Home Remedies and Natural treatments for mosquito bites

When a mosquito bites us, we feel itching and scratching. Mosquitoes is leaving the saliva to feast our blood when it bites us. Mosquitoes can carry many serious diseases. Sometimes is happening not to feel when the mosquito bites you. They are living nasty bump with a persistent itch that can last with days. Mosquitoes are leaving from human and animal blood. They puncture the skin with their thin, sharp, and elongated mouthpart. After they put their mouthpart on your skin, they are sucking up the blood. Puncture is so small, and in many cases, we do not feel when mosquito bites us.

The effects from the mosquito bites can be very annoying and sometimes harmful. When you have bitten by mosquito, then you are feeling swelling, itchiness, bruising, and occasionally skin infections. In some parts of the world mosquitoes can be reason for malaria and dengue which are fatal diseases. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to wear long sleeves and long pants. But we all know that this just can be possible when is cold. In the summer, we cannot wear long sleeves and long pants, so we can just protect ourselves from mosquito bites with natural remedies.

20 Mosquito Bites Home Remedies and Natural cures

Aloe Vera

This plant is a natural antiseptic agent. This property makes it a great remedy for mosquito bites. Aloe Vera can reduce swelling, itching, and pain as well as aid in faster healing. If you want to make a remedy from Aloe Vera, then you should need to cut the meaty portion of an Aloe Vera leaf to extract the gel. If you do not have an Aloe Vera plant, then you can use Aloe Vera gel which is available in most stores. You should chill the Aloe Vera gel in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Then, you should rub this gel directly on the affected area. [1]

Salt

Salt is an easy home remedy for treating mosquito bites. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. To make a remedy of salt, you should create a paste of salt. For this paste, you should use a few drops of water and a small amount of table salt. You should apply this paste to the affected areas.

Another paste is to make from equal amounts of garlic salt, seasoning salt, and water. Apply this paste to your affected areas. In the first seconds, you might feel burning, but soon you will have great relief.

Another great option to treat mosquito bites is with natural salt. If you live in an area where you have beach, then you should go swimming to bathe yourself. The natural salt which is contained in the water will give you great relief from mosquito bites.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is good to stop itching from mosquito bites. It is alkaline in nature. Baking soda is neutralizing the pH of the skin and hence and is providing relief. In one glass of water dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda. Then, you should dip clean cotton in the mixture. Put the cloth over the affected area for 10-20 minutes. If you do not like this mixture, then there is another option for you. You should make a paste using baking soda and witch hazel. Apply this paste to the bite and leave it for 10 minutes. After the effect has passed, you should wash the area with lukewarm water. [2]

Lemon

Lemon has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are useful in treating mosquito bites. You should cut a lemon in two pieces and rub the inside of one half to relief you from the itching. Apply the lemon juice to the bites. You will avoid the chances to get more serious infections. You can also make a mixture from lemon juice and crushed basil leaves. Apply this mixture to the affected areas.

Minced onion or garlic

Onion and garlic are helping to reduce swelling and soothe the itching from mosquito bites. They have a strong smell that repels insects and mosquitoes. Apply the minced onion and garlic to the areas which are affected. Leave this mixture for a few minutes, and after that, you should wash it off. [3]

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil contains antiseptic properties that are helping to treat bacteria-infected wounds like mosquito bites and acne. It will also help you to reduce itchiness and swelling. You should use a cotton ball to apply some tea tree oil to the affected areas. But if you have sensitive skin, it is important for you to remember that tea tree oil can cause you irritation. Also, you can try essential oils like cedar oil and lavender. [4]

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an antiseptic that is used to reduce irritation caused by mosquito bites and is reducing the chances of developing in infection. You should put a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Then, rub the alcohol on the infected skin. In the first time, it might sting a little. But after this stinging you will relief from swelling and itching. In some cases, when people are not having rubbing alcohol, they use mouthwash which contains a high amount of alcohol or vodka.

