“There is no want for topical steroids, calamine lotion, or Benadryl,” says dermatologist Keira L. Barr, MD, founder and chief wellness officer of Resilient Health Institute. “Simply look in your kitchen for some ‘in a pinch’ pores and skin reduction for bug bites.”
Whether or not you wish to take a shower for bug bites or dab on some options you have already acquired hiding in your cupboards (like witch hazel, tea tree oil, or baking soda), we have you lined. Hold studying for six derm-approved house cures for bug bites that itch and swell.
What to know earlier than attempting house cures for bug bites
Earlier than we dive into the house cures for bug bites that itch and swell, it is essential to notice that there are some bites that may require extra severe medical consideration. Whereas mosquito bites are often simply identifiable as an itchy, crimson bump in your pores and skin, there are others that may be extra severe. For instance, tick bites—which may depart behind a tell-tale “bulls-eye” rash—can even unfold Lyme illness or Rocky Mountain noticed fever, relying on the kind of tick. Moreover, in case your bug chunk comes with a side of fever, swelling, or joint pain, search medical consideration instantly relatively than reaching for a pure treatment.
To stop bugs from feasting in your candy flesh within the first place, there are a few things you can do. Cowl up (particularly your legs and arms) if you’re out strolling or climbing to discourage ticks, mosquitos, and fleas, and all the time keep in mind to put on bug spray. Citronella candles and moveable followers if you’re sitting exterior are all the time an excellent choice, too.
That stated, generally bugs simply like to chunk… so listed below are some dependable house cures for bug bites that truly work, in line with specialists.
5 house cures for bug bites that promise fast itch reduction
1. Oatmeal bathtub for bug bites
You know the way oatmeal baths are a should if you come into contact with poison ivy? It is also a soothing—and tremendous stress-free!—manner to assist with itchiness from bug bites. Particularly in case you have them throughout your physique.
“Colloidal oatmeal is solely oats which have been floor and boiled to extract their skin-healing properties,” Barr says. “Oatmeal is wealthy in antioxidants, nutritional vitamins, minerals, and lipids. It is anti-inflammatory with itch-relieving advantages, helps restore the pores and skin barrier, moisturizes the pores and skin, and reduces irritation to appease irritated and itchy pores and skin because of any trigger.” So slip into an oatmeal bathtub for bug bites, and really feel the reduction wash over you (pun very a lot meant) nearly immediately.
2. Baking soda for bug bites
Rubbing baking soda on bug bites in all probability is not one thing you wish to do earlier than you head out for the day, but it surely’s the right house treatment for bug bites when you’ve got a number of hours of chill time. “Add a number of drops of water to some baking soda, combine it right into a paste, apply it straight onto bug bites, and permit it to dry,” Barr says. “The alkalinity of baking soda may help neutralize the pH of an contaminated space and cut back itching.”
3. Witch hazel for bug bites
Witch hazel is thought for being able to clear up pimples like magic, and it is also nice to have readily available for itchiness, in line with Barr. Merely apply a small quantity of witch hazel extract on to the pores and skin with a cotton ball, or dilute it in a service oil—like coconut or jojoba—to create a cream that may assist with itching, irritation, and irritation.
“Witch hazel is a kind of plant native to North America, and its bark, twigs and leaves are wealthy in polyphenols and tannins, that are added to water or alcohol to make a concentrated product referred to as witch hazel extract,” Barr explains. “Whereas the tannins give witch hazel its astringent properties—eradicating oil from the pores and skin and killing micro organism in our pores, making it a go-to for zits therapy—the polyphenols, together with proanthocyanidins, present anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe itching, cut back irritation, and pace up therapeutic.”
4. Tea tree oil for bug bites
Like witch hazel, tea tree oil is legendary for its acne-fighting powers, however it may really be super soothing for itchy bug bites, too. Merely apply a number of drops (plus a service oil) to a cotton ball or pad, then dab on the chunk.
5. Frozen popcorn kernels, peas, or ice cubes for bug bites
It seems anything cold is your BFF relating to eliminating itchiness. “Ice cubes or a frozen bag of peas or popcorn kernels generally is a surprisingly efficient treatment for mosquito bites,” Barr says. “The ice numbs the world and helps management swelling. Wrap the cubes in a towel and press in opposition to your bites for 10 minutes, or for so long as you may tolerate.”
6. Natural tea baggage for bug bites
These tea baggage in your cabinet can be utilized for a lot greater than a heat and comfortable beverage.
“Chamomile, calendula, and green tea supply anti-inflammatory advantages,” Barr says. “Inexperienced tea is wealthy in polyphenols referred to as catechins, which assist cut back irritation, redness, and swelling. Along with polyphenols, the pure tannins in tea act as an astringent, drawing toxins out of the pores and skin and serving to to minimize your discomfort. Simply press a used tea bag in opposition to your bites till the itching subsides.”
This story was initially printed on June 19, 2019. It was up to date on June 1, 2022.
For much more reduction, check out these essential oils that can help soothe itchiness. Whilst you’re at it, additionally find out which essential oils are best at relieving inflammation.
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