Summer is in full swing! Hotter weather, unfortunately, brings out all kinds of creeping and flying insects that can bite! Here are a few home remedies you can use to relieve the sting of bug bites.
ICE
Cold temperatures and ice can reduce inflammation. The cold also numbs the skin, which can give you immediate but short-term relief. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a cold pack or a bag filled with crushed ice to relieve the itching caused by a mosquito bite.
Don’t leave the ice directly on your bite for more than five minutes as it can damage the skin. You can also put a barrier, such as a washcloth, between your skin and the ice so you can leave the ice on the bite longer.
BAKING SODA
Found in virtually every kitchen, baking soda has a multitude of uses — from baking bread to clearing drains. Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda may also provide relief from a mosquito bite.
It’s easy to make a baking soda paste, and you can use it in a similar manner to oatmeal paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Apply it to the bug bite, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it away. If skin irritation occurs, stop this treatment.
VINEGAR
If you have an itchy bite, dab a drop of vinegar on it. The vinegar can help reduce stinging and burning sensations. It can also act as a natural disinfectant if you’ve been scratching too much. If you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite. If you have many bites, dilute 2 cups of vinegar in a tepid bath and soak for 20 minutes. Beware, a hot bath may make itching worse. If skin irritation occurs, stop this treatment.
If the itching persists, please consult your doctor to prescribe ointment to relieve the itching and inflammation.
As with everything, prevention is better than cure. If you suspect that you have a biting insect infestation, Contact Service Master to come for an inspection and to prescribe and administer the best solution for your bug infestation!
Source: https://www.healthline.com/