Mosquito bites are something everyone has dealt with at some
point or another and hopes to never have to deal with again. No one likes those
itchy, painful, annoying red bumps that seem to take forever to go away, but
the good news is there are several things you can do to speed the healing
process and take some of the itch away. So, the next time you find yourself
plagued by irritating mosquito bites try one of these 10 home remedies.
Calamine Lotion
One of the best remedies for itchy skin whether it be a rash
or bug bite is good old pink calamine lotion, according to WebMD. They recommend
washing the area thoroughly, applying the lotion and then using an ice pack to
reduce the itching and swelling.
Honey
Of course, not everyone has calamine lotion at their house,
so another remedy that you most likely have on hand is honey. Healthline
reports that honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which means it can
help the bite heal and reduce the swelling. Just be wary of using it outside as
the sweet smell could actually attract more biting insects.
Vinegar
The Global
Healing Center recommends apple cider vinegar as another solution to the
itch and pain of a mosquito bite. You can either apply it directly to the bite
or pour 2 1/2 cups of the vinegar into a bath and soak in it if you have
multiple areas that have become bitten and irritated.
Witch Hazel or Alcohol
Another couple antiseptics are witch hazel and rubbing
alcohol. These do sting a little bit but according to Everyday
Health that is actually good as the new sensation will distract you from
the itch. And it is good to know it is helping to heal the bite while
distracting you.
Essential Oils
These have become all the rage lately, but some essential
oils can actually help cure mosquito bites. Mother
Nature Network says that an antiseptic oil like tea tree oil can help with
the itching while lavender can minimize swelling and ease the discomfort that
comes with the bites.
Aloe Vera
Another solution from the Global
Healing Center is aloe vera because it gives short term relief from the
itching and swelling as well as aids in long term healing. Using either a fresh
cutting from a plant or store-bought aloe juice will work.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another recommendation from Healthline
because it is a known anti-irritant. All you need to do is make a paste with
equal amounts water and oatmeal and apply that to the mosquito bite for about
10 minutes before wiping off. An additional solution is to add oatmeal to a
warm bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes.
Baking Soda
Mother
Nature Network reports that baking soda is a proven
way to calm the itching and irritation. As with oatmeal all you need to do is
make a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on the bite for a little
while before washing it off. The alkaline properties of the baking soda
actually neutralize the skin’s PH balance which will relieve some of the
itchiness.
Tea
Another remedy you might have in your pantry is tea. Both
green tea according to Everyday
Health and chamomile tea according to Healthline
are helpful to reduce inflammation and irritation. After steeping the tea bag
in cold water for 30 minutes apply it directly to the bite. The cold will help
soothe the area and the tea will help heal it.
Onion
Perhaps an odd therapy, but one that works according to the Global
Healing Center is to apply a raw onion directly to the mosquito bite.
Leaving it on the affected area for a few minutes is supposed to help with the
stinging and itching.
Of course, the ultimate solution to mosquito bites is to not
get them in the first place! Call Mosquito
One today to schedule a time for us to come spray your home or business and
take care of the problem before it begins.