Help! A mosquito bit my arm.
Twice! And the red bumps left behind itch like the dickens! What to
do? Here are some home remedies for bug bites.
1. Baking soda – Mix a bit of
baking soda with water and coat the bite. Sodium bicarbonate will relieve
itching. (I have some smeared on my bites right now!)
2. Toothpaste – Yes,
toothpaste! Most brands of toothpaste contain menthol which alleviates itch and
swelling. Toothpaste also contains astringent ingredients that draw out fluid
from beneath the skin which helps with swelling.
3. Basil – Mince up some
fresh basil and rub it on the mosquito bites. Basil contains eugenol which
relieves itchy skin. Don’t have fresh basil? Simmer some dried basil in water
(as if you were making tea). Let the basil water cool, and then dip a cloth in
the water and apply to the bites.
4. Ice – Apply ice to the
bites to help relieve itching and swelling. Only apply ice for about 10 minutes
at a time. And never fall asleep with ice on your skin.
5. Garlic – There are
compounds in garlic that relieve itching and swelling. Place a slice of garlic
and put it on the bite. This might not be the best remedy to use with children
as garlic can sting.
6. Aloe – Keep a bottle of
aloe vera gel in your fridge. The gel will cool and help heal red, itchy skin.
Did you know you can make
your own mosquito repellent? It’s easy!
Insect Repellent
2 Tablespoons apple cider
vinegar
2 Tablespoon rubbing alcohol
2 Tablespoon water
25 drops citronella oil
25 drops eucalyptus oil
40 drops peppermint oil
Pour all ingredients into a
small spray bottle and shake. Make sure you shake before each application.
What’s your best home remedy
for bug bites?
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