Healthy Diet Base Better choice for better life!
Summer’s just around the corner and that means it’s allergy and insect bite season. Bugs are easily eliminated with an insect repellent. But insect bites are an inevitable part of the season. There’s just no escaping it. If you find yourself stung or bitten by insects, these ingenious home remedies will soothe pesky insect bites away:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an all-around antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment. It will cut inflammation and soothe itchy, irritated skin. It’s an anti-microbial agent so it will prevent skin infection from incessant scratching. Before applying tea tree oil, do a patch test first. If you didn’t have an adverse reaction, then you can apply the oil directly on the affected area. If it’s too strong, dilute it with water.
Manuka Honey
Any type of organic honey will do, but we love manuka honey because it contains more potent anti-inflammatory agents. It will bring down swelling and redness. It will also eliminate itchiness and repair damaged skin caused by scratching. Just like tea tree oil, manuka honey contains antimicrobial compounds too.
Milk
That’s right, your favorite dairy drink is an effective remedy against insect bites and spider stings. It contains soothing ingredients that will soften the skin and bring down inflammation. Milk contains lactic acid too. It cuts the risk of skin infection. To use milk as an insect bite treatment, mix equal parts skim milk and water. Dip a clean cloth on the mixture and dab it directly on the affected area.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains a host of antibacterial compounds. The juice will kill microbes on contact. It also provides immediate relief from itching. If you’re using lemon juice, make sure to protect the affected area from the sun. The skin becomes more sensitive to the sun when lemon juice is applied.
Toothpaste
Mother knows best, toothpaste works as great as any insect bite ointment. It will soothe itchiness, reduce swelling and cool reddened skin. That’s because toothpaste is an astringent. The cooling sensation of mint or menthol will mask the itchiness, fooling the brain into thinking that the itchy sensation is gone.
Basil
Basil is a kitchen staple, but did you know it’s a traditional remedy for insect bites too? That’s because basil leaves contain camphor, the same cooling compound found in toothpaste. The cooling sensation masks the itchiness. Just crush several basil leaves and apply it directly on the insect bite. Pretty soon, the swelling and itchiness will be gone.
Ice
Ice that insect bite up and it won’t be as itchy anymore. Applying anything cool on the skin will constrict blood vessels. It will also reduce the body’s histamine level. Histamine is responsible for itchiness. Just apply an ice cube directly on the affected area.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Thanks to apple cider vinegar’s acidity, it neutralizes itching. It also brings down swelling and inflammation. Just saturate a cotton ball with vinegar or apply it on the affected area. You can also add three cups of apple cider vinegar on your bath water and go for a relaxing soak.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a plant-based astringent. It’s traditionally used to soothe acne-prone skin. It also does double duty as insect bite treatment. Just dab a cotton ball saturated with witch hazel on the insect bite. It will draw fluid out, reduce swelling and sooth itchy skin.