Mosquito bites are the worst nightmare during summer and monsoon days. Not only does the affected area becomes itchy, but the bites can transmit various diseases, like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, filariasis, several types of encephalitis, chikungunya, tularemia, etc. Though every mosquito bite does not cause a disease, it is a bit difficult to identify the mosquitoes causing such diseases. At the initial stage, you will hardly find any mark or symptom from the bite. But, with time, you will notice signs like swollen bumps and itchiness.
The female mosquitoes bite human beings to suck human blood for their egg production. While sucking blood, they leave a negligible amount of saliva behind. The saliva causes uncomfortable and itchy bumps. If untreated, this itchiness and discomfort can last for two to three days. However, natural remedies can reduce itchiness and inflammation that is caused by mosquito bites.
Here are some natural remedies for mosquito bites:
Ice pack
Ice can act as a surprising and effective remedy for mosquito bites. The cold temperature reduces inflammation rate. You can use a pack of ice or ice cubes wrapped in a towel to make the affected area numb and reduce swelling. This helps to reduce discomfort and itching. You should avoid the use of ice cubes directly on the skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a well-known houseplant, with properties to heal several skin issues. The best-known property of the plant is that it reduces inflammation of the affected area quickly. You can use this super effective plant leaves for mosquito bites. Take a leaf from the plant at home; peel away the skin to collect the gel from inside. Apply the gel on the bump or swollen area to soothe it quickly. If you don’t have the plant at home, use a good quality Aloe Vera gel available in the market.
Honey
Honey has some wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. When you apply honey on skin wounds, it helps in faster healing and prevents infection. To reduce itchy bumps caused by mosquito bites, apply a little amount of honey to the affected area. Keep it for a while and then wash off with cold water. It will soothe the area quickly.
Basil
Basil is a key ingredient in many Italian cuisines. However, the leaves are also equally effective on mosquito bites. The eugenol compound present in the green leaves has a soothing effect on skin irritation. To use basil leaves for mosquito bites, boil a cup of water with some leaves in it. After boiling, leave the liquid to cool. Take a piece of cotton or washcloth and dip into the liquid. Rub the cotton, soaked in the liquid on your mosquito bites. If you do not have enough time to make the solution, use the basil leaves as alternative means. Take some fresh basil leaves and chop them finely. Once done, rub them gently on the affected skin.
Teabags
Teabags are one of the most common items found in almost every house. Used tea bags stored in a chilled place can act as a natural remedy for treating mosquito bites. The used tea bags contain natural tannins that act as an astringent. When you apply them to the bites, it helps to remove the toxins out of the skin. This results in reducing discomfort and soothing the inflammation.
Apart from the natural remedies mentioned above, there are two other common home remedies. These are:
Baking soda
Baking soda is a common item found in the kitchen. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is alkaline. As a result, when applied to infected skin, the alkaline substance neutralizes the pH level of the affected area. Thus, it helps to reduce itchiness caused by mosquito bites. To use baking soda for mosquito bites, take a teaspoon of the same and add a few drops of water to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste onto the bug bites and let it dry. After that, wash it with lukewarm water. Stop using this treatment if you notice any irritation after the application.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is less acidic than other vinegar. It helps in restoring the natural pH balance of the infected area. To get relief by using apple cider vinegar, you can either rub it on your affected skin or use it in your bath by diluting a few drops in water.
When to worry
However, sometimes the bites last longer than a week along with infection. The common symptoms of infections caused by mosquito bites are breathing problems, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, hives or swelling, etc. If you notice any such case, immediately consult a doctor.
Concluding thoughts: Precaution is always better than cure. So, keep away from mosquitoes by using necessary precautionary measures like using mosquito nets, mosquito-repellant creams, etc. are always recommended.