An itch-relief gel in a tube. Active ingredient: diphenhydramine HCl 2% — an antihistamine.

This is a different mechanism from the baking-soda products. Baking soda soothes the skin; an antihistamine goes after the histamine reaction that is causing the itch in the first place. For a bite that is genuinely swollen and furious — fire ants, a bee sting, a reaction that is not settling — it does more.

The gel base has aloe, tea tree oil and vitamin E in it. It stays put on an arm or an ankle instead of running.

After Bite lists it for fire ants, mosquitoes, biting flies and bees.

Read this one. Diphenhydramine is the same drug as oral Benadryl. The label says not to use it on large areas of the body, and not to use it alongside any other diphenhydramine product — including one taken by mouth. It also says to ask a doctor before using it on chicken pox or measles. Most people do not know this, and it matters most with children, who are the likeliest to be taking something oral for the same itch.

Keep it out of eyes. External use only.

After Bite sells three different things under one name, and the packaging does not make it obvious. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate 5%) is the gentle one — Advanced, X-Tech and the Kids cream. Diphenhydramine 2% is an antihistamine, which is stronger and carries real warnings — Outdoor and Xtra. Camphor is the botanical one — the Natural Stick. Pick the mechanism, then pick the applicator.

Ingredients and warnings here are taken from After Bite's published label information. Read the carton before you use it — the carton is the authority, not us.