Does anyone have tips for stopping the itch from 50+ insect bites? (Chiggers or bed bugs, not sure which)?

Question

I got attacked while visiting friends in Missouri, and have over small red bites all over my body. Anyone have a good idea for something to add to bath water maybe that could help? I tried benedryl cream which works for about an hour and then it's right back to trying not to itch. Darn bugs.

Answer 1

Soak in a bath with an oatmeal based bath additive.  They come in powder form and you just add it to the water as you fill the tub with warm [not hot] water.  Hot water will actually make the bites more sensitive.  You can find them at a drugstore or pharmacy.  It makes your skin feel much softer too.

Answer 2

Lavender Essential Oil--Five Drops to the bath.  Dead Sea Salts or Epson Salts or a combination of them both. Provided these are not open bites, wounds, or sores, try putting rubbing alcohol on the skin directly followed by table salt.  You could also buy calendula cream at a health food store.  That might help.  If none of these things work, take Zantac internally.  I know it is usually prescribed for an acid stomach but it also works directly on the inflammation response that causes these bites to swell or inflame.  If this doesn't work, go to your doctor, and ask for a prescription of prednisolone.  This is an immunosuppresant that will stop your body from responding in an inflamed itching manner.

Answer 3

Oh lord.  That sucks.  I got bit by a mosquito and used rubbing alcohol and it got rid of the itch and the redness.  I would try using a sponge to apply the rubbing alochol over the affected areas.

Answer 4

Calamine lotion. You can buy it at your local drugstore.