Victims stung as ointment proves to have ‘little effect’

There is little evidence to show that over-the-counter remedies for insect bites work.

In most cases it is not necessary to treat bites at all, an evidence review in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) has concluded.

Most insect bites in the UK come from midges, mosquitoes, flies, fleas and bedbugs causing itching, pain and swelling.

Some bites may prompt an infection, an eczema flare-up, or even anaphylactic shock and such cases clearly warrant appropriate treatment, the DTB said.

However, in most cases the reaction is so mild it is not necessary to treat them at all.

Antihistamine tablets are widely recommended to calm the itching associated with insect bites but there is little evidence to back this up, the review found.

None of the products tested in the studies done have been licensed for use in the UK.

Steroid creams and tablets are also recommended for itching and inflammation but there is no evidence to support their use, the DTB said. The only exception is for people with eczema.

“There is little evidence for the efficacy of treatments,” the DTB concluded.