Everyone loves the summer months but no one loves the bugs and insect predators that summer brings with it. Don’t spend your money on insect repellant and ointments, however, but turn to your pantry and cabinets for solutions instead. Before the miracle that is Benadryl, people used all natural ingredients to stop the itching, so why stop using them?
Here are 5 home remedies to soothe mosquito bites.
Lemon or Lime Juice
Due to natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties, a little bit of fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice will help reduce the itchiness of a mosquito bite. You can rub the juice on and around the bite or you can cut the fruit into two and rub it on the affected area(s). This will also help reduce the swelling of the bite. Be careful when using this method outside, however, as the citrus juices will cause blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Cold Tea Bags
If you’re a tea drinker, you already know the multiple benefits tea has for your body. So instead of throwing away a black or green tea bag, stick a used tea bag in the refrigerator until it’s cold. Take the bag out and dab on the skin. This helps to relieve inflammation as tannins in the tea are astringent which reduces the swelling as well as the redness.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is soothing, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Similar to itchy sunburns, Aloe Vera rubs onto the skin with a cool, soothing touch that will ease the swelling, itchiness, and redness. You can lather as much of this gel on the affected areas as needed.
Ice
To reduce swelling and numb the itch, grab an ice pack from the freezer and place it on the bite for about 30 seconds. The ice will constrict the blood flow and effectively decrease the amount of histamine through the bloodstream. Repeat until the burning stops or until the area is numb.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste typically has a mint or peppermint flavor that provides a cooling sensation when applied to your skin. Rub the toothpaste on the affected area and let it dry overnight. The toothpaste will help reduce the swelling and your body will pick up on the cooling sensation quicker than the itching feeling.
