1. Home
  2. Health Topics
  3. Search Health Topics
  4. Home Remedies for Bites and Stings

Home Remedies for Bites and Stings

Top of the page

Topic Overview

Home remedies may help to relieve the pain of an insect bite. While they haven't been proven scientifically, many people report relief. You can try one or more and see whether they help you.

  • Apply calamine lotion, underarm deodorant, or witch hazel to the bite.
  • Soak the bite site in Epsom salt and water.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 20, 2017

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control