We are deep into mosquito season now, and while we can hope that bug sprays are always doing their job, sometimes those stupid little pests still get you.
When a mosquito bites you, it's easily one of the most annoying feelings. You can't stop scratching no matter how much you try, and obviously as soon as you start, you end up making it ten times worse.
If you want to try and make the itching stop, there are a few things you can do. Luckily they are all simple things you already have around your house, so when you get a mosquito bite out of no where it won't be the end of the world.
1. Hot Spoon Trick
This trick is easy and fast, so you should absolutely give it a try. If you just take a regular tea spoon and put it under warm water, it'll heat it up a little bit. Then, take that warm spoon and place it on the bite.
That's it. It's that simple.
Now, be careful that the water isn't too hot, because you could easily burn yourself with the hot metal.
The warming effect of the spoon will cause the protein that the mosquito injects when they bite you to break down. The bump might still be there, but at least it won't itch anymore!
2. Cold Tea Bag
Tea bags are great at drawing toxins out of the body, so by placing a used tea bag against a bug bite, you'll find that it helps to draw out all of the residual itch.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is basically the most versatile tool in your house. For bug bites, all you have to do is add a few drops of water to some baking soda, mixing it into a paste, and then apply it directly to the affected area.
It will help balance the pH levels of the skin and reduce, if not neutralize, the itching.
4. Scotch Tape
Some people swear by the tape method. They cover up a mosquito bite as soon as they feel it with a piece of scotch tape.
Apparently they find that by cutting off the air supply and creating a "counter tension" on the bite that distracts you enough to prevent you from itching.
Dr. Monti from the Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital says that while this can work, there's a better way to do this. "If you want to give this approach a try, I recommend tightly applying a band-aid," he said. "But only do this for a day and then let the area breathe."
5. Honey
Honey is an antiseptic and will also reduce inflammation. It'll prevent the bite from getting infected, but it also help heal it quickly as well. But just make sure you wash it off before you go outside. You really don't want to have that on your skin outdoors because it'll attract more mosquitoes.
6. Oatmeal Bath
If you come inside after spending an evening by the fire and you realize you are completely covered in mosquito bites. The best way to combat the itch is by taking an oatmeal bath.
Adding a bit of oatmeal into a bath will give you the relief you need, and as a bonus you can also put a few drops of honey as well to increase the effect.
7. Aloe Vera
The cooling gel that we all know and love when it comes to treating our sunburns is also effective for stopping our bug bites from itching.
The anti-inflammatory properties will soothe any infections and will help it stop itching right away.
8. Diluted Minced Garlic
Putting raw garlic on your skin is a bad idea because it'll make the inflammation worse, but if you mince it first and dilute it with coconut oil, you'll find the anti-viral properties will help the itch go away.
9. Basil Rub
You can make your own basil oil very easily, and this oil will act as a quick relief to itchy bites.
Just boil 2 cups of water with 1/2 an ounce of dried basil leaves. Let the mixture cool, and then use a washcloth to apply it to the bites.
You can also use fresh basil leaves if you have them, rubbing them right on the bites as needed.
10. Ice
A quick fix that is easily accessible to everyone is ice. If you apply ice to the area, it'll help reduce the blood flow, stopping the itching and swelling.
Hopefully these will help you survive the mosquitoes this summer!
More from Shared:
If you aren't sure what kind of bug bite you have, this guide will help you out.
To try and keep mosquitoes away in the first place, this natural repellent works great.
Source - Men's Health / Health Line / Get Rid Of the Bad / Gardenista
