Here we have listed simple home remedies for mosquito bites.

Mosquito bites are itchy, painful and irritable, leading to swelling and bumps on the skin. Have you ever thought why mosquito bites are so itchy, so discomforting? This is because mosquito bites leave small amount of saliva into the wound to prevent your blood from being clotted. Our body’s defense system reacts to this foreign substance by producing a protein termed as histamine. Histamine causes inflammation that is experienced around mosquito bites which is coupled with the itching. Rushing for anti-itching medications or soothing ointment may be a first thing. Luckily, your kitchen is full of the home remedies helping you ease itching and inflammation.

Oatmeal:

Oatmeal is an effective home remedy for mosquito bite as it eases itching and swelling, thanks to its “anti-irritate” properties. And it is easy to make.

Make an oatmeal paste by grinding oatmeal with water till you get a spackle like substance. Apply the paste on the skin. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse off the paste.

Oatmeal bath is beneficial if you have many bites. Add 1 cup of oatmeal or ground oats into a bathtub full of warm water. Soak in the oatmeal bath for 20 minutes covering the affected part.

Crushed Ice:

Ice compress eases skin inflammation. It also numbs the skin which gives you immediate relief. However, the ice shouldn’t be directly applied to the site as it can worsen the burning sensation. According to Mayo Clinic, the cold pack or a bag filled with crushed ice should be applied to the affected place.

Toothpaste:

If nothing is available, use toothpaste. It cools down the itching as it contains menthol ingredients. If your toothpaste contains baking soda, it is even more effective as baking soda is alkaline in nature, meaning that it neutralizes the pH of the skin which in turn provides relief from itching.

Apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the affect area. Once it dries, the layer flakes off when you touch it. Use cool water to remove it. However, make sure to check the toothpaste on your skin patch for sensitivity.

Not all toothpastes are beneficial as they maycontain skin harming ingredients. Therefore, it would be better to test toothpaste on your skin patch before using to determine the reaction.

Aloe Vera Gel:

Aloe vera is cool and soothing in nature, making it an effective natural remedy for mosquito bites. As an added bonus, it promotes healing and helps keep the skin moisturized. Apply aloe vera gel over the bite and rub it. You can also extract the gel from aloe vera plant.

Essential Oil:

Some essential oils have therapeutic value to ease minor skin problems like itching.

• Tea tree oil not only soothes itching and pain, but also helps prevent swelling and infection. Make sure to use it in a dilute form (1 part tea tree oil with 5 parts water) on your bite.
• Lavender or coconut oil is known for their healing properties. Just apply them on the bite using a cotton bud.

Organic Honey:

Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing content. It is very easy to use. Just dab it onto the bite and leave it on. However, cover it with a dressing to protect it from dirt.

White Tea and Chamomile Tea Bags:

Putting a tea bag is a traditional way to ease skin itching and inflammation as well. It works for all bug bites including bee stings and mosquito bites. White tea contains anti-inflammation properties. You can place used and cold tea bag right on the affected area. It not only eases inflammation, but also soothes the itch. Use white tea or chamomile tea as they are considered as great topical treatment for many skin issues, thanks to their antiseptic, antioxidant and polypheolic properties, including luteolin, quercetin and apigenin.

Baking Soda Paste:

Baking soda is also a great skin remedy as it reduces irritation and promotes healing as well. It is useful to draw out the toxins and fluids under the skin which cause swelling.

Basil Leaf:

Basil has proven to repel mosquitoes. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, thereby easing the swelling caused by mosquito bites. According to a 2008 study, basil contains camphor and thymol which soothe the mosquito bites.

Take some fresh leaf and crush them to make the paste. Use this on your bite to get relief. Alternatively, you can use basil essential oil to treat the mosquito bites.

Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is often associated with the health wellness in the form of weight loss and blood sugar. This remedy is also useful in easing mosquito bites. You can directly apply small amount of vinegar to the bump. If there are multiple bites, you should take a bath in a tub filled with water and 2 cups of vinegar.

Know When to See a Doctor:

Getting a mosquito bite is totally normal unless it is given by mosquitoes carrying serious diseases. Such mosquitoes transfer the virus or parasite into your body through their saliva. Visit your physician if you experience the following signs after getting a mosquito bite:

• Fever
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Joint and muscle aches
• Vomiting

You should tell your doctor if you got mosquito bites while traveling. It helps doctor to tell if you have a mosquito borne illness like malaria and yellow fever.

Precautions are Important:

Given that some mosquito bites are harmful, it is better to follow the precautions to minimize the risk.

• Wear long sleeve pants and shirts while in the mosquito borne places.
• Use bug repellent on your skin and clothes.
• Use mosquito net if there is no screens on the windows.
• Don’t let the water collect in tires, shells, bins or other container.