Summertime brings outdoor fun, but can also lead to run-ins with creepy crawlers. When you get stung or bitten by a bug, you just want to make it better as soon as possible.
Itching, inflammation and bleeding are all signs of a bug bite. Whether it’s a mosquito or a gnat bite, they can be painful, but they’re easy to treat with the right remedies at home, and should go away over the course of a few days.
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There are a number of easily made, natural home remedies you can use to help soothe itchy bites and survive the bugs of summer.
Honey
Spreading some honey on bites and wiping away after about half an hour will help soothe the itch and reduce inflammation.
However, don’t put honey on your bites while you’re still outside – this will attract mosquitoes and other pests to you.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been known to help soothe conditions like chickenpox, sunburn and dry skin, and it works just as well for pesky insect bites.
Make a paste by adding water with oatmeal and apply to the affected area, and wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’ve really been had by the bugs, you can make an oatmeal bath but mixing a box with warm water and bathing for 15 minutes.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known for being one of the most effective remedies for sunburn – but it can also be used to calm bites.
Aloe vera has excellent anti-inflammatory properties for wounded skin, helping your bites to go down quicker than if you used nothing at all.
The cool feeling can also help with the itchiness.
Minced garlic
Garlic has wound healing and anti-viral properties and is used in creams designed to soothe itching.
Instead of running to the pharmacist for a costly cream, you can make your own easily at home.
Mince garlic and mix in with coconut oil – apply to the affected area for a few minutes, the clean.
What else can be done
A cold compress will ease any pain and help to minimise any swelling – for example, use a cold flannel or an ice pack.
If the pain and itching is persistent, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help.
If it is itchy, there are a number of things you can do to stop it.
Creams like hydrocortisone can help soothe and dry out bug bites.
Taking oral or topical antihistamines usually make good work of insect bites as well.
What should you never put on a bug bite?
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There are a few no-go ways to soothe your itchy bug bites.
Do not use baking soda, lemon, toothpaste, or vinegar on your bites.
These can all cause additional irritation, including burning and dry skin.
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