Mosquito bites have been known to be the cause of a number of complications, right from allergies to serious ailments and diseases on humans. Though there are effective ways to get rid of mosquitoes from entering your home or breeding near your living area, shielding yourself entirely from mosquito bites is quite impossible. Hence it is always best to know how to get rid of mosquito bites with simple natural remedies. To heal mosquito bites scars, it is first essential to know the symptoms and the general causes for them to occur in the first place. This article reveals the numerous home remedies for mosquito repellent and healing action and the safe methods to utilize them.
Symptoms of mosquito bites
- Soft bumps on the skin
- Pink or red itchy patches and skin rashes
- Swelling and itchiness
- Inflammation of the lymph system
- Urticaria or nettle rash
- Lesions
- Bruising near the region of bite
- Nausea and vomiting
Causes for mosquito bites
- Water stagnation in nearby area
- Mosquito infestation
- Excess sweating
- High body fat content
- Chemicals released by the body
- Skin exposure during outdoor activities
- Uncovered wounds and bruises
Effective home remedies in mosquito bite treatment
1. Green Tea
Green tea has been long known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also its well-known that ingredient in green tea leaves can act as an effective antiseptic as well. So, to quickly get rid of the itch and red patches from mosquito stings, simply dip a green tea bag in cold water and apply it over the itch to get a soothing effect.
2. Aloe Vera
The lush green, juicy leafed plant has innumerable medicine properties. Fresh cut aloe leaves when applied directly to the mosquito bite, will instantly provide a cooling effect, reduce the inflammation and moisturize and cleanse the skin. Fresh aloe juice can also be substituted if leaves cannot be obtained.
3. Oatmeal Bath
Mosquitoes are known to be most active during dawn and dusk. So if you’re preparing oatmeal for breakfast, save some for later as it can double as a remedy when mosquito bite kids at home. Applying oatmeal bath to the bitten area will effectively remove the reddishness.
4. Lemon
From removing tans to neutralizing mosquito bites, the natural citric acid present in lemons can do wonders to your skin. Simply apply the pulpy part of cut lemons to the mosquito bite to disinfect and prevent it from spreading.
5. Honey
The antiseptic properties of honey are well renowned in Asian medicinal practices. Perhaps the best use of honey is to heal insect bites, including ones caused by mosquitoes. But honey’s inherent sweetness can attract insects as well, so it is highly advised to stay indoors and wash as quickly as possible when applying topically.
6. Toothpaste
Severe mosquito bites can leave nasty scars on the skin, but this can be easily prevented with the regular-use toothpaste. Simply apply a dab of toothpaste to the affected area, let it dry and wash it off. You should see the color of your skin turning lighter in the region and a complete disappearance of the marks.
7. Sticky tapes
A sticky solution indeed, the common-variety sticky tapes can be used to get rid of inflammation and prevent infection too. Stick the tapes over the bitten area to apply pressure overnight to suppress the inflammation and to also prevent yourself from scratching the bite marks.
8. Baking soda
Baking soda can act as an effective disinfectant and also double as a repellant from further mosquito bites. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a bowl of warm water and apply it on the infected region using a swab or a cotton sponge. Also sprinkling it on the region can repel mosquitoes as well.
9. Apple cider vinegar
The excellent disinfectant properties provide another reason to keep this wonderful product handy. Just dab cotton swab with some apple cider vinegar and apply it to the mosquito bite to witness the itch disappear almost instantly. Also the active ingredients in vinegar instantly kill any bacteria that may infest on the infection as well.
10. Garlic
No proof is required to state that garlic can effectively repel mosquitoes and all other insects, but garlic can also act as an antiseptic topical medicine as well. Apply raw garlic or warm garlic oil to the skin; a little burning sensation may ensue, but soon it will extract all infection-causing pathogens from the affected area.
11. Corn flour
Similar to baking soda, corn flour is also a normal kitchen utility that can double as a disinfectant. Mix appropriate proportions of corn flour with vinegar to create a paste and apply it over the mosquito bite. Simply wash away the mask after it dries out.
12. Preparation H
A common over-the-counter ointment that can be found almost in all first-aid kits, is the perfect solution if you are looking to get rid of mosquitoes bite irritation immediately. The ointment can be applied for all infectious inflammations and instantly clears the itching sensation as well.
13. Witch hazel
The astringent nature of the witch hazel extracts can instantly remove bite marks and infections from mosquitoes. Though a burning sensation might ensue on the application, the extract will make sure that no infection will survive on the skin in the long run.
14. Salt water or ice
Water mixed with salt will provide a soothing sensation and disinfect the bitten region as well. Ice can also be used to reduce inflammation and to numb the itchy area.
15. Aspirin
Aspirin can relieve pain even when applied topically. Simply wet the aspirin tablet and rub it over the bite mark to get rid of the itching sensation, and the nasty rash as well.
16. Mouthwash
This one should definitely hurt, so go for it only when there is nothing else available, or if you simply do not have the patience. To reduce the burning sensation, dilute it with water and wash the bit area.
17. Basil
Researchers still haven’t listed out all the medicinal properties of the magical basil leaves. But all we know for now is, it is best at repelling mosquitoes and in getting rid of mosquito bites as well.
18. Soap
Washing with soap is probably the first thing you will tend to do, but it has both benefits and drawbacks. It does provide temporary relief from the itching sensation, and clears all infections in the area. But applying soap can also dry the skin and can lead to more itching later on. So it’s best to apply dry soap on the region, and wash it off with cold water.
19. Onion
Onion is a natural astringent and can work effectively against any insect bite marks. Simple apply a fresh slice of onion atop the mark and keep it there till the itch dies out.
20. Essential oils
Oil can moisturize the skin, deter further mosquito attacks, and can lift the itching sensation as well. Tea tree oil is highly recommended for mosquito bites.
Precautions to be taken to stop mosquito bites
- Beware of allergic reactions to ingredients
- Do not puncture skin when applying pressure
- Avoid using bare fingers and nails when applying remedies
- Do not apply remedies on open wounds and bruises
- Use only cold water to wash away remedies