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Aug 15, 2024 · Here are effective remedies to soothe itchy, inflamed, painful bug bites fast. From ice packs to essential oils, try these six bug bite treatments.
- When You Should See A Doctor For Bug Bites
- How to Prevent Bug Bites
- 6 Home Remedies For Bug Bites That Promise Quick Itch Relief
- Home Remedies For Bug Bites FAQs
Before we dive into the home remedies for bug bites that swell and itch, it's important to note that there are some bites that might require more serious medical attention. While mosquito bites are usually easily identifiable as an itchy, red bump on your skin, there are others that can be more serious. For example, tick bites—which can leave behin...
To prevent insects from feasting on your sweet flesh in the first place, there are a few things you can do. Cover up (especially your arms and legs) when you're out walking or hiking to deter ticks, mosquitos, and fleas. Clothing also works as sun protection. And always remember to wear bug spray (pro tip: the ingredient picaridin is a great mosqui...
1. Oatmeal bath for bug bites
You know how oatmeal baths are a must when you come into contact with poison ivy? It's also a soothing—and super relaxing!—strategy for alleviating itchy bug bites. Especially if you have them all over your body. "Colloidal oatmealis simply oats that have been ground and boiled to extract their skin-healing properties," Dr. Barr says. "Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and lipids. It's anti-inflammatory with itch-relieving benefits, helps restore the skin barrier, moisturiz...
2. Baking soda for bug bites
Rubbing baking soda on bug bites probably isn't something you want to do before you head out for the day, but it's the perfect home remedy for bug bites when you have a few hours of chill time. "Add a few drops of water to some baking soda, mix it into a paste, apply it directly onto bug bites, and allow it to dry," Barr says. "The alkalinity of baking soda can help neutralize the pH of an infected area and reduce itching."
3. Witch hazel for bug bites
Witch hazel is known for being able to clear up pimples like magic, and it's also a dermatologist-approved itch relief remedy, according to Dr. Barr. Simply apply a small amount of witch hazel extract directly to the skin with a cotton ball, or dilute it in a carrier oil—like coconut or jojoba—to create a cream that can help with itching, irritation, and inflammation. "Witch hazel is a type of plant native to North America, and its bark, twigs and leaves are rich in polyphenols and tannins, w...
Okay but really, what is the fastest way to heal bug bites naturally?
In addition to the above home remedies for bug bites, taking proper care of bug bites is also key for a fast recovery. At the top of the dermatologist-recommended itch remedies is applying ice on the bug bite on and off for an hour or so as soon as you notice it. “This will minimize the amount redness and itch that develops,” Dr. Ciraldo says. Whatever you do, don’t apply heat, which will increase the swelling and itchiness. Second, and perhaps most importantly, don’t pick or scratch the bug...
What home remedy stops bug bites from itching?
If the itching, in particular, is what’s driving you up the wall (been there), Dr. Song says the best derm-approved bug bite solutionsare natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. “Bug bites are inflammatory responses by the body and are best healed quickly with anti-inflammatory ingredients,” she explains. So anti-itch home remedies such as aloe vera, vinegar, garlic, peppermint oil, and mint can help speed the healing of a bug bite and calm the itch. There is a caveat, though: “Beware that the...
Why are bug bites worse at night?
Serious question: Why does the bug bite itchiness seem to get somuch worse when you're trying to relax and get ready for bed? “Our movement during the day increases blood flow to our skin, so by night time, the increased cutaneous blood flow creates heightened redness and itch,” Dr. Ciraldo explains. Also, cortisol, aka the stress hormone, tends to dip at night, which can take the itchiness up a notch. “Cortisol typically fights inflammation and decreases itch sensations,” Dr. Song explains....
- Tehrene Firman
- Garlic. Several days before you take a camping or hiking trip into bug-filled territory, start eating garlic. Have a clove or two every day. As you sweat out the garlic odour, it repels many insects.
- Milk. If your skin feels like it’s burning up from too much sun exposure or if itchy bug bites are driving you crazy, try using a little milk paste for soothing relief.
- Salt. For relief from the itching of mosquito and chigger bites, soak the area in salt water, then apply a coating of lard or vegetable oil. Here are 6 Ways to Avoid Getting Bitten By a Zika Virus Mosquito.
- Olive Oil. It’s so satisfying to watch birds enjoying the garden bath you provide. But unfortunately, that still water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Apr 14, 2023 · Bet you didn't think a natural remedy for bug bites could come straight from your fridge. But it's true: "Milk has soothing effects and can help your bug bite," Dr. Mokaya says.
- Ice and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) Note: Most of the time I only use remedies that are applied directly to the bite/sting, but taking oral diphenhydramine in addition to topical treatment may be helpful for severe reactions.
- Hot Compresses. Some people prefer heat over cold. Linda noted on Facebook, “A hot compress applied several times stops the sting. Some people heat up a spoon and apply to bite.
- Plantain (Plantago species) Common Plantain and narrowleaf plantain are excellent home remedies for bug bites and stings of all sorts. Simply find a leaf, chew it up (or otherwise mash it to release the juices), and apply it to the affected area.
- Essential Oils. Laurie G. says, “Lavender oil is the best remedy for bites and stings! When I owned a lavender/herb farm, yellow jacket stings happened frequently!
Sep 1, 2024 · Incidentally, peppermint can also prevent bug bites in the first place. “Mosquitoes, fleas, flies, wasps, and spiders hate the smell of peppermint oil,” says Dr. Friedman.
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Caring for an insect bite or sting. Most bites and stings will heal on their own. Here are some things you can do at home. Get away from the insect. Move away from the stinging or biting insect. Bees will alert other bees, making them more likely to sting. Stay as calm and quiet as you can. Movement makes venom spread faster in the bloodstream.
