Mosquito Bites Home Remedies

Mosquitoes are flying insects which cause many diseases like malaria, yellow fever and dengue. They bite on the exposed surfaces of our body like the face, hands, forearms and feet. While biting, they release saliva which contains proteins that trigger immune response in our body. Our body releases histamine, a chemical substance responsible for allergic reactions causing a red bulge and itching.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

It is important that you take protection from being bitten by mosquitoes. However, it should be your primary goal to get rid of mosquitoes in the first place. Plants that repel mosquitoes are Citronella Grass, Catnip, Rosemary and lavender among others. The aroma of these plants keeps the mosquitoes away. Use mosquito nets in windows which do not allow the mosquitoes to come in. Mosquito repellent ointments can be used on the exposed parts of the body. These creams are not only sweet smelling, but non-sticky, too. Also get rid of long standing water reserves in and around your house as these become the best breeding places for mosquitoes, thus aggravating the problem further.

Home remedies

• Ice cubes aid in reducing the swelling and redness. Ice blocks the histamine from penetrating your skin.
• Make a consistent paste of baking soda and water and apply it over the infected area. Baking soda is a good cleaning agent.
• Witch Hazel has antiseptic and astringent properties. A paste of witch hazel and baking soda eliminates the itching when applied.
• A crushed oatmeal bath helps reduce the inflammation and itching. It is also a softening agent.
• Dab apple cider vinegar with the help of cotton on the rash. It relieves the skin from itching and reduces the rashes within a few minutes. Vinegar too, has anti-itch properties.
• Calamine lotion consists of zinc oxide and iron oxide which diminishes the irritation.
• Aspirin dissolved in water reduces redness and the size of the swelling. Aspirin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Put some tea leaves in hot water. After some time, cool the tea leaves and apply on the bitten area directly. It helps reduce the swelling.
• Mushy banana peel can also be used for treating irritated skin.
• Rub the squashy side of lemon against the bite. It alleviates the rash and itching. Bleach on the affected area also works well.
• Apply peppermint toothpaste on the affected area till it dries.
• Garlic can keep mosquitoes at bay. Onion helps to get rid of the irritation.
• Apply honey on the infected part. Honey, being a natural antibiotic cures infections.
• Antihistamine hinders the action of histamine in the tissues. You can use antihistamine cream which reduces the symptoms of allergic reactions.
• Mixture of almond oil and vinegar reduce the itching. Never scratch the itchy area as it will spread the infection.
• You can always use Vicks, hand sanitizers, mentholated ointments or deodorants. You will get a burning sensation for the first few minutes but it will immediately reduce the itching.

Herbal Remedies

1. Apply a few drops of lavender oil on the affected area. If the swelling does not go, keep applying more drops until the swelling goes completely. Mixture of lavender oil and vegetable oil is a useful home remedy.
2. Apply few drops of the tea tree oil in cotton swabs over the bite. It heals the infection from deep inside and cures it completely.
3. Eucalyptus oil is a good pain reliever. It reduces swelling.
4. Aloe vera gel paste helps to reduce the spread of the infection. It heals the infection fast.
5. Sandalwood paste gives a soothing effect and reduces the swelling.
6. Crush basil or plantain leaves and apply the concoction on the swelling. Basil leaves help in reducing the itching sensation. Plantain is an anti-inflammatory agent.
7. Tansy oil is antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory in nature. Pennyroyal oil has antiseptic properties.

True, mosquitoes have become a threat to the human population, due to the dreadful diseases they can cause. The aforementioned mosquito bites home remedies can definitely help in treating the insect bites. But prevention is always better than cure.