Guide
Insect bites and itching
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Insect bites (mosquitoes, flies, ants, wasps) usually cause local redness, swelling and itching that pass within a few days. The aim of relief is to reduce itching and inflammation and to avoid scratching. Below are the commonly used over-the-counter remedies; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices. At signs of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency help.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
First steps after a bite
Wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching. Avoid scratching, as it worsens inflammation and raises the risk of infection. Soothing products with dexpanthenol or after-bite gels can ease irritated skin.
Remedies for itching
For marked itching, topical anti-itch products are used, and sometimes a low-strength topical corticosteroid (e.g. hydrocortisone) for short-term use. For multiple bites or a stronger reaction, an oral antihistamine (e.g. cetirizine or loratadine) can reduce itching. Read the leaflet for age restrictions.
Wasp and bee stings
For a bee sting, carefully remove the stinger (if it remains), wash and cool the area. Apply a topical soothing product and, if needed, an antihistamine. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, especially with a first strong sting or a history of allergy to stings.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or a whole-body rash — these are signs of a severe allergic reaction. Also see a doctor for a spreading red, warm and painful area (possible infection), a tick bite with subsequent complaints, or a high fever.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ТАПИ ЗА УШИ 3М ЧИФТ
ТАПИ
БАКТИГРАС ЛЕПЕНКА 5 СМ./5 СМ . Х 10
SMITH & NEPHEW
МАСКИ ТРИСЛОЙНИ ПРЕДПАЗНИ Х 1
МАСКИ
TEO BEBE САПУН С МАСЛА МЛЯКО 75Г
TEO · 75Г
НЕОПЛАСТ-ЛЕПЕНКИ NEOFILM 6/7 СТЕРИЛНА
НЕОПЛАСТ-ЛЕПЕНКИ
САПУН ХУМА САПУН НИЯ НЕВЕН 70 ГР
НИЯ-МИЛВА ЕООД · 70 ГР
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop the itch from a bite quickly?
A cold compress, a topical anti-itch product and avoiding scratching help. For stronger itching, a short course of a low-strength topical corticosteroid or an oral antihistamine can ease it. Ask a pharmacist which product suits the age and situation.
When is a bite dangerous?
Ordinary bites are harmless. Warning signs are those of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing), as well as a spreading red and painful area, pus or fever, which point to infection and need a doctor's examination.
Which antihistamine should I choose for itching?
Modern antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine) are taken once a day and cause drowsiness less often. The choice depends on age, other medicines and individual tolerance — consult a pharmacist, especially for children.
How do I protect children from bites?
Age-appropriate repellents, light long clothing, mosquito nets and avoiding still water at dusk all help. For repellents, check the leaflet for the age limit and how to apply, as they differ in composition and suitable age.
A tick bite — what should I do?
Remove the tick as soon as possible with tweezers close to the skin, pulling steadily, and disinfect the spot. Watch for redness that spreads or general symptoms over the following weeks, and see a doctor if they appear — some tick-borne infections need treatment.