Avoiding mosquito bites in the summer seems almost impossible, especially for those who feel like they’re just naturally prone to them.
No matter how many times your mom told you they probably just loved your “sweet blood” when you were little, that little confidence booster has never really done much to relieve the never-ending itch after a million bites.
While you could easily run to the store and buy one of those expensive itch creams, an all-natural remedy might be right inside your pantry.
Before you risk walking outside and getting yet another mosquito bite (or 10), try one of these simple itch relievers first:
- Ice: The intense coolness of an ice cube will instantly numb the affected area, while also reducing the redness and swelling. If you happen to have more bug bites than ice cubes, try jumping into a cold shower or bath to ease the irritation fast.
- Lemon/Lime Juice: In the summer, you’re bound to have a few lemons or limes in your kitchen. But before you waste them all on your afternoon margarita, save a few for later. This fresh-squeezed juice acts as a natural anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-itch remedy. Just make sure you don’t go out in the sun with citrus on your skin, as it’s been known to cause blistering!
- Rubbing Alcohol: Just a dab of rubbing alcohol can instantly relieve the intense itchiness of mosquito bites. You can also use an alcohol wipe from a first-aid kit, or even warm water with soap.
- Baking Soda: Did you know that baking soda can help neutralize the pH of your skin in the same way it neutralizes odors? Just make a thin paste out of baking soda and water, apply it to your skin, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You should see a noticeable difference in the inflammation and itchiness once you rinse it off.
- Aloe: The cooling effect of aloe can help your skin heal after a mosquito bite just like it does when you have a painful sunburn. Just put some on the infected area to reduce redness and itchiness.
- Salt: Just a little bit of salt and warm water rubbed onto the skin will help relieve the itchiness of your bug bites super fast.
Do you know of any other natural mosquito bite remedies? If so, tell us in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2012 Mike/Flickr
