The rains give us much needed respite from the scorching heat but at the cost of endless traffic jams, water logging, allergies and the menace of mosquitoes. Welcome to city life where often there is much more to deal with than appreciate. When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, mosquitoes are unavoidable, especially during the monsoons. This is a time when mosquitoes come out in full force. You'll have to agree, few things are as annoying as a mosquito bite and the itching, scratching and swelling it leads to. They bite you to feed on your blood and in the process, inject certain substances that prevent your blood from clotting, which triggers a mild allergic reaction and leaves swollen, red bumps on your skin. Mosquito bites may be harmless, but these nasty bumps are itchy and can sometimes be painful. The good news is that you can get instant relief and that needs only a little bit of effort. You'd be surprised how many things you can find in your kitchen that'll help you fight that bite.
Here are 5 easy home remedies to treat mosquito bites:
1. Ice
Cold temperatures help in reducing inflammation. Do not place the ice directly in your skin, instead use an ice pack and gently put it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes. You can also put a barrier, such as a washcloth, between your skin and the ice so you can leave the ice on the bite longer.(Also Read: 10 Amazing Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays)
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera acts as a natural antiseptic. It reduces itching and swelling and aids faster healing. It is also a good cure for sunburn. Peel away the tough skin of the plant and scoop out the gel. Chill the gel for about 10-15 minutes and then rub it on your skin.3. Lime Juice
Lemons are known for their anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties. They help in reducing swelling and pain. Simply slice a lemon and rub it on the affected area. You can also make a paste of lime juice and crushed basil and apply it for a soothing effect. You can use mint leaves also, they are known for their cooling sensation.
4. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar
Being alkaline in nature, baking soda neutralises the pH levels of the affected area and helps in relieving itchiness that mosquito bites tend to cause. Dissolve a tea spoon of baking soda in water and apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water. Apple Cider Vinegar is less acidic than other vinegars and it also helps in restoring the natural pH levels. Rub it on your skin or dilute few drops in your bath to get relief.(Also Read: 8 Surprising And Interesting Ways to Use Baking Soda)
Baking soda helps in relieving itchiness that mosquito bites tend to cause.
5. Onion or garlic
These pungent ingredients help in reducing swelling and soothe the itching. Moreover, the strong aroma can keep insects and mosquitoes away. Apply minced onion or garlic on the affected area, leave it on for few minutes and then wash off.6. Salt
Salt is an easy remedy to treat mosquito bites. It is helpful because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix some salt in water and apply the liquid on the affected area. Another option is to make a paste using garlic salt, seasoning salt and water in equal amounts. Apply this paste onto the affected area.7. Honey
Dab some honey on the bite. Honey has antibacterial properties and so it can prevent the bite from getting infected. It's best to use local, raw honey. A small drop of raw honey on an itchy bite can reduce the inflammation. Moreover, it will reduce your temptation to itch, as itching skin covered in honey can create a sticky mess.(Also Read: Why Raw Honey and Not Just Honey?)
Honey has antibacterial properties that prevent the bite from getting infected.
8. Essential Oils
Some essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, lavender, neem and cedar can help give temporary relief for a mosquito bite. These are natural oils obtained by distillation which gives them the characteristic odour of the plant. Dilute small amounts in water and gently rub on the affected area.Besides the above home remedies for mosquito bites, Dr. BN Sinha suggests the following Ayurvedic precautions that you can take -
- Combine chandan lakdi, loban (benzoin powder) and kapur to make an aromatic incense (dhoop). Burn it and let the fumes spread across the house. This acts as a great mosquito repellent.
- Blend Amrita or Giloy leaves to make a juice and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning for two-three days. The juice cleanses your body and removes toxins.
- After dinner, drink hot milk with a pinch of turmeric to boost your immunity.
- Massage mustard oil mixed with camphor on the affected area to lessen swelling.