10 ways to ease the symptoms of insect bites

It is during the summer that, normally, mosquitoes and mosquitoes appear more frequently, causing a lot of discomfort with the bites, which cause itching, swelling and pain. This happens because, when biting the skin, the insect releases some substances in the body, such as anesthetics and anticoagulants.

Our immune system then begins to produce defense substances, including histamine, which is responsible for making the skin red and itchy. For the substance to stop being produced, an antihistamine or antiallergic is indicated. But there are other natural and effective ways to treat and soothe mosquito bites. See 10 of them:

1 – Ice

The ice pack is a good option to relieve the itching and swelling caused by insect bites, because with the low temperature of the ice, the nerve fibers that cause the “pain” (itching) are paralyzed, causing the person to do not feel the sting symptoms. Hot water also provides immediate relief from itchiness. However, when the compress is removed, the effect is opposite to that of ice: histamine is produced again, making the itching even worse.

2 – Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, also known as Tea Tree Oil, is obtained from the leaves of the plant, native to Australia. The oil has anti-inflammatory action and fights itching, swelling and pain. In addition, Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which help to prevent infections after insect bites.

3 – Vinegar

The acidity of the vinegar helps to stop the itchiness caused by insect bites. To lessen the discomfort, just dilute two or three cups of vinegar in a liter of hot water and pass over the bites. If you prefer, put a few drops of vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it directly.

4 – Honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to bringing numerous benefits to human health, it also helps in the treatment of symptoms caused by bites. To treat the itching, put a little honey on the affected area and in a short time the itching will subside.

5 – Sodium bicarbonate

In addition to being a great component to unclog toilets, baking soda helps in the treatment of insect bites. That’s because bicarbonate is an alkaline compound that helps neutralize the skin’s pH, containing inflammation, and consequently, relieving pain.

6 – Basil

Basil leaf contains two components that help relieve itching: camphor and thymol. For this to occur, simply crush the leaves, extract the juice and apply it on the swollen area. If you prefer, apply an oil with basil essence over the bite.

7 – Lavender oil

Like tea tree oil, lavender oil also controls swelling and itchiness caused by insect bites. To relieve symptoms, apply a drop or two to the bite as soon as it occurs. If that doesn’t work, mix five drops of the oil with 100g of aloe vera gel (aloe) and apply it on the skin.

8 – Water and milk

Water and milk together relieve swelling, itching and inflammation. Therefore, soak in a tissue equal amounts of water and milk and apply it on the skin. The technique also works in case of sunburn.

9 – Aloe Vera

In addition to making sunburned skin feel cool, products containing aloe vera help treat insect bites and relieve symptoms of itching and swelling.

10 – Lemon and lime

Citrus fruits such as lemon and lime have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-itch action. Both the juices and the peels fight different types of bacteria, and therefore, they also work in the treatment of inflammation caused by insect bites. The only care should be with the exposure of the skin to the sun, which can cause stains and even burns. Therefore, it is recommended that you only use citrus-based remedies instead of applying lemon juice directly to the skin.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.