10 Best Anti-Itch Creams for Bug Bites

Although generally harmless, bug bites can be irritating, stinging, and to some, even painful. The toxins that bugs inject under our skin when they latch on to us and bite trigger a localized allergic reaction; this is why our body develops wells, redness, and itchiness in response to the bite.

The effects of a bug bite will wane off with time as our bodies fight off the foreign substance, but for those who want to speed up relief, using the best anti-itch cream for bug bites will help reduce irritation until the bite subsides.

Cut the itchy episode short and make it easier to ignore that bite by slathering on one of these best itch relief options.

Top 10 Anti-Itch Creams for Bug Bites Ultimate Table

PictureNameUsesPriceRating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Uses
Price
Rating (1-5)
1. Cortizone-10 Max Strength Cortizone-10 Crme, 2 Ounce BoxBug bites, psoriasis, eczema, poison oak, poison ivy$4.7
2. Lanacane Maximum Strength Anti-itch Cream, 1 oz., 2in1 Fast Acting Itch Relief and Kills GermsBug bites, burns, cuts, open wounds$4.7
3. Chiggerex Plus! Medicated Ointment 1.75ozBug bites$$4.6
4. SALLYEANDER No Bite Me Cream Jar, 2 oz Bug bites$$$4.5
5. Emu Joy ON THE GO STICK Insect Bites Soothing Pain and Itch ReliefBug bites, poison ivy, cuts, scrapes$$$4.4
6. Chamuel TEA TREE OIL BALM by Chamuel-100% All NaturalBug bites, eczema, rashes, scrapes, cuts$$$$4.4
7. Globe Pharmacy Ichthammol Ointment 20%, (Drawing Salve) 1oz Tube (28.3g) Pharmaceutical Grade**** Bug bites, irritations, minor skin infections$$$4.2
8. After Bite New & Improved Insect Bite Treatment, .5-ounce, (4 pack) Bug bites$$$4.2
9. Hyland's Homeopathic Smile's PRID Drawing Salve, Natural Homeopathic Topical Pain and Irritation Reliever, 18 gm Bug bites, boils, scrapes, cuts, rashes$$3.9
10. Scabisil Topical 10% Sulfur Ointment - Relief From Mite, Insect Bite, Acne, Fungus, Multipurpose, All NaturalBug bites, fungus, rashes$$3.9

What Makes a Good Anti-Itch Cream for Bug Bites?

How can you be sure that the product you’ve chosen to pluck out of the shelf will work well for your needs? All of those different bug cream formulations bring something unique to the table. That said, not every option will provide you the relief you’re looking for.

Learn more about how to choose the best anti-itch cream for bug bites by looking for these qualities in your purchase.

  • Multi-Purpose. There are some bug bite creams that only work for certain types of bug bites. Then there are others that can be used for all types of bug bites and other skin conditions that might cause itching and irritation.

To help make sure that your purchase will serve a purpose for more than just your current bug bite, invest in a product that can target multiple different skin issues. This way, you can get more value for your money in the long run.

  • Fast Acting. The very reason why you’re looking for a bug bite cream is that you want to relieve the irritating sensations as soon as possible. Products that need several applications and lots of time before they take effect might defeat the purpose altogether.

Because any product can just advertise itself as a “fast-acting” solution, it’s important that you take a closer look at the specifics and determine if that claim will hold true.

One of the factors that will tell you if an anti-itch cream really is fast-acting is the concentration of its main active ingredient. As a general rule, the more potent a formula, the more powerful it is and the sooner it will get to work to provide you relief.

  • Mild. Many of the products for bug bites that you’ll find incorporate potent chemicals and ingredients that could do harm to the unaffected areas that the cream might make contact with upon application; this is particularly true for those who have sensitive skin.

For that reason, ensuring that your chosen bug bite cream is mild and gentle on the skin will help guarantee that you won’t experience any side effects. Some products incorporate aloe vera, while others have different types of essential oils that combat the dryness and stinging that some ingredients might cause.

Top 3 Best Anti-Itch Cream for Bug Bites Reviews

1. Cortizone-10 Max Strength Cortizone-10 Crme

Formulate for bug bites, eczema, poison oak or ivy, and other skin irritations, Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Crème is an all-around anti-itch cream that can help reduce itching as soon as it’s applied.

Incorporating 1% hydrocortisone, this cream supplies the affected area with an ample dosage of cortisone which is a corticosteroid that tempers itching and irritation.

Because many of the skin conditions treated by this anti-itch cream also come hand in hand with dryness and flaking, the formulation is infused with healing aloe. This ingredient works to nourish the skin and prevent dryness for holistic healing and relief.

Straightforward, easy, and effective, many have been convinced by this affordable product, which is why it has been dubbed the best anti-itch cream for bug bites many times over.

2. Lanacane Maximum Strength Anti-itch Cream

As the most affordable option on the list, it’s not hard to see why Lanacane Anti-Itch Cream Max Strength has earned a spot as one of the best itch relief creams on the market.

Combining itch relief, pain relief, and even anti-bacterial properties, this cream is ideal for bug bites and other skin lesions that could cause infection such as burns, cuts, and open wounds.

The formulation includes 2 active ingredients namely benzethonium chloride and benzocaine, which are for antiseptic purposes and pain relief respectively. The formula also contains some aloe which is ideal for helping soothe the affected area and preventing adverse reactions and further irritation.

At a very affordable cost, Lanacane Anti-Itch Cream Max Strength is a top choice for people who want an effective solution at a pocket-friendly price.

3. Chiggerex Plus! Medicated Ointment

Made specifically for bug bites, this soothing relief ointment works by coating the affected skin areas in benzocaine, aloe, and chamomile for mild, nourishing, yet effective results.

While it has been specifically formulated for chigger bites and tick bites, Chiggerex Plus! Medicated Ointment can be used for all types of bug bites.

Unlike the previous two options, however, Chiggerex Plus! Medicated Ointment isn’t developed for other skin irritations and conditions which limit its use to bug bites alone. What’s more, it’s efficacy on different types of bug bites can vary, which means you may or may not get the same feeling of relief when you use this ointment on bites from specific types of bugs.

Read also: 10 Best Yeast Infection Creams

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top