A Few Natural Remedies for Your Summer Bug Bites

[disclosure]

It’s a good Monday!

I’m headed to the airport in Bermuda to head back home to Texas.  Interestingly, Bermuda has no mosquitos! Unlike Texas.

In honor of the Texas mosquitoes that I will sadly be coming back to, today we look at natural bug bite remedies.

Summer’s Here!  Get Prepared for the Inevitable Bug Bites

Summer is the time of year when people are out soaking up sun and engaging in fun outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, taking trips to the beach, and exploring other parts of nature.

While the warm air, sunny skies, and free time may be just what the doctor ordered, summer is also a time when people are most susceptible to bug bites.

While generally harmless, bug bites can be troublesome and painful, too. They can show up just about anywhere on the body and can leave you feeling itchy and sore for days or even weeks, not to mention the unsightly scars they can leave behind.

There are plenty of ointments, creams, and sprays available to prevent and treat summer bug bites, but they’re often filled with harsh chemicals.

For those who don’t want to suffer from their bug bites but also want to avoid chemical treatments, there are natural remedies to try that may get the job done.

Some Natural Remedies

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which means it helps to kill bacteria. Some people use witch hazel for acne and blemishes, but it can also be incredibly effective for itchy bug bites. Simply soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and daub the affected area. It should relieve pain and itching and also reduce any swelling and inflammation. Witch hazel can be found at your local grocery.

Ice (Packs)

It may sound simple, but a common ice bag can help soothe and heal summer bug bites. To tackle the swelling and itching that may occur from bites, stings, and rashes, apply a homemade ice pack. The best way to do this without causing harm is discomfort is to put some ice in a plastic baggy (or frozen veggies), wrap the pack in a towel, and apply directly to the affected area. The towel should help the skin from getting too cold too quickly, which can lead to pain and further injury. Just the right amount of cold therapy can reduce swelling and soothe itching.

Tea Tree Oil

Refreshing and fragrant, tea tree oil is a great for treating itchy, swollen insect bites. Only a little bit of this oil is needed; simply dip a Q-tip or soak a cotton ball and apply directly to the bite. This remedy should take away the itch and pain of most summer bug bites.

Cornstarch/Baking Soda

Both of these are common natural remedies. You can make a thick paste with either by simply mixing with water and mixing well. Once the mixture is done, apply to the bite or sting and wait. The itch should disappear soon!

Lemon Juice

Fresh juice from a recently cut lemon is a great way to treat painful stings and bites. Cut a slice and place over the bite. It may sting a little at first but the Vitamin C present in this citrus fruit will help reduce pain and promote healing.

Garlic

It may sound strange, but garlic is a wonderful way to stop painful insect bites. Simply mash the clove of garlic and rub it directly into the bite. The pain should instantly go away and any swelling should be reduced as well. You may mind the smell, but this one is a quick fix!

Toothpaste

For both bug bites and pimples, toothpaste is an effective treatment option because of some of the ingredients like baking soda or menthol. Safe and gentle, toothpaste can dry out inflamed bug bites and reduce swelling. White toothpaste is best, but any type you use can do the trick.

Mustard/Ketchup

Ordinary yellow mustard, ketchup, and other condiments can reduce pain and swelling as well and help the bite heal much more quickly. The reason is not totally clear.  Also, for poisonous bites and stings, mustard may help draw out any toxins fairly quickly.

Charcoal

Pure charcoal can help remove impurities from a summer bug bite by drawing out toxins and venom. Mix the charcoal (not hot charcoal!) with a little water until it creates a fine paste. Once done, rub the paste into the bite, then cover with a band aid (it stains!), and allow it to heal. This should remedy both itching and swelling fairly quickly.

Mud

Surprise! Mud has other uses besides covering your previously clean children and floors! Mud is a perfect remedy if your bite occurs while out at the beach or when camping. This all-natural remedy helps stop itching and swelling and creates a sort of natural band aid to protect the bite from further irritants. When rubbed into the bite, it brings relief very quickly.

These are helpful home remedies for most bug bites. However, if you develop an allergic reaction—either to the bite itself or one of these remedies – contact a doctor. Also, if you are not sure what bite you or you are worried about your bite, get it checked by a healthcare provider.

Avoid the bugs! Have you ever used any of these methods for dealing with bug bites? Tell us about it in the comments!

I will put a post up later this week about Bermuda!

Have a great day!

Loving Life–The Reboot!

Dominique

This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medical advice should always be obtained from a qualified medical professional for any health conditions or symptoms associated with them.