Can throwing a tiny ‘gun’ at an insect bite really stop a maddening itch? –

Bites and stings can ruin any summer or vacation trip, but a number of products claim to relieve pain and irritation.

Adrian Monti asked Ben Merriman, a clinical pharmacist in Cumbria, and Robert Bradshaw, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, to review commonly available products. Then we evaluated them.

What insect bite

£9.95, amazon.com

Claim: This plastic suction device is said to remove insect saliva or venom remaining on the skins of mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and ants. The user first removes the “sting” using the scraper provided.

Then the device is placed on the bite and the handles are lifted to provide suction to the skin. This draws the venom into the tube and “instantly relieves the burning, itching, and swelling,” the manufacturer says.

Expert Verdict: “It sounded easy and logical to use, but I could only see anecdotal evidence rather than scientific evidence that it worked,” says Ben Merriman.

“Most of the symptoms of a bite come not from the bite itself, but from the body’s response to the saliva or venom remaining in the skin, so the sooner you get rid of it, the less symptoms you’ll experience.

‘That’s the downside of this device, you have to use it as soon as possible after a bite, but sometimes you don’t notice a bite until a few hours later. Also, although it is claimed to be suitable for children, their skin is sensitive. I recommend a small amount of suction first to make sure it doesn’t do any harm.

5/10

Skincalm bite and stinging cream

10g, £1.20, expresschemist.co.uk

Claim: Contains 1% hydrocortisone (a steroid medicine) to reduce itching, redness and inflammation from bites and stings. Apply a small amount to the affected area once or twice a day for up to three days, but not on your face.

Expert verdict: “Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and prevents the need to scratch,” says Robert Bradshaw.

“I always recommend this type of cream because it’s cheap and effective.

“However, as a mild steroid, it should only be used for up to seven days as it can thin the skin, especially in children.

Before use, place a credit card on the skin near the needle (works better than tweezers) and press and scrape to loosen the needle. Clean the area with an antiseptic cloth and then apply the hydrocortisone cream.

9/10

Beurer BR90 insect bite healer

£29.95, scottsoftstow.co.uk

Claim: This pen-sized battery-powered device has a ceramic hob on its end that heats up to 50°C at the push of a button. When held directly against the puncture site for up to six seconds, the manufacturer says it can “accelerate healing” by relieving “itching and swelling.”

Expert verdict: “The general advice for bites and stings is to apply something cool, such as a damp washcloth, rather than hot,” says Robert Bradshaw.

But a 2014 study in Germany found that applying heat from a similar device to people stung by wasps, bees, and mosquitoes relieved their symptoms, particularly pain, in just ten minutes.

However, even if this product is certified safe, 50°C can be uncomfortably hot. I would be careful not to recommend it until I see clearer evidence of its effectiveness”.

4/10

Incognito Zap Instant bite removal convenience

£6.99, incognitospray.com

Claim: This tiny gun-shaped device stops itching and swelling by firing a small electrical pulse during a bite or sting, which is said to “prevent the urge to scratch.” The manufacturer claims it sends a small electrical pulse to the brain that stops the release of histamine, the chemical that causes swelling after a bite, and also stimulates the release of endorphins, the natural pain reliever.

Expert Verdict: “When we’re bitten or stung, our body’s natural defenses release histamine, which activates the immune system to fight off insect venom, bacteria or virus and prevents any infection,” says Robert Bradshaw.

“This device works similarly to a TENS machine that women sometimes use during childbirth to reduce pain by sending electrical signals to the brain that ignores pain messages.

“This device is said to reduce both pain and inflammation at the same time, but it needs to be used within a few minutes to be effective.”

“When used in combination with an antihistamine (especially if you react badly to bites), it should work very well.”

7/10

Incognito Zap Instant bite removal convenience

Skin remedy science for bites

5ml, £8.99, scienceofskin.com

COMPLAINTS: This roller contains aloe vera, green tea extract, and pro-vitamin B5, all of which the manufacturer says “cools quickly and soothes bites, and also significantly reduces redness.”

EXPERT JUDGMENT: “A roll-on applicator seems like a practical way to apply a soothing solution to bites—it’s easier to apply to the face than a spray,” says Robert Bradshaw. It contains alcohol, which can cool the skin, reduce redness and prevent you from scratching, which can cause infection.

“Other ingredients are natural products that do not relieve symptoms but act as mild antiseptics that can prevent a bite-borne infection from worsening.”

5/10

After the classic bite

14ml, £4.50, tesco.com

Claim: This pen-sized gadget contains the chemical ammonia [which acts as a mild irritant on the skin]. Not for use in children under the age of three or people with ammonia sensitivity.

Expert verdict: “Ammonia works by overstimulating the nerve endings in the affected area so the body temporarily ignores the symptoms of a bite or sting, relieving pain and discomfort,” says Ben Merriman. “Although it does irritate the skin, it’s not as bad as a bite.

‘Given the small amount of ammonia in this product and is applied to only a small area of ​​the skin, sensitization to it is possible but unlikely. The pen may offer some benefits, but I prefer the standard treatment of applying a cold pack to the affected area for ten minutes and then washing it with soap and water as soon as possible.

6/10

Forest Formula Bite and Puncture Patch

30 patches, £6.49, boots.com

Forest Formula Bite and Puncture Patch

Claim: These sheer patches provide instant relief with calendula (from daisy-like plants) and zanthoxylum (from an evergreen shrub). Each patch can be used for up to eight hours.

Expert Verdict: “Calendula is an analgesic, an antiseptic healing agent, and zanthoxylum is said to relieve itching,” says Robert Bradshaw.

“More research is needed to confirm the health benefits, but both are harmless enough.

“These patches may be fine for children and adults with a strong urge to scratch, but using them can be a bit of a hassle if you have multiple bites.

“I’d rather not cover a bite, instead treat it with a hydrocortisone cream and watch it heal to make sure it’s not infected.”

4/10

Anti-bite scented bracelet

Tanness Mosquito Bracelet, Pack of 12

£8.99, amazon.com

Claim: These scented, flexible wristbands can be worn on wrists or ankles to deter mosquitoes. They are said to be effective repellent for up to 250 hours from scents such as lemongrass, lemongrass oil, lemongrass oil, and geranium oil.

Expert Verdict: “These bracelets contain a variety of essential oils, some of which have been shown to have insect repellent properties,” says pharmacist Ben Merriman.

‘They also say on the packaging that they are free of the chemical DEET (diethyltoluamide), which is actually considered the gold standard for repellents. [it disrupts receptors on mosquitoes’ antennae when they are seeking their prey]. There are concerns about the potential side effects of overexposure to DEET, but a 2014 study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that it is safe as long as it is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and for less than a month.

“I wouldn’t want to rely on these bracelets as my only protection in an area where mosquito bites spread malaria is common.”

2/10

Tanness Mosquito Bracelet