How to Treat Bug Bites: DIY Bug Bite Compound

August 28, 2023

A compounding pharmacy like North Century Pharmacy is able to create custom compounded medications that are tailored to our patients’ individual needs! This allows us to create more effective medications that oftentimes aren’t otherwise readily available. But one such compound can be made all by yourself at home! The next time you get chewed up by pesky bugs, try our do-it-yourself bug bite compound. Continue reading to learn more about how to treat bug bites with this DIY bug bite compound:

How to Make a DIY Bug Bite Compound

All it takes is 3 simple over-the-counter medications and a couple of household items to create this DIY bug bite compound! First, you’ll want to grab a stirring tool and either a bowl or mortar and pestle that you’ll use to make your bug bite compound. The ingredients you’ll want to use to make your compound are hydrocortisone 1%, lidocaine 4% and 25 mg diphenhydramine (Benadryl) capsules.

In your bowl or mortar and pestle, combine 2 teaspoons of hydrocortisone with 1 teaspoon of lidocaine. You’ll then want to empty the contents of 12 Benadryl capsules (300 mg in total) into the mix and stir it well with the toothbrush. Boom! Now you have your very own bug bite compound that you’ll want to share with all your closest family friends so they know how to treat bug bites in the most effective way!

Simply apply a small amount of this DIY bug bite compound to the affected area and watch as your itchiness begins to disappear and your bites start to heal!

Other Ways to Treat Bug Bites

If you prefer not to make your own DIY bug bite compound, several other options are available to treat bug bites.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are one of the best ways to relieve that annoying itch caused by bug bites! Antihistamines are in a class of drugs commonly used to treat allergies. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical created by your immune system that can overreact to allergens and cause those allergic symptoms you’re experiencing. Benadryl, cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine and loratadine (Claritin) are commonly used histamines.

Apply a Cream or Lotion

You’ll find several over-the-counter creams and lotions that can be used to treat bug bites. Hydrocortisone, lidocaine and Neosporin are go-to creams to apply to your bug bites. Steroid creams can be used to treat inflammation and itching caused by bug bites. Calamine lotion is a soothing pink lotion that can combat your itchiness, pain and discomfort.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can be used to help ease any itching and swelling caused by bug bites. The anti-bacterial and soothing properties of aloe vera combined with its antiseptic agents make another suitable option for how to treat bug bites. The more than 100 vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in aloe vera help your bug bites heal faster!

Now you know how to treat bug bites with our do-it-yourself bug bite compound! Bugs aren’t the only thing you have to watch out for when enjoying the great outdoors. Explore these things to do to for poison ivy treatment at home!