Summertime means fun outdoors for many, but with more time outside comes greater risk for bug bites. Many people consider bug bites as no more than a mild irritation, but there are more serious risks associated with bug bites. According to Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan of U.S. Dermatology Partners Carrollton, “Bug bites are known for causing itch, redness, and irritation, but they can also increase risk for skin infections, not to mention spreading serious illness like Lyme disease. Keeping bugs away reduces these risks, but bug sprays can be just as hard on skin, triggering flareups in skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. There are bug repellent options that won’t negatively impact skin health or overall wellbeing when used correctly.” In this blog, Dr. Sitabkhan talks bug bites, bug spray effects on skin, and keeping skin healthy all summer.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Get a Bug Bite?
It’s important to understand why bug bites lead to skin irritation and other adverse reactions, Dr. Sitabkhan says, “There are four levels of response to bug bites local, secondary, allergic, and systemic. The way your body responds will depend on a range of variables, including the type of bite, where you’re bitten, preexisting conditions, and your level of immune response.” Here’s what can happen when bugs bite:
Local Skin Reactions
Symptoms like skin redness, swelling, itching, and raised welts are common immediately following bug bites. The body responds to the insect’s saliva, venom, or egg implantation by sending histamines to skin. This causes inflammation, irritation, and itching.
Secondary Infections
Itch and irritation lead to scratching, which damages skin’s barrier, allowing bacteria to enter. As bacteria multiply, skin infections can develop like cellulitis, abscess, and impetigo (crusty, yellowish skin infection).
Allergic Responses
For some, the initial itch and irritation grows worse, leading to a more severe allergic response. It may start as a localized rash around the bug bite, but it can become more serious leading to hives or even anaphylaxis, which is most common following bee stings. Those with sensitive skin, eczema, and rosacea may be more likely to experience allergic response to bug bites.
Vector-Borne Illnesses
Vector-borne illnesses are diseases transmitted to humans through bug bites. Mosquitos and ticks are most known for transmitting illnesses through their bites. Common vector-borne diseases include:
Mosquito-Borne:
- West Nile virus – can cause fever, body aches, and in rare cases, neurological symptoms.
- Zika virus – linked to birth defects in pregnant women.
- Malaria – less common in the U.S., but a serious global concern.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – rare but deadly.
Tick-Borne:
- Lyme disease – bull’s-eye rash, joint pain, and neurological symptoms.
- Anaplasmosis and babesiosis – flu-like symptoms with potential for severe complications.
Is Bug Spray Safe for Your Skin?
Bug spray is safe when used correctly, but correct use is essential. According to Dr. Sitabkhan, “Misapplication or overuse leads to skin irritation, especially if you have a preexisting skin condition. The main consideration related to insect repellent safety is the active ingredient. Understanding what the actives are and how they work ensures you select the right product to keep safe without irritating skin.”
What’s in Bug Spray?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using EPA-registered repellents. These have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy in how to prevent bug bites safely.
Common Bug Repellent Active Ingredients:
- DEET – highly effective and long-lasting. Safe when used properly, even for children over 2 months.
- Picaridin – comparable to DEET in effectiveness, less likely to irritate skin.
- IR3535 – gentle and often found in combination with sunscreens.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD – plant-based option. Not for kids under 3.
- 2-undecanone – naturally derived, effective for short durations requiring frequent reapplication.
How to Use Bug Spray Safely (Dermatologist-Backed Tips)
Dr. Sitabkhan says, “Misusing bug repellents is the leading cause of skin irritation and adverse reaction to bug sprays. Using these products correctly reduces risk and ensures skin is safe from bug bites.” Below, Dr. Sitabkhan outlines her top bug repellent do’s and don’ts.
Do’s:
- Follow the label instructions carefully.
- Apply after sunscreen. If you apply it first, the repellent may reduce sunscreen’s efficacy.
- Use only on exposed skin and clothing. Never spray under clothing.
- Wash treated skin after going indoors.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use near eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
- Don’t apply to infants under 2 months.
- Don’t reapply more often than recommended.
- Don’t combine with fragranced lotions or oils, which can increase irritation.
Bug Spray Alternatives and Tips for Sensitive Skin
When it comes to alternative options, Dr. Sitabkhan says, “Most people tolerate traditional bug repellents when used correctly or applied only to clothing rather than directly on skin, but there are some whose sensitive skin makes using these products impossible. Luckily, there are some natural options that keep skin safe without causing irritation.” Some alternative bug repellent options to consider:
- Repellent clothing – fabrics treated with permethrin repel ticks and mosquitoes, making them ideal for hiking or camping when you’ll be outdoors for longer periods.
- Essential oils – lavender, citronella, and peppermint oils offer short-term protection, but lack EPA approval. They are usually fine if you don’t plan to spend an extended time outdoors.
- Clip-on devices – these devices emit repellent into the air, which may help in low-exposure settings but are not a substitute in high-risk areas like woodland hikes.
- Physical barriers – long sleeves, pants, hats, and mosquito netting create a barrier between skin and bugs.
Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Treating Bug Bites
If you still get bug bites despite your best efforts to avoid them, Dr. Sitabkhan provides the following dermatologist bug bite tips:
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching.
- Use over-the-counter bug bite treatments like anti-itch creams, including 1% hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or antihistamines.
- Don’t scratch the bite! Scratching increases risk of infection and can lead to scarring or dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Apply sunscreen to bites as they heal. This reduces risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Contact a dermatologist if:
- Bites become increasingly red, swollen, or painful.
- You develop a fever, rash, or joint pain.
- You see a bull’s-eye rash (a possible sign of Lyme disease).
- You experience shortness of breath, facial swelling, or dizziness (possible anaphylaxis).
Conclusion: Bug Protection Doesn’t Have to Compromise Skin Health
According to Dr. Sitabkhan, “You might not be able to completely avoid bug bites this summer but working to protect skin from bites with bug repellent and addressing bites quickly and effectively makes a big difference. With proper use, bug sprays offer an important summer skin protection step without compromising healthy skin.”
Talk to a Dermatologist
If you want to talk to a dermatologist about keeping skin healthy, avoiding bug bites, or any other skincare needs, we hope you’ll reach out to a local U.S. Dermatology Partners team. It’s easy to get started. Take a few moments to fill out our simple online form. Then, one of our dermatology team members will be in touch to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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