Mosquito bites can be annoying and uncomfortable, but there are several ways to treat them; to get the best results you have to handle them as soon as you get hit. Clean the skin immediately with denatured alcohol, an antiseptic ointment or plain water; Although the itching does not completely go away until the sting has healed, you can relieve it by using different products, from lemon juice to aloe.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Commonly Used Products in the Kitchen
Step 1. Use lemon or lime
Cut a slice of fruit and rub it gently on the affected area or simply sprinkle some juice on the wheal; citric acid has some soothing properties against itching and is useful on these occasions.
Step 2. Get the oatmeal you eat for breakfast
It is a product known for its soothing properties and you can prepare a paste by adding the ground one to a little water; apply it on the skin to be treated, wait for it to dry, then rinse it off.
Step 3. Apply chemical enzymes to make the meat tender
Mix them with a little water to create a paste to spread over the suffering area; let it dry and then rinse it off.
Step 4. Take advantage of the soothing properties of honey
This substance is able to relieve skin discomfort and offers the necessary relief from itching.
Step 5. Put some apple cider vinegar on the sting
Wet a cotton ball with the vinegar, place it on the wheal and leave it in place for a few minutes; it should relieve the pain.
Alternatively, you can make a dough with apple cider vinegar and flour. This paste helps to dry the sting and the vinegar also offers relief from itching; apply it on the skin, give it time to dry and rinse with hot water at the end
Step 6. Use baking soda
Mix 15 g with 500 ml of hot water; Gently apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. The strong alkaline content of this blend minimizes itching caused by insect bites.
Method 2 of 4: Commercial Products
Step 1. Look for over-the-counter medical products to relieve itching
There are several in pharmacies, such as Polaramin or After Bite, and they are also useful against pain. Hydrocortisone ointments or calamine lotions can also reduce itching and swelling. always follow the instructions in the leaflet regarding the dosage. If you can't find a suitable product for your problem, contact your pharmacist.
Step 2. Make an aspirin slurry
This medicine helps relieve pain and reduces the symptoms of swelling and itching. Obviously, Not follow this method if you are allergic to aspirin.
Alternatively, you can make a paste with Tums tablets, which are just as helpful against itching
Step 3. Rub some alcohol on the wheal
This substance has a cooling effect and can temporarily relieve the itching sensation; in addition, it dries the skin by shrinking the sting site and swelling.
Step 4. Dab some toothpaste on the area
It has an almost miraculous effect against itching; regular flavored toothpaste is best for this purpose. Spread a small amount on your skin and let it dry overnight; the next morning wash it off with cold water and mild soap. This product dries the wheal by removing the irritation.
Use any non-gel toothpaste, as this consistency is not suitable for your purpose
Step 5. Use soap
Wash your skin with soap and water. this remedy should be enough to soothe the itch. Take a neutral cleanser, so that it doesn't dry out the skin too much and consequently worsen the situation.
Method 3 of 4: Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils
Step 1. Use aloe vera
Rub aloe vera gel or sap extracted from a leaf on the bump to soothe the itch. this plant is known to relieve and heal various skin ailments.
Step 2. Try basil
Chop fresh leaves and apply them directly on the skin to be treated to enjoy natural relief from the symptoms of the sting; this plant contains thymol and camphor, both substances that reduce itching in a natural way. Additionally, basil is an insect repellent and should protect you from further bites.
Step 3. Use greater plantain
You can roll the leaves between your fingers to extract juice or rub the sap-rich leaves directly on the mosquito bite; in both cases the itching should disappear within a minute.
Step 4. Apply lavender oil
Rub a small amount directly on the wheal to quickly relieve the itchy sensation.
Alternatively, you can dab some witch hazel
Step 5. Use tea tree oil
It is known to be a panacea for many skin ailments and can therefore also soothe the discomfort that comes from mosquito bites.
Add a drop in a witch hazel cold pack; stops the burning sensation and itching
Method 4 of 4: Water, Heat and Pressure
Step 1. Press or slap the sting area with one hand
Don't act too violently, but firm enough to take your attention away from itching for a while.
Step 2. Take a nice, warm, relaxing bath
The addition of a concentrated herbal tea of centocchio, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar or 300 g of oatmeal helps to soothe the annoying itch.
- If you wish, you can also incorporate a few drops of essential oils to not only make the bath more fragrant, but also to keep the wheal clean and soften the skin.
- Make sure the water isn't too hot and don't stay in the tub for more than 20 minutes, otherwise you could dry out your skin.
Step 3. Apply a cold pack or ice cubes to the affected skin
Hold it for about 20 minutes to get relief.
Step 4. Press a hot spoon on the itchy site
Leave a metal spoon in the hot, steaming water for about a minute; then remove it from the water, let it cool for 5-10 seconds and press it on the painful area. Wait 10-30 seconds and repeat the treatment a couple of times while the water is still hot; you can proceed with this remedy several times a day until the sting heals.
Advice
- Wash the sting site as soon as you realize you have been "victimized" by a mosquito.
- Your body may react differently to the bite of mosquitoes other than those present in your hometown; There are many different species and you may have a certain sensitivity to the bite of one insect over another.
- If you are concerned about scratching during the night, cover the bump with a band-aid.
- Don't be discouraged if a solution doesn't work right away. Some remedies require two or three applications before leading to complete recovery; however, eventually the itch will disappear, so distract yourself by engaging in other activities.
- On cooler summer days you can wear a light jacket to protect your shoulders, neck and arms.
- If you notice stings mostly in the foot or ankle area, wear long socks. this is especially important if you are trying to sleep.
- Dry skin can be even more itchy, so applying a moisturizing or protective lotion can help.
- Don't use a sweet scent as it attracts mosquitoes.
- Try applying a few drops of oregano oil after washing off the wheal; you can repeat the treatment every two hours.
- Avoid getting stung by taking protective measures: do not go outdoors during the hours when mosquitoes are most active (sunrise and sunset), install mosquito nets on windows and promptly repair any tears or use a repellent that contains DEET, icaridin (note also as picaridin) or citrated eucalyptus oil.
Warnings
- If you are concerned that you are allergic to mosquito bites or the wheal swells immediately, discuss various oral antihistamines with your doctor.
- Whatever you decide to do, don't scratch or rub the sting as it will only aggravate the itch.
- If the discomfort doesn't go away and the wheal doesn't heal, go to the doctor. inflamed or infected skin should be brought to the attention of the doctor.
- Mosquitoes carry certain diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, dengue and yellow fever; it is essential to take precautions to avoid being stung.
- If you get a fever, headache, muscle aches, or other signs of infection, see your doctor.
