Easy Remedies for Bug Bites

Ouch, you think as something stings, bites, sucks, or whatever just happened the back of your calf. With summer, there’s an increased risk of creepy crawlers running around and coming for your newly exposed skin. We’ve compiled a list of home remedies to help soothe your itching or painful bites.

Essential Oils

Tea tree oil can help stop your bug bites from itching. Since tea tree oil can be concentrated and acidic, you should either dilute it with water or mix it with coconut oil before applying it to the bug bite. Bonus: Tea tree oil is antibacterial, so it will help combat infection in case your wound becomes exposed due to scratching.

Honey

Honey is anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce your itching significantly. If you do not want to apply honey directly onto your skin, you can make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 4 teaspoons of honey and olive oil. This will also help relieve the itching and pain, but it won’t be as sticky as straight honey.

Lemon or Lime Juice

When using this remedy, apply a few drops onto the affected area. Lemon and lime juice act as an antibacterial itch relief, but it might sting if exposed to sunlight, so be wary of this before applying it to any bug bites you may have.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste, when applied to your skin, creates a cooling sensation. Doing this will distract your brain from the itching and pain of the bug bite, causing relief from all of your negative symptoms. Also, everyone has toothpaste on hand, so you don’t have to stress about buying this bug bite reliever.

Ice

Applying an ice cube to the bug bite can constrict blood vessels and help decrease the itchiness of the bite. If you’re worried about the ice being too cold on your skin, you can wrap it in a thin cloth, like an old t-shirt or rag.

Allergic Reactions:

Most of the time, bug bites are not severe, and the above remedies can help alleviate any pain or itching the bite may have caused. However, if you’re allergic to the bug that stung/bit you, you might have a more severe reaction. Here are some signs of an allergic reaction to a bug bite or sting:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Hives
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

If you or someone with you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten or stung by a bug, you should immediately seek medical attention.

While summer brings bugs out to play, it also brings hotter weather. Warmer weather is perfect for going outside and experiencing nature, but take precautions to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the heat. Our blog post about hiking and heat stroke can help you have the best time in the sunshine.