Insect bite and sting from bees, wasp, spider and hornets are usually itchy, painful and annoying. There can be redness and swelling also. Bites caused by fleas, mosquitoes and mites cause itching and pain. The red, itchy, swollen lump is the body’s allergic reaction to the insect’s saliva from a bite and the condition me aggravate if you keep scratching the area.
Here are the top remedies for bug or insect bite:
MINCED ONION OR GARLIC
Onion and garlic help reduce swelling and soothe the itching caused by bug/insect bites. Moreover, their strong smell repels insects and mosquitoes.
How to use: Apply minced onion or garlic directly onto the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wash it off.
ICE
Cold temperature limits the distribution of inflammatory substances to the bite site and numbs the area giving you immediate relief from various symptoms.
How to use: Hold an ice pack or some ice wrapped in a washcloth on the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will give you quick relief from the swelling as well as itchiness. If ice is not available, hold the affected area under a cool running tap for a few minutes. You can also hold a cold bottle of water or a bag of frozen vegetables on the bite.
WITCH HAZEL
Witch hazel is a liquid astringent that you can get from a drug store. Mostly used as a facial cleanser, it can also help calm itching caused by bug/insect bites because it contains tannins that have a mild anaesthetic effect.
How to use: Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel. Place it on the affected area. Remove the cotton ball after 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
TEA BAGS
Use cool tea bags to draw fluid out of a bite to reduce itching and swelling.
ALOE VERA GEL
Succulent aloe vera gel is soothing for your skin. Its active compounds and amino acids help ease itching and burning caused by bed bug and other insect bites. It also aids healing the skin by keeping it moisturized.
How to use: Rinse an aloe vera leaf and slit it open. Scoop out the gel and apply it on your bed bug bites. Store the remaining gel in the refrigerator. Apply it a few times a day for a couple of days.