Toothpaste

If you have a mosquito bite, try to help yourself with applying small amount of all-natural peppermint or neem-based toothpaste. Peppermint toothpaste has anti-inflammatory properties. You should allow the paste to dry and leave it as long as you desire it. It is minimizing the itchiness that is caused by mosquito bites. (Do not use gel based tooth paste)

Ice

Ice would relief you from the itching and keeps you from swelling more. Ice is numbing the nerves that conduct itching and pain so you do not feel either.

Honey

Honey is known for its inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is helping for many types of diseases and also is helping to relief you from mosquito bites. That is the main reason why honey is highly recommended from all experts, and it is used in different types of lotions for everyday treatment.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel in conjunction with baking soda can help you against mosquito bites. When this mixture is applied on the affected areas, it will draw fluid out and reduce the swelling at the bite. Every time is better to use this mixture instead both of this mixture to be used separately.

Aspirin

Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties. They are helping to control swelling caused by mosquito bites. You should grind a regular aspirin in powder form. Then, you should add a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave the paste for a few hours. Wash this paste with lukewarm water. Another option for you is to wet the affected areas and tub the aspirin over the bite.

Peppermint poultice

Make a paste from a peppermint poultice. You should mash peppermint leaves in a paste and apply this paste to the affected areas for a cooling sensation. Also, you can make a soothing poultice from plantain, jewelweed, or chickweed. If you do not like to use this paste, then you should chew this herb. [5]

Milk and water

This is one of the most famous remedies for mosquito bites. You should mix equal parts of water and milk. Dip a thin cloth into the concoction and then dab your skin.

Banana peel

There is chemical in the banana peel which are soothing and draw the fluid out from a bite.

Apple Cider Vinegar

When you are having mosquito bites, you should apply apple cider vinegar directly to the bump. Also, you can take a shower with a very hot tub filled 2 ½ cups of apple cider vinegar and water. Doctors are recommending organic apple cider vinegar because is safer for your health.

A dry bar of soap

When you have mosquito bites, also you can try to rub dry soap on the bitten place. It will give you relief temporary from the itching. After the itch fades away, you should wash it. You should use peppermint soap to have better results.

Essential oils

Essential oils are good for mosquito bites. There are types of essential oils such as neem, witch hazel, cedar oil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, etc. You should take a small amount of essential oil that you want to use it and dilute it with water and then apply this mixture directly to the bite. [6]

Garlic

Garlic is one of the best natural remedies for many diseases. You should rub a piece of raw garlic on the wound. In the first minutes, you can feel a small amount of mild burning, but after this period past, you will feel relief from itching. The smell of garlic can also help you to repeal from biting you later, for example, when you are out in the hot time.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains anti-irritant qualities which can relieve you from swelling and itching. Make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal quantities of water and oatmeal in a bowl to create a paste. Apply this paste to the bitten area, and after you put to stay for 10 minutes, you should rinse the area.

References:

[1] Zareen S, Khan SN, Adnan M, et al. Mixture of olive oil and Aloe vera gel: A natural
mosquito repellent and a skin moisturizer. International Journal of Mosquito Research. 2016;3(4):48-9.

[2] Zhai H, Packman EW, Maibach HI. Effectiveness of ammonium solution in relieving type I mosquito bite symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Acta Derm Venereol. 1998;78(4):297-8.

[3] Moore EL, Scott MA, Rodriguez SD, et al. An online survey of personal mosquito-repellent strategies. PeerJ. 2018.

[4] Klauck V, Pazinato R, Stefani LM, et al. Insecticidal and repellent effects of tea tree and andiroba oils on flies associated with livestock. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 2014;28(Suppl1):33-9.

[5] Ansari MA, Vasudevan P, Tandon M, Razdan RK. Larvicidal and mosquito repellent action of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil. Bioresource Technology. 2000;71(3):267-71.

[6] Lee MY. Essential oils as repellents against arthropods. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:6860271.