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.
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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 Bug Bite Remedy Relief Patches
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.
- Dr. Hannah Kopelman is a dermatologist and host of the Derm Club podcast.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
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.
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