Latest news with #DermClub
NBC News
07-04-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Do bug bite patches really work to stop the itch? Experts weigh in
Having an itchy bug bite can drive you nuts and make you willing to do anything to resolve it. Thankfully, there are several bug bite treatments to soothe the scratching. While most of these treatments are creams or gels, there are also bug bite patches on the market. These round dots look like pimple patches, but they promise to soothe the irritation caused by a bug bite. Do they work? 'They aren't a miracle cure, but they can reduce itching, protect the skin and help prevent infection from constant scratching,' says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast. To find out how bug bite patches work and how to shop for ones that will be effective, we spoke to two board-certified dermatologists. Below, you'll also find their suggestions for trying bug bite patches. How we picked the best bug bite patches 'Most bug bite patches work by absorbing the fluid in the area,' says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. 'This can help with itching and help protect you from scratching and irritating it further. The combination of all of this helps speed up the healing process and avoid it from becoming worse.' Some bug bite patches include ingredients like tea tree oil, menthol or hydrocortisone, which calm the itch and reduce inflammation, adds Kopelman. To help you shop, we asked our experts to outline what you should pay attention to when buying bug bite patches. Here's what they said: Type: As mentioned, some patches are simply made of hydrocolloid and intended to help you stop scratching. Others have soothing ingredients baked in. We included both types on our list. Gentle materials: 'I like patches that are hypoallergenic and have ingredients like aloe or witch hazel,' says Kopelman, who notes that these things are particularly good for sensitive skin. Kid-friendly: If you will be using the patch on little ones, Kopelman recommends skipping anything with strong essential oils or fragrances, which can cause more irritation than relief. The best bug bite patches of 2025 Below, we have gathered expert-recommended bug bite patches and highly rated options for your consideration. Kinfield makes one of our favorite sunscreens for sensitive skin, and its bug bite patches are also good for those with that skin type. In a box, you get thirty hydrocolloid patches that are infused with witch hazel and arnica to calm down irritation and cut back on itching, according to the brand. Cutter Bug Bite Patches These patches are made of hydrocolloid and have no other additional ingredients. They work by drawing fluid out of the bug bite to reduce itchiness. This pack comes with 153 bug bite patches of varying sizes to fit any bug bite you may get. You can also get a smaller pack that contains 51 patches. NatPat Itch Relief Stickers Chacon likes these patches for kids because they're plant-based and chemical-free. The patches have no chemicals; instead, they utilize a grid shape design that helps to drain the saliva injected by the bug that causes the itching, says NatPatch. After putting on the patch, users will feel relief in under a minute and the stickers can stay on for up to seven days, according to the brand. Quitch Bug Bite Relief Patch I love you and my beautiful girl brush These bug bite patches are made of hydrocolloid and are infused with aloe and witch hazel, which Kopelman says can soothe irritation and itchiness. The box comes with 36 round patches of different sizes. The patches also have a brightly colored pattern, which is fun for kids — they may not be as discreet as some adults would prefer. Moskinto Itch Relief Patches These patches utilize a grid pattern similar to that of NatPat. They are also infused with a solution that helps soothe irritated skin and itchiness, according to the brand. The patches are water resistant and can be worn for up to 7 days. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on washing workout leggings.
NBC News
13-02-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Is it safe to use cortisone cream on your face?
We don't always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more. That big zit? That itchy red patch? Yeah, we know you'd climb Everest just to get rid of them. And, as tempting as those DIY tips and tricks are (we're looking at you lemon peels and egg whites), it's not always safe to try. One of the more popular remedies touted on the internet? Using a topical steroid cream on your face — cortisone cream, to be specific — to reduce swelling and redness. Though cortisone cream is intended to be used on your skin, it's not necessarily formulated specifically for your face. So, is it safe to use there? And does it solve the aforementioned problems better than, say, a pimple patch or spot treatment? To find out, we spoke with two dermatologists. Below, they weigh in on why someone may want to apply cortisone cream to their face, who should avoid it and how to do it if you are down to try it. What is cortisone cream? Cortisone cream, or hydrocortisone, is a topical steroid most commonly used to reduce skin swelling, itching and redness. According to the experts we spoke to, these conditions are caused by contact dermatitis, bug bites or rashes. Cortisone cream is available both over the counter and with a prescription. Without a prescription, the highest concentration you'll likely be able to find is one percent. This should work on my minor irritations. A doctor may prescribe a higher concentration if you have a more severe issue. Is it safe to use cortisone cream on your face? Generally speaking, cortisone cream is safe to use on your face — at least briefly. 'However, it's really only recommended in certain circumstances, like if you're dealing with eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis on the face, allergic reaction or a big inflamed pimple,' says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City. Our experts shared that cortisone creams should only be used for a short time (no matter where you are using it) because prolonged usage can increase your risk of experiencing some not-so-great side effects — including thinning skin, easy bruising and even stretch marks. 'The skin on the face absorbs steroids faster than other areas, making the risk of side effects significant when used for a long time,' says Kazlosukaya. 'This may worsen acne and rosacea or even trigger new breakouts.' Thankfully, none of these side effects will likely appear with occasional use. Though cortisone cream is considered safe to use on your face, some people may want to think twice before doing so. 'If you have very sensitive skin or a condition like rosacea, cortisone creams may make things worse,' says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a board-certified dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast. 'It's also important to avoid using cortisone if you suspect an infection, as it can suppress your skin's ability to fight bacteria or fungi.' The benefits of using cortisone cream on your face Now that you know it's safe, you may wonder why you'd want to use cortisone cream on your face. 'It's incredibly effective at reducing inflammation and irritation,' explains Kopelman. 'Because of this, it can quickly calm down flare-ups for conditions like eczema, allergic reactions or certain rashes.' She adds that, for people with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, it can provide rapid relief from redness, swelling and itching. Along with redness and inflammation, our experts shared that dabbing on the occasional glob of cortisone cream can help with the following common face issues: How to use cortisone cream on your face Want to try using cortisone cream on your complexion? 'Low-potency cortisone creams, like over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1%, are the safest option for facial use,' says Kopelman. 'You should avoid higher potency steroid creams unless specifically prescribed by your dermatologist.' When spreading it on your face, dab it only on the impacted areas and be careful not to use too much. 'Apply a very thin layer to the affected area once or twice a day for no more than a week, unless instructed otherwise by a dermatologist,' she adds. 'It's important to keep in mind that cortisone cream really is not a skin care ingredient — it's a medication and should be treated as such,' says Kazlouskaya. Alternatives to cortisone cream While cortisone cream can effectively fight redness, itchiness and inflammation, other ingredients are formulated specifically for your face that can address those issues. 'For calming inflammation, I often recommend products with ingredients like niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, or ceramides,' says Kopelman. 'And if you need something stronger, calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus are prescription options that don't carry the same risks as steroids.' Experts previously told us that red light therapy is another option for reducing inflammation in your skin. Several devices on the market allow you to expose your face to red light, which works by producing wavelengths of light that penetrate your skin and cause positive reactions in your cells. Whether it's cortisone cream or something else, the smartest way to determine what will work best for your skin issue is to consult a dermatologist. A doctor will be able to consider your specific needs and come up with an effective treatment plan, says Kazlouskaya. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists on using cortisone cream on your face.
