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Mosquitoes are attacking and in this year’s humid summer more than ever. Which remedies treat painful bites and prevent skin redness or itching? Natural remedies are suitable for treating children’s, sensitive or eczematic skin; when a swelling forms — the so‑called bite — it is filled with mosquito saliva and can even fill with blood. Commonly available preparations are also almost free, you won’t spend a fortune on them like on marketed products! So what to use?
1. Baking soda
What to use on a reddened spot and an itchy swelling that arises as the body’s natural reaction? Definitely baking soda, which relieves itching in the affected area. Simply mix the soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the bite and its surroundings. After a few minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Apple cider vinegar
An antidote for a mosquito or other insect sting? Apple cider vinegar — soak it into cotton and press it onto the bite, then rinse.
3. Oatmeal
Mix oatmeal with water to make a porridge-like paste, apply the paste to the bite and its surroundings. It will relieve itching after a few minutes, then simply rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Sea salt
Stir 2 tablespoons of sea salt into a glass of water, soak a strip of cloth in it and wrap it around the bite; in a few minutes the pain and itching will subside.
5. Honey
An effective means to reduce the pain of bites — not only from mosquitoes — is homemade honey; just rub it on the affected area and leave it to work, then wash off with lukewarm water.
6. Ice
What to use to reduce swelling? Definitely ice, which soothes the skin and reduces swelling after a sting. Leave an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the bite for about 10–15 minutes.
7. Essential oils
To reduce swelling and itching you can use essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, aloe vera or oregano — not only on mosquito bites. Just dab a drop on the area.
8. Peanut paste
Peanut paste made from crushed peanuts mixed with water also acts anti‑inflammatorily. After application the irritated skin will calm down.
9. Aloe vera
A cure‑all for dermatological issues also helps with bites — simply treat them with aloe vera gel. It has anti‑inflammatory effects, reduces itching and heals the skin.
10. Lemon or lime juice
Another remedy is lemon juice; lime can also be used. Simply drop the juice directly onto the bite and spread it around — the juice effectively prevents the development of infection.
11. Slices of potato, onion or garlic
Swelling is also reduced by applying a slice of potato, onion or garlic to the puncture site for about 10 minutes.
12. Banana peel
Besides magnesium it contains a range of minerals, so it’s useful to rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected part of skin and after a few minutes you’ll get relief from pain and itching.
13. Herbs
Various herbs with anti‑inflammatory effects are also suitable for treating bites, such as plantain, nettle, chamomile, calendula or mint. Simply pour hot water over them and let steep for 10 minutes, then apply to the bite and its surroundings.
14. Soap
To quickly remove itching, rub the skin with dry or slightly damp soap and wait for the symptoms to subside, then rinse with water.
15. Toothpaste
Toothpaste works similarly; it reduces swelling and relieves itching.
