We all know mosquito bites are painful and irritating, and sometimes the treatments for them are just as bad. But you don’t have to go all the way to the store and pay a bunch of money for something that doesn’t always work. Why not try one of these great home remedies to take the itch out and get rid of those bites fast?
* Ice Packs. This is one of the easiest ways to take the pain out of mosquito bites. They reduce swelling, numb the area to get rid of pain and itching, and have none of the risks of medications or even natural cures because there’s no medicine involved.
* Vinegar and Baking Soda. Just add a bit of vinegar to baking soda, rub it into a paste and apply to mosquito bites. It will sanitize the bite and create a protective seal so the bite can heal. As an added bonus, this paste can also be used as a safe and effective cleaner all around the house.
* Toothpaste. The creamy texture of toothpaste, combined with its germ-killing power, makes it a great way to seal up and treat mosquito bites. Just dab enough to cover each bite.
* Aspirin. Taking a pain killer might help to dull the sting of a mosquito bite, but putting it right on the bite works much better. Just crush up an aspirin tablet and mix it with water until you have a paste. Plus, just like many of the other cures, it blocks out air and helps speed healing.
* Tape. If you’re looking for something with a bit less mess, try sticking a piece of tape to help seal off the bite. Just remember to use a disinfectant first so you don’t seal the germs in.
Whatever remedy you use, remember to reapply it after you shower or swim. Like any other injury, it will take a while to heal.
While these home remedies may be great for taking away the pain, swelling, and itching of a mosquito bite, they’re not going to reduce your risk of getting the debilitating and possibly fatal diseases you might contract from a mosquito. While most people know about diseases like malaria and West Nile virus, there are many other illnesses spread through mosquito bites.
The best way to prevent disease from mosquito bites is to prevent the bite from ever happening. The good news is that there are home remedies to repel mosquitoes as well as treating their bites. Here are two:
* Bleach. Sure, just applying bleach onto your skin is not a good idea. However, if you dilute it enough and soak in it, it is gentle enough not to harm you, and also has the added benefit of keeping mosquitoes away without sticky, smelly sprays.
* Vitamins. Some studies have shown that if you take daily supplements of certain vitamins, like zinc and the B vitamin thiamine chloride, mosquitoes will be less attracted to you. Just remember that it may take months for it to build up enough to be effective.
