Should I scratch an itch caused by an insect bite?

Should I scratch an itch caused by an insect bite?

Daniel Behroozan (Dermatologist) gives expert video advice on: How can I avoid bug bites?; Why does it seem some people get bitten by bugs more than others?; What is 'scabies'? and more...

When you have an insect bite, often times, if you can avoid to scratch that bite, it's in your best interests. That may lead you not to have things like discoloration, scarring, or skin breakdown as a result of your own scratching and picking. Obviously sometimes your body's immune response to that bite is so dramatic that you can't help yourself but to scratch. In that case, you should get an over-the-counter cortisone and try that. If that doesn't help topically, a doctor can prescribe a stronger cortisone that can often help calm that bug bite down a little bit quickly, more quickly, that can lead you to have that resolved faster. Obviously, moisturization of the skin can also help prevent itching as much as possible.