamethasone valerate (0.1%)

Recommended for: 18 years +

Dosage guidelines: Topical application

User reviews: 5/ 5 (based on 64 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Betamethasone 0.1% Cream & Ointment offers relief for various skin conditions, e.g., insect bites, inflammation and irritation, etc. With Betamethasone as its active ingredient, it's indicated for children and adults. The application is easy, and it is recommended 1-2 times daily. Caution is strictly necessary, and it is essential to avoid extended use, use in large areas, and unsafe use of broken skin. 

While effective for conditions like dermatitis and eczema, it's crucial to adhere to the usage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional, especially for prolonged use in sensitive areas. Overall, it's a potent option to handle skin issues, but medical advice and careful usage are paramount. Visit the Welzo store to buy it. 

Tetralysal Capsules for Skin Infections

Price & availability: £16.30 (buy Tetralysal 300mg Capsules for Skin Infections at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Lymecycline 

Recommended for: 18 years +

Dosage guidelines: One Tetralysal capsule daily

User reviews: 5/ 5 (based on 9 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Tetralysal 300mg capsules containing Lymecycline are prescribed for bacterial infections, acne and insect bites. This antibiotic drug targets propionibacterium acnes, the central acne-causing germ. Caution is necessary for people having kidney diseases, breastfeeding pregnant women, and people allergic to tetracycline antibiotics. Side effects, e.g., headaches, abdominal pain and nausea often occur. Notably, Tetralysal may interact with different medications and must be avoided with high-dose vitamin A or oral retinoids.  

It is also critical to follow dosage instructions carefully and store below 25°C. These capsules are available in packs containing 28 or 56 capsules. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for guidance. Visit the Welzo store to buy it. 

Duac Gel for Topical Red Spots

Price & availability: £20.00 (buy Duac Gel for Topical Red Spots at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide (3%), clindamycin (1%) 

Recommended for: Children & adults

Dosage guidelines: Topical gel

User reviews: 5/ 5 (based on 10 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Welzo offers a wide range of treatments for various conditions, including skin bites and acne. The Duac Gel treatment, containing benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, targets bacteria responsible for skin breakouts like bites and acne, effectively reducing inflammation and blackheads. With online access, free consultation and expert advice, it provides a reliable and convenient healthcare solution. 

Customers praise its ease of use and efficacy, making it a popular choice for skin inflammation and acne treatment. The UK-based pharmacy services and fast & discreet delivery ensure a seamless experience for clients seeking relief from various skin conditions.

Piriton Allergy Tablets for Insect Bites & Skin Allergy

Price & availability: £4.73 (buy Piriton Allergy Tablets for Insect Bites & Skin Allergy at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Chlorphenamine maleate 

Recommended for: Adults & children over 12 years 

Dosage guidelines: 0.5-1 tablet every 6 hours 

User reviews: 4.5/ 5 (based on 46 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Piriton Antihistamine Allergy Relief Tablets offer fast relief from insect bites, skin allergies, hay fever and many more. Suitable for children and adults over 6, these tablets contain chlorpheniramine maleate and are effective for a range of allergies, including food and pet allergies. However, they cause drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. The dosage depends on age, and adults over 12 are recommended to take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours. 

While practical and accessible, children under six must only use these tablets if they require pharmacist consultation. With delivery options including click & collect and the next day, Welzo ensures convenient access to this allergy relief medication.

Eurax Cream for Itching, Dryness and Skin Bite

Price & availability: £9.70 (buy Eurax Cream for Itching, Dryness and Skin Bite 100g at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Crotamiton (10%)

Recommended for: Children & adults

Dosage guidelines: Topical cream

User reviews: 5/ 5 (based on 22 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Eurax Cream delivers an effective relief for itching associated with different skin conditions like skin bites and acne. With clear usage guidelines, it is applied 2-3 times daily to the affected regions. Suitable for adults and children over 3, it's vital to consult a doctor/ healthcare provider for very young children. However, pregnant women must avoid it, and breastfeeding women need advice beforehand. The cream is available in a larger 100g pack and a travel-friendly 30g pack. While generally safe, it does contain allergens like methyl hydroxybenzoate and stearyl alcohol, so sensitive people need caution.  

