The warm summer months are ideal for barbecues, days at the beach, and unfortunately, mosquito bites. It comes with the territory, really. While you can take steps to avoid being bitten in the first place, what do you do once you feel that constant itch?
When mosquitoes bite, they not only draw blood but they also insert their enzymes into the bloodstream, which subsequently triggers a release of histamine at the point of the bite, resulting in an itchy mound.
Many over-the-counter remedies are available, but more often than not, a home remedy will do the trick and soothe your itch just as well. Here are a few quick and easy home remedies for mosquito bites, most of which use common household items.
HONEY
Used in antiquity as a remedy for various ailments, honey is not only healthy to consume but also works wonders when applied topically. Full of antibacterial properties, a drop of honey applied to the bite can prevent further infection. It’s also quite sticky and messy, which should be enough of a deterrent to scratching.
OATMEAL
Great for breakfast and an affordable home remedy for mosquito bites, oatmeal has been used for centuries to treat dermatological conditions. Mix a tablespoon of oatmeal with just enough water to create a sticky paste, apply directly to the bite for 10 minutes, and then wash off.
TEA
The tannins found in tea have many great properties, such as drawing toxins from the skin. Apply a cold, wet tea bag directly to the bite for 10 minutes.
White tea or chamomile works best, as these varieties contain many powerful antioxidants and are well known for treating bee stings as well.
ONION
For the same reason onions make you cry, they’ll also provide you with fast relief. Slice a fresh onion bulb and apply the slice directly to the bite for a few minutes. Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties found in onions should work against some of the itchings you’re experiencing.
ICE
Perhaps the quickest and easiest remedy is applying ice. Don’t apply ice directly onto the bite, but rather wrap it in a washcloth, or use an ice pack instead. Keep the ice on the bite for five minutes. This will numb the itching and reduce any inflammation.
HOT SPOON
Although this may sound strange, heat can work on a mosquito bite almost the same way ice does. Dip a spoon into a mug of hot water until thoroughly heated. Using caution, test the spoon temperature. It should be the temperature of a hot water bottle, but not so hot that it burns you. Apply the warm spoon firmly against the mosquito bite, and hold it against the skin for or as long as is comfortable.
There are many other home remedies that can relieve pesky mosquito bites, but these are tested methods that are quick, easy, and affordable alternatives to over-the-counter solutions.
Of course, the best solution is to prevent the bites from occurring in the first place, but this is not always realistic or possible. Some simple tips to reduce attracting mosquitoes include maintaining a healthy diet, eating raw garlic, limiting exposure, and avoiding tepid or stagnating pools of water.
Please consult your physician if the bite becomes infected or is causing extreme pain. Most mosquito bites are a minor annoyance, but some can contain viruses or diseases.
*Note: Please use caution and try these methods at your own risk. Author not responsible for any side effects or adverse reactions.
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