Summer Skin Care: How to Prevent and Treat Mosquito and Tick Bites
The summer months means spending more time outside doing the things you love. But, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a weekend by the lake, many of these seasonal outdoor activities pose a challenge: increased proximity to biting insects.
Luckily, there are effective strategies to prevent — and treat — bug bites. Victoria A. Perez, MD, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian The One in Westchester, New York, spoke with Everyday Health to weigh in on common bug bite questions.
Q: Why Is It Important to Prevent Bug Bites?
Q: How Can I Protect Myself From Bug Bites?
Dressing
If you plan to be outdoors, wear protective clothing, such as loose-fitting shirts and pants, that cover as much skin as possible, says Perez. This can be tricky when it’s hot outside, so reach for breathable fabrics. Pro tip from Perez: Avoid wearing orange and red, as mosquitoes are attracted to these colors.
Defending
Products that contain “10 to 20 percent of DEET should cover you for a few hours of summertime fun,” says Perez. “Higher concentrations mean longer coverage, not more effectiveness.” So, be sure to apply enough insect repellent for the amount of time you plan to be outside. If using a spray, Perez suggests rubbing it in with your hands to ensure even coverage.
Draining
Q: Should I Apply Sunscreen or Bug Spray First?
Q: How Can I Take Care of Bug Bites and Relieve Itchiness?
To relieve the itch, apply a cold compress or use over-the-counter hydrocortisone or a topical steroid, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-itch, she says.
“If your insect bite isn’t healing, is very large, or if you are experiencing symptoms like a fever or chills, you should receive further care from a doctor,” says Perez.
Q: Does Insect Repellent Also Work on Ticks?
Q: How Can I Tell If I Got a Tick Bite?
It’s important to note that tick bites don’t always cause Lyme disease or a bull’s-eye rash. So be on the lookout for the other symptoms, and call your doctor if you think it’s a tick bite.
Q: What Should I Do If I See a Tick on My Body?
The Takeaway
- Wearing loose-fitting shirts and pants, using an EPA-registered insect repellent, and either draining or moving away from still water can reduce your risk of bug bites.
- If you get a mosquito bite, do your best not to scratch it. Instead, use a cold compress and hydrocortisone cream to manage itchiness, pain, and swelling.
- If you suspect you have a tick bite, clean it with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or an iodine scrub. You can then apply an ice pack if it is painful or swollen. And monitor for a bull’s-eye rash, which can indicate Lyme disease.
Justin Laube, MD
Medical Reviewer
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, and trauma healing.
He graduated with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. During medical school, he completed a graduate certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He completed his three-year residency training in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles on the primary care track and a two-year fellowship in integrative East-West primary care at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine.
He is currently taking a multiyear personal and professional sabbatical to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, disease, and the processes of healing. He is developing a clinical practice for patients with complex trauma, as well as for others going through significant life transitions. He is working on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatical, teaching, and leading retreats on trauma, integrative health, mindfulness, and well-being for health professionals, students, and the community.
Previously, Dr. Laube was an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he provided primary care and integrative East-West medical consultations. As part of the faculty, he completed a medical education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in curriculum design and evaluation. He was the fellowship director at the Center for East-West Medicine and led courses for physician fellows, residents, and medical students.
Jessica Hicks
Author
Jessica Hicks is a writer, editor, and published research author with a background that spans traditional journalism, health tech, and the nonprofit sector. She has experience producing multimedia content for a range of behavioral change, mental health, and lifestyle products and platforms.
As Senior Editor for The Well, Everyday Health’s Content Studio and Innovation Lab, Jessica spends her day to day creating and managing high-quality, science-backed content that helps individuals live their happiest, healthiest lives.
Jessica studied journalism, sociology, and anthropology at Lehigh University. In her free time, you’ll find her figure skating, needlepointing, and organizing meetings for her book club.