Precautions against hazards like fire are critical due to its explosive nature. Overall, Eurax Cream delivers quick relief for itching, but users must adhere to safety precautions and consult a professional if needed.

Loratadine Tablets for Hives, Eczema, Stings, & Conjunctivitis

Price & availability: £1.80 (buy Loratadine Tablets at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Claritin

Recommended for: Adults & children

Dosage guidelines: One tablet or as advised by the doctor

User reviews: 3.5/ 5 (based on 20 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: Loratadine (Claritin) delivers effective relief from the symptoms of allergy and skin bites like watery eyes and runny nose, both in children and adults. Its non-sleepy formula makes it a better choice than the other antihistamines for regular use. It blocks histamine, a chemical that triggers the symptoms of allergy and provides quick relief. Common side effects like fatigue and headache sometimes occur, but typically, these signs reduce with time. 

It starts working within 1-3 hours, and the whole effect starts kicking in 8-12 hours. However, caution is vital for people with a kidney and liver, and it's critical not to exceed the recommended dosage. Overall, Loratadine is a reliable option to manage allergy symptoms.

Skincalm Sting Relief and Bite Cream (1%)

Price & availability:  £1.20 (buy Skincalm Sting Relief and Bite Cream 10g at Amazon UK)

Active ingredients: Hydrocortisone (1%)

Recommended for: Children & adults

Dosage guidelines: Topical cream

User reviews: 4.5/ 5 (based on 353 reviews at Amazon UK)

Why do we choose it?: Skincalm Bite and Sting Relief, a 1% Cream, offers relief from skin irritation, stings and insect bites. Its prescription-strength formula rapidly alleviates swelling, itching and redness linked to different conditions, like dermatitis, eczema and skin bites. It is suitable for children aged ten and above and delivers targeted relief, making it ideal for use on the skin. 

Despite the compact size, users recommend keeping it applied on hand due to its extreme effectiveness. Overall, Skincalm Bite and Sting Relief (1%) Cream is a suitable choice for managing skin discomfort and provides quick relief whenever and wherever it's needed.

After Bite Classic for Stings & Bites

Price & availability: £7.99 (buy After Bite Classic for Stings & Bites 30g cream at Amazon UK)

Active ingredients: Skin relief formula

Recommended for: Adults & children

Dosage guidelines: Topical cream

User reviews: 4.6/ 5 (based on 3 reviews at Amazon UK)

Why do we choose it?: After Bite Gel delivers a quick relief from the swelling and pain caused by insect bites. Its swift action formula ensures instant comfort and allows a person to resume outdoor adventures and regular activities without interruption. It forms a shield against insects and provides continuous relief from itching and irritation. The portable and easy-to-carry 14 ml container makes it convenient to carry in the bag and pocket or bag. 

Its robust liquid formulation accelerates the healing process and effectively reduces swelling, leaving your skin soothed and calm. Reliable and versatile, the After Bite Gel is suitable for all outdoor activities and provides relief from insect bites and stings. 

FENISTIL Gel for Fast Relief from Rashes, Itching Skin, Insect Bites and Skin Burns

Price & availability: £5.80 (buy FENISTIL Gel 30g at Amazon UK)

Active ingredients: Dimetindenmaleat (1mg/ g)

Recommended for: Children and adults

Dosage guidelines: Topical gel

User reviews: 4.6/ 5 (based on 1,439 reviews at Amazon UK)

Why do we choose it?: FENISTIL Gel (0.01%) offers fast relief from pain, itching and inflammation caused by various skin irritations, including minor burns, rashes and insect bites. Its aqueous gel formulation causes quick absorption into the skin for rapid alleviation of the condition. Suitable for the whole family, this colourless and odourless gel provides relief within minutes of application. Its portability makes it convenient to use at home and on the go. 

Trusted by thousands of satisfied customers, FENISTIL Gel is a must-have for anyone seeking reliable and quick relief from skin bites, irritation and itching.

