Insect sting ointments, such as dexchlorpheniramine maleate ointment or dexamethasone ointment, have an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, soothing or protective action on the skin, which helps to relieve the itching, redness or swelling of the skin caused by the bite. insects.
These ointments can be purchased from pharmacies or drugstores, and although some can be purchased without a prescription, it is important to use as directed by your doctor, as the treatment time and dose may vary from person to person.
In the case of an insect sting in which other characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, such as greater than normal swelling of the entire limb, swelling of the face and mouth or breathing difficulties, for example, medical help should be sought immediately or the nearest emergency room. Here’s how to identify an insect bite allergy.
Some ointments that can be indicated for insect bites are:
1. Dexchlorpheniramine maleate
Dexchlorpheniramine maleate ointment has an anti-allergic action that helps relieve itchiness or redness on the skin caused by insect bites.
Some examples of dermatological ointments or creams with dexchlorpheniramine maleate are Polaramine or Histamin, for example, and should not be used by children under 2 years of age, pregnant or nursing women, on areas of skin that have blisters or by people who have allergy to this active substance
How to use: apply twice a day on the affected skin region until symptoms improve. It is recommended not to cover the area being treated. Furthermore, these ointments should not be applied to the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals or other mucous membranes.
2. Promethazine
Promethazine is another type of anti-allergenic ointment that can be used to bite insects, helping to relieve symptoms of itchiness or swelling in the skin.
This ointment can be found under the trade names Fenergan or Profergan, and should not be used by children under the age of 2, by pregnant or nursing women, or by people who have heart problems or an allergy to promethazine.
How to use: apply a thin layer of the ointment on the affected skin 3 to 4 times a day, until symptoms improve.
3. Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a steroid ointment with powerful anti-inflammatory action, which works by controlling skin inflammation and relieving symptoms such as redness, swelling or itchiness of the skin caused by insect bites.
This ointment can be found under the trade names Dexason or Cortitop, or in generic form under the designation “dexamethasone acetate”, and should not be used by children, pregnant women, or people who have allergies to dexamethasone or other steroids.
How to use: apply on the affected skin region 2 or 3 times a day, massaging gently for better absorption, until symptoms improve. It is recommended to wash your hands and affected skin with water and mild soap and dry thoroughly before applying the ointment.
4. Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid ointment that helps relieve insect sting symptoms such as itchiness, redness, or swelling of the skin, as it has potent anti-inflammatory action.
This ointment can be found under the trade names Berlison or Cortigen, or as a generic under the name hydrocortisone acetate, and should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or by people who have allergies to hydrocortisone or other steroids.
How to use: apply a thin layer of the ointment over the affected skin area 2-3 times a day, lightly massaging the skin. This ointment should not be used on the eyes, nose or other mucous membranes.
5. Isotipendyl hydrochloride
Isotipendyl hydrochloride ointment has an anti-allergic and anesthetic action that helps relieve the pain or discomfort of an insect bite, in addition to improving redness, swelling and itchy skin.
This ointment can be found under the trade name Andantol gel and should not be used by pregnant women or people who are allergic to any component of the formula.
How to use: apply a thin layer of gel on the affected area, 1 to 6 times a day until symptoms disappear.
6. Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride ointment is another insect sting remedy that is often found in association with other substances, such as zinc oxide and camphor. They work by reducing the pain, discomfort, itchiness and inflammation caused by an insect bite, as well as helping to heal the skin.
This ointment can be found under the trade name Minâncora, and should not be used by children under 2 years of age or by people who are allergic to any component of the formula.
How to use: apply a thin layer to the affected skin twice a day until symptoms improve.
What to spend on an insect bite on a baby
Baby insect bite ointments should be different from those used by adults as they have more sensitive and permeable skin. Some ointments or creams that can be used on the baby’s insect bites must contain azulene, alpha-bisabolol or calamine in the composition, for example.
Anti-allergic ointments should only be used if recommended by the doctor and those with camphor in their composition should be avoided in children under 2 years of age, as they can be toxic. See a calendula ointment that can be used on baby.
When the baby has an inflamed bite or an insect that takes a long time to go away, it is best to consult a pediatrician to start the appropriate and effective treatment. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy drugs to be taken by mouth.
A good tip to avoid complications from insect bites in the baby is to keep the child’s nails cut, preventing trauma that can cause infections, put cold compresses on the bites and use insect repellents, which keep them away from the baby, preventing the bites. See also how to make an insect bite home remedy.
