Bug bites can really turn a great spring outing into an itchy, annoying nightmare. Instead of scratching, which can lead to infection, Michael Karp, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, recommends applying ice and first aid ointment to the bites. If the bites are still bothersome, over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Claritin, are usually effective. "The inflammation of bug bites is histamine mediated and that causes a lot of itching and swelling," says Karp. In addition, keep an eye on the bite and call your doctor if the swelling and redness don't disappear after a few days. "There's a lot of people who think they have a bug bite, but they may have a more serious infection that requires medical attention," says Karp.
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