Home Remedies for Insect Bites

There are many insects whose bites or stings can cause problems. Moreover, insects spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, etc. Basically, insects can be divided into two categories: venomous and non-venomous. Examples of venomous insects includes wasps, hornets, bees, and ants. Venomous bites and stings are usually painful, rarely itchy, and may elicit strong allergic reactions in the area of the sting or bite and sometimes in parts of the body very far from the site of the bite (or sting). Non-venomous insect bites are usually non-life threatening, always itchy, rarely painful.

Using appropriate clothes (long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats) can reduce mosquitoes and other insect bites or stings, especially if you are doing activities outside your home. Also, insect repellents can be applied to clothing, shoes, to further prevent insect bites.

But what can you do if you get a few insect bites or stings and have no severe allergic reaction but that annoying itching and redness around the bite? You can use the following remedies for insect bites:

Prevent infections by not scratching and cleaning the area of the insect bite.

Apart of the itching there is the possibility of the skin to get infected if people scratch the area where the bite has occurred. Taking two precautions can eliminate this possibility: 1) do not scratch and 2) wash with soap and water. Scratching will increase the itching and can introduce microorganisms (which are always in our fingers skin and nails) to the bite area and infect it. By using soap and water and washing the skin area were you were bitten you are cleaning and disinfecting it, diminishing the possibility of infections.

Relieve itching by these common home remedies for insect bites:

Cold ice. Placing ice packs on the area of bite stings for 10-15 minutes will help relieve redness and itching

Rubbing mud. It is not understood why rubbing fresh damp mud around the area of the bite helps relieve redness and itching but I have tried this personally and it has worked out several times. (Caution: after rubbing with mud clean throughrouly with soap and water to avoid skin infections)

Use salt or baking soda pastes. You can make a paste of salt or baking soda by mixing them with a few drops of water. Once the paste has been formed you should apply it to the areas where the bite or sting has occurred. It is said that this pastes (salts or baking soda) help to draw the venom out of your body relieving the redness and itching of the insect bite. Instead of pastes you can make also solutions of salt or baking soda (1 teaspoon in a glass of water) and rub this solution over the insect bite for 10-15 minutes.

Cautionary statement. These home remedies for insect bites are intended for those bites that generate mild reactions (redness and itching) and that go away after 1-3 days. Sensitivity of persons to insect bites and stings are varied and reactions to insect bites can be severe for some. If any of the following occur after an insect bite: difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, faintness, dizziness, confusion, fast heartbeat, severe hives, nausea, cramps and vomiting, seek immediate emergency treatment (dial 911 if you can). You may have a severe allergic reaction that needs immediate emergency treatment.

Sources:

Insect Bites & Stings

Insect bites and stings: First aid