After Bite Kids for Sensitive and Gentle Skin

Price & availability: £5.50 (buy After Bite Kids for Sensitive and Gentle Skin 20g at Welzo)

Active ingredients: Itch relief formula

Recommended for: Children and adults 

Dosage guidelines: Topical cream

User reviews: 4.5/ 5 (based on 30 reviews at Welzo)

Why do we choose it?: After Bite Kids provides a reliable solution for parents engaged with insect stings and bites. Its gentle cream formula, with vitamin E, tea tree oil, aloe vera and sodium bicarbonate, rapidly reduces discomfort and itching. Specifically designed for people with sensitive skin in children, it comes with a convenient applicator tube for easy use on the go. 

Devoid of parabens and cruelty-free, After Bite Kids provides an effective relief for kids and a reassurance for caregivers. Apply to the affected area for gentle and fast relief from insect-related irritations. With After Bite Kids, one must confidently tackle insect stings and bites, ensuring that little ones can enjoy outdoor adventures without the nuisance of discomfort. 

Choice of the Products

Various options are available to treat the pain and itching due to insect bites. Before going for treatment, there are some factors a person must be aware of. Some of these are; 

The purpose and type of the product 

Bite relief products are available in creams, manual tools, heating devices, balms and rolls, etc. Some products are designed to add diversity and treat burns, minor scraps, and rashes in addition to treating other signs of bites. It is essential to consider the condition and type to help in any condition.

Time availability 

The purpose of treatment must be to resolve the itchiness and pain associated with the bite as quickly as possible. So, it is essential to look at the label carefully and to see how fast the product is working.

The active ingredients 

Different products have different active ingredients. The products containing oatmeal, colloidal, lidocaine, aloe vera and essential oils are a preferable choice for many. It is critically vital to scan the ingredients list.

To protect against insects like mosquitoes and flies, visit our page titled ‘Insect Protection’ and order the desired products through our online platforms. Welzo offers various treatments for people and their loved ones. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which medicine offers the best results in treating insect bites?

Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc., provide the best results for insect bites like bee stings. Anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone are highly effective for itching associated with bites. Ice packs offer the best results for lowering swelling. 

How must one stop getting bitten? 

To avoid insect bites, using clothes to cover different body parts, using insect repellents on the exposed parts, sleeping in air-conditioned rooms and using insecticide-treated nets are essential.

What are the home remedies for insect itching? 

The factors that stop itching, like using a calamine lotion, aloe vera gel and soaking in a cool bath, are effective remedies for insect itching. Other factors like treating pets for fleas, using mosquito nets, closing windows at night, using insect screens on the windows and wearing the right-fitting cotton pyjamas and sleeves are critical.

How can one avoid insect bites at night? 

Strict nighttime protocols like the application of insect repellent before going to bed and avoiding night creams and perfumes are essential.  Place potions and lotions first and allow them to absorb before application of the repellents later on.

Which smell do the insects, particularly the mosquitoes, hate? 

Different natural scents, like lavender, lemon grass, patchouli, catnip, cedar, peppermint citronella, etc., are effective for insects like mosquitoes. It is critical to practice moderation while using these smells.

Which is the best mosquito repellent for use at night? 

Picaridin (20%) is an effective and safe alternative to the DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). It offers good protection against biting insects for 12 hours.

Bottom-line 

For relief from insect bites, the choice of the proper cream is very critical. A quality cream must provide soothing relief whether someone is dealing with a bee sting, mosquito bite, or any insect nuisance. It must reduce inflammation and lower itching. In particular, the products containing ingredients like antihistamines, calamine, and hydrocodone promote healing and alleviate discomfort effectively.

The creams with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera provide an effective yet gentle solution. Considerations like reading the label and consulting with the healthcare provider about allergies and severe reactions are critical. The right choice of cream quickly eases the discomfort and causes a person to enjoy the outdoors. 

To consult about Bites and Stings and buy the relevant products, visit the page. We have detailed the Pictures of Gnat & Insect Bites: How to ID Them in another informative article. Visit the page to read it.