Tiny Mosquito
Benadryl Cream to Treat Mosquito Bites
For years, consumers have relied on Benadryl cream for solving all of their itch-related woes including the occasional mosquito or bug bite. Its active ingredient, diphenhydramine (also its generic name) is recommended not only for the irritating itch often associated with insect bites and skin rashes, but also for pain from scrapes and small cuts as well. Benadryl cream is categorized as an antihistamine, which means it blocks your body’s natural response to an allergen, and temporarily calms the itch. Unlike oral antihistamines, this topical cream will not cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Application
Prior to applying Benadryl cream to the affected area, make sure that
you wash and dry both your hands and the itchy spot. Dab a small amount
of cream onto the end of your fingertip, cotton ball, or Q-Tip, and rub
it into the skin, on and around the injured or itchy area, ensuring thorough
absorption. After a few hours, if the area is still bothering you, or
begins to itch again, you can reapply the cream (up to four times per
day).
Precautions
Wash your hands well after applying the Benadryl cream so that it does
not inadvertently come into contact with your eyes or mouth. Since the
ointment is for topical use only, it may cause irritation to the eyes.
For whatever reason, should you accidentally ingest the cream, call your
poison control center right away. As with all medications, be sure to
store the ointment in a safe place, where children cannot get to it, as
it can cause potential harm.
There are other safety precautions to be aware of when using Benadryl cream. For instance, this ointment should not be used on children younger than two years old, or on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, if you are taking any other medication containing diphenhydramine, consult with your doctor as to whether or not it is safe for you to use Benadryl cream. Too much of the drug may be harmful to your health. And even though there is a minute chance of a negative interaction between Benadryl and other medications, (the cream does not enter the bloodstream to any significant degree) it is still a good idea to consult with a medical professional prior to using this ointment if you are taking other medicines.
It is not recommended that you use Benadryl cream for skin irritations or conditions that cover large areas of your body such as Chickenpox, sunburn, or widespread poison ivy. In such cases, it is best to talk with your doctor and ask for a more appropriate and effective remedy for your skin condition.
Side Effects
A small percentage of people experience an adverse reaction when using
Benadryl cream. The most common side effect is increased skin irritation;
however, more serious allergic reactions have been reported as well. If
you experience any indication of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling
of the mouth or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
If you are unsure of the appropriate use of Benadryl cream, or have questions regarding its application, consult the specific instructions on the ointment’s packaging. As with any other kind of medicine, you can always ask your pharmacist or health care provider for further advice.
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