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Just when you begin to enjoy the freshness brought about by the rains, you realize that your streets are flooded, and the stagnant water has become the most adored hangout spot for mosquitoes. The result? Mosquito bites and itching. With mosquitoes being one of the major cause of some of the most infectious diseases, it is best to steer clear of these monstrous beings. And that’s not it. Some unfortunate people also experience constant itching following a mosquito bite. Worry not, we have some remedies to solve the issue.
Home Remedies For Mosquito Bites
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that also possesses insecticidal and repellent properties. It not only helps ward off mosquitoes but also relieves the itching and swelling that accompany a mosquito bite. Other than this, tea tree oil is also a proven remedy for various skin ailments due to its antimicrobial properties.
You’ll Need:
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)
Process:
- Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Massage this mixture into the affected area.
- You must do this once or twice.
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Honey
Honey is one of the best remedies for various ailments. It possesses a wide range of properties that give it an edge over other ingredients. While the antimicrobial properties of honey can prevent infection, its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential can help you get rid of that itchy mosquito bite easily.
You’ll Need:
- Honey
Process:
- Take a little honey on your fingertips and apply it on the mosquito bites.
- You can do this 1-2 times until you get relief.
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Basil Leaves
Basil exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties due to the presence of acetone and petroleum ether. These properties are quite helpful in soothing itchy and inflamed skin. The strong aroma of basil also acts as a mosquito repellent.
You’ll Need:
- A few basil leaves
Process:
- Mince the basil leaves.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- You can do this right after you are bitten by a mosquito.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that exhibits healing properties due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling nature. Hence, if you are bitten by a mosquito and the bite begins to itch, apple cider vinegar is the way to go. Its antimicrobial properties can also prevent infections that may arise with the constant scratching of the affected area.
You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cold water
Process:
- Mix apple cider vinegar and cold water in equal quantities.
- Dip a washcloth in this solution and apply it directly to the mosquito bite.
- You can do this 1-2 times.
Aloe Vera Gel
The healing properties of aloe vera are not unknown. This therapeutic herb can soothe your skin and provide immediate relief from mosquito bites with its anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera is also beneficial in treating bug bites and burns. You can store it in your refrigerator as cold aloe gel is all the more soothing.
You’ll Need:
- Aloe vera gel
Process:
- Take a little aloe vera gel and apply a thin layer of it on the mosquito bites.
- Allow it to dry and reapply as required.
- Do this 2-3 times daily until you get relief.
Baking Soda
The major component of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, an alkali that can balance the pH of your skin and soothe itching and inflammation. The antibacterial properties of baking soda ensure that there is no further infection on the itchy patch of your skin.
You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 glass of cold water
- A clean washcloth
Process:
- Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of cold water and mix well.
- Soak a clean washcloth in this solution and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave this on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your skin with plain water.
- Do this once.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil provides a cooling and soothing effect when applied topically. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil reduce the itching and swelling in the affected area, and its strong aroma may act as a mosquito repellent.
You’ll Need:
- 2-3 drops of peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (optional)
Process:
- Dab some peppermint oil directly on the mosquito bite.
- If you have sensitive skin, mix peppermint oil with coconut oil and then apply.
- You need to do this only once or twice to get rid of the itching.
Coconut oil
When applied topically, coconut oil forms a protective barrier on your skin and prevents infections. This is mainly because of the high content of fatty acids and polyphenols in it. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and barrier functions, which can prevent itching from mosquito bites and also act as a natural repellent.
You’ll Need:
- Coconut oil
Process:
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil directly to the mosquito bite.
- Do this 2-3 times.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural healing agent and is widely used to treat a variety of ailments. The presence of curcumin in turmeric is what makes it beneficial in so many ways. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that can be of great help in soothing and healing itching. The strong aroma of turmeric also functions as a natural mosquito repellent.
You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1-2 teaspoons of water
Process:
- Mix turmeric powder with water to make a thick paste.
- Apply this paste directly to the mosquito bite and allow it to dry.
- Wash it off with plain water.
- You must do this once.
Toothpaste
Toothpastes usually have a minty menthol or peppermint flavor, which soothes your skin and relieves itching. They also have astringent properties and can reduce swelling and inflammation on your skin that may have arisen from a mosquito bite.
You’ll Need:
- Toothpaste
Process:
- Apply a little toothpaste on the affected area.
- Do this at least twice a day.
Lemon
Lemons are highly acidic and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the mosquito bite. This can help in reducing the inflammation and swelling while also relieving the itch caused by the bite.
You’ll Need:
- 1/2 lemon
Process:
- Take a lemon and cut it in half.
- Rub one half of the lemon directly on the affected area.
- Leave the juice on for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Wash it off with plain water.
- Do this once, right after a mosquito bites you.
Since mosquito bites cannot be prevented altogether, it is best to take the necessary precautions to prevent itching from these bites. These remedies will give you the desired effects. However, if you happen to live in an area known for mosquito-borne diseases, try and take maximum precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes as some of the infections spread by these can be life-threatening.
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