It’s that time of year when you want to be making the most of the sunshine and those balmy afternoons. With a cooling drink in one hand you make your way into the backyard, listening to the meat patties sizzle on the barbecue and then it happens… You get bitten by a bloody mosquito!
Did you know that when that little insect bites you it injects a small amount of its saliva into your skin? Gross! But it’s that saliva (specifically the proteins in the saliva) that causes a mild allergic reaction and makes you want to scratch the itch.
Scratching won’t make it better though… In fact, it could make it worse. If you are looking for ways to soothe the itching mosquito bites, try these six tips instead.
If you want immediate relief reach for the calamine lotion. It’s made of zinc oxide and when the lotion comes in contact with your skin you’ll notice a cooling sensation that provides you with temporary relief from itching and discomfort.
The thing is, calamine lotion doesn’t heal your bites, so you might want to get some hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines that will reduce inflammation, redness and swelling.
However, in the advent you don’t have any of these available to you, and you’re being driven crazy by the itch, try the following home remedies.
All you need to do is take a small amount of honey and apply it directly to the bite. Honey is said to have antibacterial properties that can help with the prevention of infection.
All-natural peppermint toothpaste is said to be very effective in giving quick relief from mosquito bites. You want to let the toothpaste dry and leave for as long as possible.
This works best if applied as soon as you notice the itch of a bite. Apply a small amount of vinegar directly to the bite. If you are covered in bites, you might want to run yourself a hot tub and add 2.5 cups of vinegar. Try apple cider vinegar for the best results.
If you have a clove of raw garlic rub it on the bite. You might feel a slight burning sensation initially, but after that you should get some relief. The smell of garlic will also help repel the mosquitoes meaning you won’t be attacked.
Mixed with water, a baking soda paste is another simple remedy for the treatment of mosquito bites. Apply the thick paste generously to the affected area. It won’t be too long before your swelling and itching subsides.