5 Remedies To Treat Insect Bite At Home

As the summer is here, there will be lots of bugs and insects buzzing around – and biting you and your family members. Whether it is mosquito bites, ant bites, chigger bites, spider bites or bee stings, it can cause a lot of discomfort.Insect bites come in various shapes and sizes, but they all commonly cause an itchy, red reaction on your skin.

When a mosquito or other insect pricks your skin, it leaves behind saliva or a bit of venom that the immune system identifies as an invader. In response, the immune system releases histamines (a type of protein) to signal that there’s something wrong, and ultimately it leads to an allergic reaction that causes itching.Due to insect bites, there may be redness, swelling, tenderness and heat along with intense itching. But no matter what, do not scratch the bitten area. It can create openings in your skin, giving way to bacteria and possibly an infection.

* Cold Compress

Insect bites can cause itching as well as pain. To stop the itching immediately, try a cold compress.The cold temperature helps reduce the itching sensation by numbing the skin, which can give you immediate but short-term relief. It can even control the muscle pain and spasms associated with severe insect bites or stings.

- Wrap a handful of ice cubes in a soft cotton towel.
- Place the ice pack on the insect bite for no longer than 10 minutes at a time.
- Repeat the process as many times as needed until the pain and itching subside.

* Oatmeal

If you have intense itching due to insect bites, oatmeal is a good remedy.Oatmeal contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that provide instant relief from itching.

- For localized itching, make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal amounts of oatmeal and water in a bowl.
- Transfer the paste onto a washcloth and hold it, paste-side down, on the irritated skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse the area clean with cool water. Repeat as needed.
- If the itching is severe, try an oatmeal bath. Sprinkle 1 cup of oatmeal or ground oats into a bathtub full of warm water.
- Soak in the oatmeal bath for 20 minutes, occasionally rubbing some of the clumped oatmeal onto irritated areas of your skin. Repeat once or twice a day.

* Aloe Vera

A common household plant, aloe vera can be of great help to deal with different types of insect bites.The gel has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve some of the pain and itching associated with bites. It can also help prevent infections from insect bites.

- Scrape off the gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it on the bite area. Allow it to dry on its own, then rinse your skin. Reapply several times a day.
- Alternatively, mix equal amounts of organic turmeric and aloe vera gel to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area.
- Wait 30 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

* Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective remedy to reduce rashes as well as itchiness due to any kind of insect bite. It acts as a natural acid neutralizer and helps soothe the redness, itching and stinging that signal a mild reaction to an insect bite.

- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and a little water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected area. Repeat twice daily for 2 to 3 days.
- Alternatively, add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water.
- Stir well and then soak in this water for 15 minutes. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Do this once daily.

* Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent and can help deal with the symptoms of insect bites. It contains tannins, which act as astringents when applied to the skin.Its anti-inflammatory nature reduces the burning sensation as well as pain and itching. It can also speed up the healing process.

- Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel. Place it on the affected area. Remove the cotton ball after 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
- Alternatively, mix a few drops of witch hazel in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply it on the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. Repeat as needed.