Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
Insect bites — from mosquitoes, blackflies, fleas, bees, or wasps — usually cause a small area of redness, swelling, and itch. Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly, change shape, and come and go over hours. Most cases are mild and settle on their own, but the itch can be miserable in the meantime. A pharmacist can recommend the right relief and spot the reactions that need more than self-care.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Oral antihistamines for itch and swelling (Reactine, Claritin, Aerius, Benadryl)
- Hydrocortisone cream 0.5% / 1% for localized itch
- Calamine, menthol/camphor, or anesthetic lotions (e.g., pramoxine) to soothe
- Zinc oxide cream/paste (e.g., Zincofax) as a skin protectant
- Insect repellents with DEET or icaridin to prevent bites
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Antihistamines: Bilastine (Blexten), Cetirizine (Reactine), Chlorpheniramine, Cyproheptadine, Desloratadine (Aerius), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Loratadine (Claritin), Rupatadine (Rupall)
Antipruritics & anti-inflammatory agents: Benzocaine, Calamine, Camphor, Desonide, Hydrocortisone, Lidocaine, Menthol, Pramoxine, Zinc oxide
When to seek further care: Get emergency help (call 911) for signs of a severe allergic reaction — trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness or vomiting. See a health-care professional if a bite worsens after 24–48 hours, spreads over a large area, or you develop fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days (possible West Nile or Lyme disease).