When the itching gets tough, these household items will cool your spirits and your bites.
When you think of summertime, you tend to think of BBQs, pool parties and spending time with family and friends outdoors. Unfortunately, these days outdoors can come back to bite you – literally. So what can you do to stop the intense burn and itch of a mosquito bite without rushing to the nearest drug store? You’ll be pleased to know that there are natural cures already in your home. We’ve listed below six natural remedies for after the mosquito bite.
1. Ice
It might seem too simple – but this cold sensation actually numbs the nerves that conduct itching and pain so you won’t feel either. Rubbing the ice on the bite will provide much-needed relief from itching and keep the bite from swelling more.
2. Slapping or pinching
It sounds a little out there, but it works! Slapping can be a greater form of a pain than itching. Since the brain can only register one feeling at a time, you can get short-term relief from the itch once the pain of the slap takes over. We’ve even heard that the pain of creating an X with your nail onto the bite can help subside the itch. This tip stays true to the saying – No pain, no gain.
3. Baby Powder
At night, apply baby powder to the bite and then cover it up with a soft cloth or plastic. By keeping this overnight, the baby powder will dry out the toxin and provide relief to the skin. Surprisingly, this relief can occur almost immediately.
4. Toothpaste
Dab some toothpaste on the bite and leave it for a couple of hours. This will not provide immediate relief but it will reduce with time. Wash it off with cold water. Similar to baby powder, toothpaste will also dry out the bite. Even better, if you use mint or peppermint flavored toothpaste, the menthol will create a cooling sensation on your skin. Note, this will not be effective with gel toothpaste.
5. Lemon or Lime juice
These juices are antibacterial and will provide the relief you are desperately seeking. Make sure to not apply the lemon or lime juice in the sun, as the juices will burn your skin.
6. Alcohol
To be clear, we’re talking rubbing alcohol or anything with a high concentration of alcohol. Mouthwash and even hand sanitizer can work just as well. The alcohol will evaporate on the bite and the evaporation creates cooling. This cooling sensation can help overpower the itch and even disinfect the bite.
These simple tips will help make your summer much brighter – and some might even make it a little cooler. Would you prefer to not hear your children whine over their bites? Platinum Mosquito Protection offers a free onsite consultation to help your family live life without mosquitos®. Contact us today to book your session!
