5 Natural Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are low grade forms of pain, which can be annoyingly itchy. Say goodbye to the itch with the right home remedies for mosquito bites.

Aside from flying around, feasting on your blood, and buzzing annoyingly near your ears, mosquitoes like to leave a reminder that they were there – red swelling bumps that itch like crazy. While mosquito bites are a common nuisance that you have to deal with after a good romp outside during summer nights, it can also annoy the heck out of you when you realize that you have to deal with their aftermath even after the bite itself.

Why do Mosquito Bites Itch?

The mosquito bites swell due to the body’s defense to allergic reactions and is a rather low grade form of pain. When this happens, the area then becomes red, starts to swell, and itches and if you continue scratching them you can break the skin, which can lead to an infection.

The best way to deal with mosquito bites is to prevent itching in the first place. This means using lotions and other products that can ward off mosquitoes. However, you cannot always prevent bites from happening, so there are products that you can use to help reduce swelling and itching.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to run out to the pharmacy for relief from mosquito bites. Here are some natural remedies for mosquito bites with ingredients that you can find at home.

#1 Aloe Vera

The gel extracted from an aloe plant is a great way to deal with the itching and swelling. Stash some aloe vera in the fridge so that you can deal with the itchiness, swelling, and redness with one swoop. Aloe vera naturally contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so you can also cleanse the bite by applying the gel. As a bonus, it helps to hasten the healing process and reduces the chances of scar development.

#2 Onion

onions

This one will make you cry – in relief! Even though chopping onions can make your eyes water, it can also effectively take away the sting that accompanies a mosquito bite. All you have to do is place freshly sliced onions on the affected area in order to feel the relief from the itch and the sting. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly afterwards because it may leave a strange smell on your skin.

#3 Citrus

Limes, lemons, and even oranges can help to disinfect the mosquito bite. Doing so is simple – just squeeze the juice from any of these fruits and apply it to the affected area. Citrus fruit juice is helpful because, aside from helping with the itch, it also helps to disinfect the area, which may be a breeding ground for infection – especially if the skin has already broken due to excessive scratching. Some people prefer to rub the peel of the citrusy fruits on the bite. That is okay, too!

#4 Garlic

Garlic is a good way to alleviate the stinging and itching of the mosquito bite. However, aside from addressing the itch, it also contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help you to keep the area clean.

Simply put some raw slices of garlic on the affected area and leave it for several minutes. This tip comes with a warning though: It may cause some mild burning and discomfort. Studies also show that the smell of garlic is a natural mosquito repellant, so putting some on your skin will also prevent mosquitoes from biting you again – for the time being.

#5 Essential Oils

rosemary oil

Most of us regularly use essential oils for aromatherapy purposes, but the right essential oil can also provide temporary relief from mosquito bites. You can choose from rosemary, neem, witch hazel, cedar oil, and tea tree oil. All you have to do is dilute a small amount of the essential oil of your choice with some water. Mix it thoroughly and apply the mixture directly to the affected area. Be warned that you may have to repeat the application a few times since it is only a temporary fix.

These are just a few home remedies for mosquito bites that you can try and that should cost you virtually nothing at all. Have you tried any of these – or any other natural mosquito bite treatments? Let us know what they are by sharing your experience on the comments below.

About the author

Justine R

On an eternal quest for happiness, Justine tries to lead a positive lifestyle by giving back to the universe and following natural approaches to parenting, health, food and beauty. When she's not on the beach, she keeps herself fit (and sane) by running and doing yoga.

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