Insect bites can be severe and can cause inflammation and redness in the affected area. These Homemade Insect Bite Treatments can help reduce itching and swelling caused by insect bites.
12 Ways to Naturally Treat Insect Bites
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is antibacterial and can help prevent infection that may arise from repeatedly touching the affected area. Tea tree oil is amazing at preventing bug bites as well as treating bites.
Simply add a couple of drops of 100% pure tea tree oil to a cotton swab then gently wipe across the bite area.
Banana peels
Banana peels are known to have therapeutic properties and can reduce itchiness . They can be used to naturally treat insect bites. Rubbing the inner side of the peel over the affected area will help alleviate the stingy and itchy feeling. Follow this as many times as possible throughout the day.
Baking soda
Baking soda paste can also be used to stop the itch of bug bites.
Mix baking soda with enough water to make a sticky paste, rub it over the bug bite, and leave it on your skin to dry.
Cinnamon and honey
Cinnamon and honey have anti inflammatory and moisturizing properties. They can be mixed together and used relieve the inflammation caused by bug bites.
Mix two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and a few drops of honey to form a smooth paste. Apply this and let it dry before washing. Repeat the process every three times a day.
Toothpaste
Menthol in toothpaste can be used to cool the area of the bite. It will help reduce the itching and irritation caused by the bites. Apply some toothpaste on the affected area and wash after 10 minutes with cold water, you can also leave it on overnight. Be sure you are not allergic to the ingredients in the toothpaste you are using. Repeat the process till you get some relief.
Mouthwash
The ethanol in mouthwash has an antiseptic property and contains alcohol, which is a good disinfectant. The alcohol in the mouthwash evaporates on the skin, and cools the affected area. Mouthwash can reduce itching and also disinfect the bite.
Soak a cotton ball in the mouthwash and gently apply on the bites.
Salt
Rubbing salt on the rashes and inflammation caused by bed bugs can also provides quick relief from the pain and stingy sensation. Follow this method thrice a day for better results.
Aloe vera
This natural antiseptic agent, is good natural remedy for mosquito bites. It will help reduce pain, swelling and itching and help in healing the bite
- Cut the aloe vera leaf to extract the gel. If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can use aloe vera gel readily available in most stores.
- Chill the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rub it directly on the affected site.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains special compounds that can help relieve itching and swelling.
Mix equal amounts of oatmeal and water in a bowl to create a paste. Place some of the paste on the affected skin for about ten minutes. Then rinse the area.
Crushed ice
Ice can help reduce inflammation. It numbs the skin and this can give you relief immediately albeit temporarily. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a cold pack or itching from mosquito bite. Don’t leave it on too long or fall asleep with ice on your body as it can damage the skin. Always apply ice in a damp cloth, avoid applying it directly to your skin.
Lemon or Lime Juice
These fruits provide itch relief and are antibacterial. If you are going to use these, make sure you avoid the sun or cover up the area you apply them before sun exposure. Squeeze out some lemon or lime juice and dab on the affected area with a cotton ball.
Bentonite clay
This is my go to solution to clear irritation or rashes from insect bites. I make a paste out of bentonite clay, activated charcoal, oatmeal powder, turmeric powder, a few drops of Tea tree oil, a few drops of Apple cider vinegar and just enough water to form a paste. Apply it on the affected area and allow it to dry up. I leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off. Do this everyday for about a week or till the rashes and itchiness stops.
First Aid Treatment for Insect Bites
- Move away from the stinging or biting insect.
- Remain as calm. Movement can cause the venom to spread fast into the blood.
- If you were stung by a bee, remove the stinger that might still be stuck in your skin.
- Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
- If the bite is on the arm or leg, lower the limb at the time of the sting to slow the spread of venom. Inspect the affected area and if swelling is present, you can elevate the limb to help reduce swelling.
- Apply baking soda solution to relieve itching and pain.
- If you were stung by a scorpion, see a doctor immediately for the antidote for scorpion stings.
