Preparation H for Mosquito Bites: Does It Help?

A topical application seems to be the best option for mosquito bites. Sure, there are plenty of products like AfterBite and StingEase available, but are there any home remedies? Does Preparation H for mosquito bites work?

Yes, Preparation H can help soothe mosquito bites. This is where Preparation H will come to the rescue:

  • It will help against itching and swelling
  • Preparation H is easy to apply to the bite area
  • It can be stored for a long time

Read on to find out how Preparation H will help you the next time you are camping, or if you’ve just been bitten by a bloodsucker.


Preparation H for Mosquito Bites: How Does Preparation H Help?

Strange as it sounds, the hemorrhoid cream Preparation H is a great solution for all types of insect bites, particularly mosquito bites. My family uses it all the time! Even though its primary use was for hemorrhoid treatment, it can also be used for various other ailments.

Preparation H can temporarily relieve the itching and reduce the swelling of a mosquito bite. Simply apply it lightly to the area of the mosquito bite and leave it on for as long as you can.

It’s designed to target swelling and itching from hemorrhoids, but it works to calm other swelling and itching sources, as well. Using Prep H will help to prevent you from scratching the mosquito bite, which can lead to infection, bleeding, and worse.

Preparation H can temporarily relieve the itching and reduce the swelling of a mosquito bite. Simply apply it lightly to the area of the mosquito bite and leave it on for as long as you can.


How Does Preparation H Work?

The active ingredient in Preparation H, Phenylephrine, helps restrict the blood flow in the area where it is applied. This will, in turn, help to reduce the swelling and also irritation that comes with any insect bite and also the itching.

It also contains a small amount of Hydrocortisone, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and will also help with swelling.

This means that if you accidentally scratch the mosquito bite, it will help prevent inflammation and prevent the bite from worsening.

What I like is that you don’t need to wait too long for this medicine to start working after applying it to your mosquito bite. Preparation H comes in a small application tube, easy to use, easy to store.


How to Use Preparation H For Mosquito Bites

Applying Preparation H topical ointment on the area of the mosquito bites is not difficult and can be done in a few steps.

  1. Wash your hands with warm water and use mild soap 
  2. Clean the area where you want to apply the ointment using a wet wipe or damp cloth
  3. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment from the tube onto your fingertip
  4. Lightly apply the ointment to the area with your finger to provide a thin layer to cover the mosquito bite.
  5. Do this step for all the areas where you have mosquito bites
  6. When you are done, wash your hands again with warm water and mild soap
  7. Leave the ointment on your skin for at least an hour to make sure it is effective

Here’s a short video documenting the process:


Can You Use Preparation H on Your Face?

There is a warning on the package cautioning the use ofr Preparation H on your face.

If you have a mosquito bite on the face area, you can use it to provide temporary relief. You just need to be cautious.

Many people use Preparation H for puffiness under the eyes because of the active ingredient that helps against swelling. But you need to read the instructions when it comes to using it on the sensitive parts of your face.

There might be some side effects you don’t want, especially if you are allergic to some of the ingredients in Preparation H.


Does Preparation H Have a Long Shelf Life?

Preparation H has quite a long shelf life, but should be used for at most seven days against bites. To treat mosquito bites, you can keep the ointment in the cabinet for longer than a year and use it every time you have been bitten.

It is also important to note that you should not use any type of medicine after the expiration date on the package. You can find this product in any drug store, or you can order it online here to help protect yourself.

What this means for you is that you can have a tube of Preparation H available for all your outdoor activities all the time.