Home Remedies for Insect Bites
I don’t know about you, but I tend to get eaten alive by pesky bugs during the summer. It’s horrible, painful, and uncomfortable, but there are a few home remedies that may work to relieve the discomfort for you.
I’ve tried literally everything, so all of the following remedies come personally recommended. Everyone is different, so you may have to try a few before you find one that sticks!
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda can be used in so many ways, and yes, it can even help stop that annoying itching sensation when you’ve got a bug bite or three. Simply mix about a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas, rub in a circular motion, and leave on for about 15 or 20 minutes to help curb the itching and swelling.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns! In fact, the gel can actually help promote healing in bug bites, and reduce the urge to scratch at affected areas. Cut open a leaf of an aloe vera plant if you have one, or buy pure aloe vera gel over the counter at your local drugstore.
Simply rub a dab of the gel onto your bug bites a few times a day to relieve the itching. This remedy works well for me, and if you stick the gel in the fridge about a half hour beforehand, the cooling sensation feels even better.
Ice
Believe it or not, ice can actually help reduce inflammation and swollen bug bites, and can help curb itching. Use an icepack or a few ice cubes wrapped in a clean washcloth over the bite for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
If you can’t stand doing it for that long, break it up into five minute increments. You can use this remedy throughout the day, but be careful not to overdo it.
Salt
It sounds weird, and I never would have believed it would work until I tried it. Take a bit of regular table salt and enough water to form a thin paste, then apply to affected areas. While I wasn’t as impressed with this home remedy for insect bites as I was with others, it did help to stop the itching for about an hour before I needed to reapply the paste.
While most bug bites are not serious and will end up healing on their own, if you notice any signs of infection or come down with a high fever, chills, or vomiting, you should definitely call a doctor.
However, because the majority of bug bites are not serious, these quick and convenient home remedies for insect bites can help you rest easier, and put you on the path to itch-free skin!