It’s Bug Bite Season! Here's How to Avoid the Marks

What to Do Immediately After a Bug Bite

You’ll likely feel the itch from a mosquito bite before you see the red welt. But be mindful of where and what you’re scratching when the summer months hit. If you notice you have a bug bite, the first thing you should do is “wash with soap and water to remove residual saliva/venom and lower infection risk,” says Dr. Geria. 

He also notes that adding a cold compress for 10 to 15 minute increments can help with swelling and itch. Then, you should immediately apply an anti-itch cream, like an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

What Not to Do After a Bug Bite

Dr. Geria says the biggest thing to avoid when getting a bug bite is scratching it. This is where healing issues will come into play, especially if you can’t seem to break the itch-scratch cycle. Dr. Geria says something like the SARNA bug bite patch can help put a physical barrier between you and your bug bite so you can stop touching and irritating it further. 

These bug bite patches are infused with hydrocolloid, aloe, and witch hazel to calm itch and reduce inflammation. “Leave one on for several hours up to a day, replacing as needed for two to four days until symptoms resolve,” says Dr. Geria. “Removing the temptation to scratch is really what prevents marks.”

How to Avoid Scarring After a Bug Bite

Itching is the biggest threat to scarring, says Dr. Geria, but a few other things can cause scarring as well. Once you get a bug bite that’s in its healing stage, you should be mindful of sun exposure. “Sun protection matters most—UV exposure darkens healing marks and makes them more stubborn,” says Dr. Geria. “Moisturize to support barrier repair, and don’t pick at any scab.”

Can You Treat Bug Bite Dark Spots?

Dr. Geria says that avoiding touching and scratching the bug bite in the first 48 hours will promote the best healing, but if you find yourself with a dark mark after your bug bite has healed, there are a few things you can do.

“Once [your bite is] fully healed with no open skin, [you can use] niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C, or a gentle retinoid can fade post-inflammatory marks,” he says. We love the SATURDAY SKIN Carrot + Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream for AM and PM hydration. We’re also fans of the vitamin C-packed CLARA'S NEW YORK Brightening Facial Serum.

And remember, “hold off until the barrier is intact—actives on broken or inflamed skin can backfire,” says Dr. Geria. 

When Should You See a Doctor for a Bug Bite?

Although most bug bites, like mosquito bites or small spider bites, are harmless and will heal on their own, it’s important to know when an insect bite could require serious medical attention. According to Dr. Geria, you should see a doctor if you see spreading redness. In general, he says, bug bites get better after several days, not worse. If you have a fever, or a bullseye-shaped rash (possible tick-borne illness), you should seek medical care. “Seek emergency care for facial/throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives spreading away from the site,” he says.

Final Thoughts

Most bug bites will heal on their own—but how you care for them during those first few days can make all the difference. Keeping the area clean, resisting the urge to scratch, protecting healing skin from the sun, and waiting until the skin barrier has fully recovered before reaching for brightening ingredients can help minimize lingering dark marks and scars. And if a bite becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or starts spreading instead of improving, don't wait to seek medical care.