Insect bites and stings may be irritating, painful, or frightening but they are usually harmless and not a cause of concern unless you have an allergic reaction. In summer, mosquito bites are quite common but they are unlikely to cause any complications. Sometimes, the bite creates a bump which is usually sore, swollen, or itchy. Here are some natural remedies for bug bites:
1- Ice
Ice works by constricting the blood vessels and inhibiting the spread of histamine that triggers an allergic reaction. Just take an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas and apply it on the affected area for nearly 15 minutes every couple of hours or as required.
2- Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil can be used as a prevention spray and can also soothe bug bites. You can pour a few drops of the oil in those places of your home where you think there might be an infestation. You can also use it if you think you came in contact with bugs. As a precautionary measure, you can dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil and apply it on any exposed skin to protect yourself from bug bites.
3- Oatmeal
Another way to soothe uncomfortable insect bite is to use oatmeal as it has compounds that can relieve swelling and itching. You can make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal amounts of water and oatmeal. Place the paste inside a washcloth and hold it against the irritated skin for nearly 10 minutes. Rinse the area with water afterward.
4- Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is very soothing and calming and that’s why it is effective for providing relief. It has been known to calm down inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, wounds, and minor burns and can reduce inflammation and itching very quickly. Apply one to two drops of lavender essential oil to the affected areas and re-apply as required.
5- Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used to treat ailments such as bumps and bruises. Apply a small amount of honey to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
6- Toothpaste
If the itching from a mosquito bite is unbearable, just apply toothpaste to it. Mosquitoes release an anticoagulant into your body which lets them suck on your blood without being detected and your body reacts by creating and sending histamines to the bitten areas. This is why that part of the skin feels itchy and the bite marks swell.
Apply a minty toothpaste which has menthol to the affected area to benefit from its cooling and soothing properties. Toothpaste has astringent properties and it can prevent the bite from swelling further.
7- Aloe vera
A common household plant, aloe vera has many uses beyond shelf decoration. The gel has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to heal minor wounds or calm infections. That’s why it may be a good bet for healing a bug bite, too.
To try this, cut open a small section of the plant. Apply the plant’s gel to the area that’s irritated. Let it dry, and apply again as needed.
8- Baking soda
Found in virtually every kitchen, baking soda has a multitude of uses — from baking bread to clearing drains. Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda may also provide relief from a mosquito bite.
It’s easy to make a baking soda paste, and you can use it in a similar manner to oatmeal paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Apply it to the bug bite, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it away.
9- Vinegar
For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural remedy to treat many medical conditions, from infections to blood glucose problems.
If you have an itchy bite, dab a drop of vinegar on it. The vinegar can help reduce stinging and burning sensations. It can also act as a natural disinfectant if you’ve been scratching too much.
If you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite. If you have many bites, dilute 2 cups of vinegar in a tepid bath and soak for 20 minutes. Beware, a hot bath may make itching worse.
10- Onion
Not only can onions bring tears to your eyes, they can bring relief to your mosquito bites. The onion’s juices, which leak out from the freshly cut bulb, can reduce the bite’s sting and irritation. Onions also have a natural antifungal property that can reduce your risk for an infection.
Cut a slice from an onion — the type doesn’t matter — and apply it directly to the bite for several minutes. Rinse and wash the area well after you remove the onion.
Consult a doctor if you had an allergic reaction to an insect bite. You can book an appointment with top dermatologists in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
