Bug bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting or bite can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction or transmit pathogens (viruses, bacteria or parasites, for example) to humans.
Most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. Rarely, insect bites and stings, such as from a bee, a wasp, a hornet, a fire ant or a scorpion, can result in severe reactions. Some insects also carry disease, such as West Nile virus.
Remedies for Bug Bites
1. Banana
Banana is very useful when it comes to itching. Take a banana and peel it. Now, place the white skin of the peel, directly on the bite. Leave it for 90 minutes. Then, wash it off and apply hand sanitizer.
2. Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with water and make a paste. Apply it on the bitten area. You can also add it in your lukewarm bath water.
Note: Avoid this home remedy if you have an open wound or cut.
3. Ice Pack
Take some ice out from the freezer and put it on the bite. This will calm down the itching.
4. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a very easy and effective remedy for bug bites. All you have to do is to take some amount of toothpaste on your fingertips and apply it directly on the bitten area. You will feel instant relief.
5. Oils
Natural oils, like tree tea oil and lavender oil can do wonder if applied on bug bites. Tea tree oil disinfects the infection. Lavender oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling and redness.
6. Mouthwash
Surprising! Isn’t it? It is right, though. Mouthwash works as antiseptic and prevents the area from infection. Take a cotton pad and dab it in the mouthwash. Keep it on the bitten area.
7. Preparation H
Apply some Preparation H on the nasty bug bite. It will help to keep the itching away and help to remove the scar.
8. Mud
Mix mud with water and apply it directly on the bite. Let it dry naturally. Wash it off afterwards. Mud will kill the itching.
9. Aspirin
Take an aspirin. Crush it and mix it with water. Make a fine and thick paste. Apply it on the infected area, and cover it with a band-aid. Your itching will go away in the next morning.
10. Onion
Take an onion. Cut it into half. Rub it on the sting and you will feel relieved.
11. Peppermint Oil
Take a few drops of peppermint oil and rub it on the bite. This will help to cool down the burning sensation, caused due to sting.
12. Garlic
Garlic contains antibiotic agents. Therefore, eat garlic. It will surely help you to get relief.
13. Sugar
Take a piece of cloth, damp it and mash a sugar cube in it. Apply it on the bitten area. This will ease the pain and remove the swelling.
14. Potato
Take a raw potato. Cut it into half and put the juicy part on the bite. This will remove the pain and itchiness. Also, it will reduce the swelling.
15. ACV (Apple Cedar Vinegar)
Take a cotton pad and dab it in ACV. Place it directly on the bite. If you do not want to hold the cotton pad, stick it with a band-aid. Within a few minutes, you will feel relief.
REMEMBER
Usually, the signs and symptoms of a bite or sting disappear in a day or two. If you're concerned — even if your reaction is minor — call your doctor if you have
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat
Dizziness, faintness or confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Hives
Nausea, cramps or vomiting
A scorpion sting and is a child