The buzzing of mosquitoes has already become a part of your daily life, especially if you are living in a tropical country like Malaysia. No matter the season, you may still find yourself scratching your skin non-stop due to a mosquito bite, but there are surefire natural and home remedies to help counter mosquito and other insect bites.
What makes a mosquito bite itchy?
Female mosquitoes are the ones responsible for your itchy red bumps. These mosquitoes suck blood from humans and animals to get the nutrients they need to produce and lay eggs(1). Using their spear-like mouths called the proboscis, the mosquito pierces through the skin to feed while injecting saliva, which causes swelling and itching in the bite area. And the more you scratch it, the more it gets itchy(2).
The severity of the skin irritation caused by a mosquito bite may vary from person to person. And that is why over the years, people have come up with various home remedies to soothe the itch caused by an insect bite. And, since people living in the tropics experience mosquito bites more frequently, here are some easy to create mosquito bite remedies you can do at home!
Cold compress
No matter how itchy it may be, you should withhold from scratching the area bitten by an insect to prevent further infections. Instead, try applying cold compress on the area of the insect bite to help ease the swelling and itch(3).
However, be careful so as to not leave the cold compress on your skin for more than five minutes to avoid skin damage.
Aloe vera
This mosquito bite remedy can be plucked from your own garden. According to a study from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Aloe vera is effective in treating inflammations. The Aloe vera gel also promotes healthy wound healing and contains antiseptic properties that ward off bacteria, virus, and fungi(4).
To use, try cutting open a small section of the plant to extract its gel. Then, apply the Aloe vera gel onto the mosquito bite and let it dry.
Baking soda
If you’ve run out of ointment cream, baking soda makes for the perfect replacement.
Baking soda is a common household product that can be used in various ways. By mixing it with water, you can get a natural mosquito bite remedy paste. This household product can also soothe itch caused by eczema, shingles, hives, and more(5).
All you have to do is apply minimal amounts on the affected area to ease itch and irritation.
Honey
According to a study from the General Medicine: Open Access Journal, honey contains several vitamins and minerals that promote wound healing and soothe inflammations(6).
To use as a mosquito bite remedy, apply a small drop of honey on the mosquito bite to soothe the itch and inflammation.
Oatmeal bath
Stressed out from the scratching all day? Relieve the stress and itch by taking an oatmeal bath.
To prepare your own oatmeal bath, you should first draw a bath with lukewarm water. Second, pour half-cup of grinded oats into it. Third, soak in the bath for no more than 15 minutes to prevent moisture loss. And lastly, gently pat yourself dry with a towel.
An oatmeal bath is not only effective for insect bites, it can also relieve itch caused by chickenpox, hives, and sunburn(7).
Lemon
There has been a rise in the popularity of drinking lemon water for healthy weight loss, but that’s not all. Did you know that lemon is also an effective mosquito bite remedy due to its anti-inflammatory properties?
To ease the itch caused by an insect bite, take a slice of lemon and rub it on the affected area.
Ointment
Look for Oinment that contains ingredients such as eucalyptus oil and camphor which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve pain and itch associated with mosquito bites.
All you have to do is apply a thin layer onto the affected area for relief. Make sure it is recommended for children 2 years old and above.
Experiencing mosquito and other insect bites may seem trivial to most people, but it can be life-threatening if one contracts mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. If you are ever in doubt of the condition or accompanying symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
References:
- Mosquito bites. (2020, June 16) Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310
- Mosquito bite symptoms and treatment. (2020, March 6) Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html
- Treat mosquito bites. (2018, May 30) Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/in-depth/health-tip/art-20049071
- Surjushe, A., Resham, V., Saple, D.G., (2008) Aloe Vera: A Short Review. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 53(4): 163–166. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- How to relieve itchy skin. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-itchy-skin
- Vallianou et al. (2014). Honey and its Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Properties. General Medicine: Open Access. 2:2. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/honey-and-its-anti-inflammatory-anti-bacterial-and-anti-oxidant-2327-5146.1000132.pdf
- How to relieve itchy skin. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-itchy-skin
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