Insect bite (Itchiness)

Applying cold things onto the affected area can reduce itchiness and numb the skin. This way, you will get immediate, but short-term relief. 

It's better to apply a cold pack or a bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a washcloth. However, don’t leave it directly on the skin too long since it can damage the skin. 

Tamanu oil is extremely efficient in relieving pain and itching from bites very fast, reducing the chance of an infection, and healing the skin quickly. Therefore, you should have it ready when going hiking or camping.

Simply put some Tamanu oil onto a cotton ball and dab the bite with the oil. The itching will stop in a few minutes. Applied a few times a day for a couple of days, Tamanu oil can heal the bite or sting completely.

Tamanu oil can be found online and in natural food stores.

Manuka oil is an increasingly popular first aid remedy as it stops the pain caused by bites and stings, and helps fight infections. Keep Manuka in your medicine chest, right beside the Tamanu oil. 

Simply put some Manuka oil onto the cotton ball and dab the bite with the oil.

It is available online and at natural food stores. 

Bracken fern is a commonly used herb for insect bites. It will quickly relieve the pain caused by bites.

What to do:

1. Find and pull out a green Bracken Fern.
2. Snap the root of the fern until you can see sticky white milky gel come out.
3. Rub it on the bite. It should stop the pain almost instantly.

Baking soda can relieve the itching due to the fact that it is a strong alkaline. 

What to do: 

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 pint (a bit short of half a liter) of warm water.
2. Gently apply the mixture  onto the affected area with your fingers, a cotton swab, or a cotton ball.
3. Leave it there for 5-7 minutes.
4. Wash off with warm water.

Such easy home remedy as vinegar (apple cider vinegar is preferable) is able to greatly reduce itching due to its acidity. 

Simply put a few drops on a cotton ball or a cloth and wipe the bites. 

Honey possesses antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can prevent infection of a bite as well as reduce discomfort caused by itching. 

What to do:

1. Take a Q-tip or a cotton ball and dip it into honey;
2. Apply a thin layer onto the bite, covering it completely;
3. Don't wash away the honey, until you feel better.

Oatmeal is able to alleviate discomfort caused by itching and swelling due to some special compounds with anti-irritant qualities.

What to do:

1. Mix equal amounts of oatmeal and water to create a paste-like substance.
2. Put some paste onto a clean cloth and hold it with the paste pressed firmly to irritated skin.
3. Stay in such position for about ten minutes.
4. Clean the area with warm water.

Rubbing alcohol and vodka are common household antiseptics which you can use to relieve irritation caused by insect bites and prevent an infection.

What to do: 

1. Put a small amount of alcohol on a clean cotton ball or a cloth.
2. Rub it on the affected skin and area around the bites. It might sting a little at first, but you will soon feel relief. 

Toothpaste can reduce itchiness caused by insect bites. The best results can be achieved by using peppermint toothpaste (it possesses great anti-inflammatory properties), or a toothpaste with such ingredients as baking soda and menthol. However, do not use gel-based toothpaste.

What to do:

1. Dab some toothpaste onto the affected skin.
2. Leave it there for a few minutes.
3. Wash the area with warm water. 

Calamine lotion can offer some relief of the pain and itching.

What to do:

1. Shake the bottle and thoroughly wash your hands.
2. Apply a generous amount of the lotion onto the bites with a cotton ball or Q-tip.
3. Allow it to dry completely.

Calamine lotion can be found in any pharmacy as well as online.

Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate, an active ingredient in baking soda, which helps relieve the itch.

What to do:

1.  Drop 2 Alka-Seltzer tablets in a half a glass of warm water.
2. Stir it a couple of times.
3. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
4. Apply it to affected skin for 10-30 minutes. 

 However, do not use this remedy if you are allergic to aspirin.

As you know, Tums tablets are antacid – that is why they can be helpful in reducing the discomfort caused by bug bites. All you need to do is wet the bitten area a bit and rub a Tums tablet into it.

Alternatively, you can use a paste from the tablets:

1. Crush a few tablets.
2. Mix them with a couple of drops of water so as to make a paste.
3. Apply the paste with a cotton ball directly onto the bites.
4. Let it stay there for 5-10 minutes and rinse with water.

Clay effectively helps with itching associated with skin diseases and insect bites. 

It's preferable to use virgin, untreated clay. Look for green clay (it's frequently called montmorillonite or bentonite clay). It will provide the maximum effect. There are a lot of tutorials on how to make clay packs, but you can follow the instructions below.

What to do:

1. Mix the clay powder in a bowl, cup, or anything along these lines, filtered water (not much) so as to make a paste with a creamy consistency like peanut butter. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of water. If you do, add it in small portions. 
2. Cover a piece of clean cloth (preferably from wool, muslin, cotton, flannel) with the clay paste.
3. Apply the clay-covered side of cloth onto the affected skin.
4. You can secure the cloth with a bandaging tape or wrap it in plastic wrap.
5. Leave the cloth in place for up to 4 hours, or until you feel that the clay is hard and dry.
6. Take the cloth off and rinse the area with water or peel clay pieces off. 

Coconut oil is known to be thick and effectively treat itching especially when it is caused by dryness of skin. While camphor can create a cooling effect and it give a relief from itching.

What to do:

1. Mix a cup of coconut oil with a teaspoon of camphor. 
2. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
3. Apply it directly onto the affected area.

Flaxseed oil is a great option for curing persistent itches. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that can alleviate the itch. All you need to do is apply this Omega 3 and EFAs rich oil directly onto skin. 

Alternatively, you can take two Flaxseed oil capsules a day. 

Calendula is frequently used for reducing itching and rashes. It stimulates the production of white blood cells which are helping to destroy harmful microbes. 

You can simply apply calendula oil onto the affected skin.

Alternatively, you can also use the herb itself. Mix 2 teaspoons of calendula with a cup of boiling water. Leave it to simmer for up to ten minutes. When the mixture is cool, apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth.

Witch hazel is a strong astringent and can be compared in effectiveness to hydrocortisone creams in treating itching and minor skin inflammations.

What to do:

1. Add an ounce (about 30 gr) of witch hazel bark to a pint (about 475 ml) of boiling hot water.
2. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Strain it and let it cool down.
4. Soak a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply on the affected skin for up to 30 minutes. 

You can alternatively use a ready-to-use witch hazel toner or ointment.

Due to the astringent properties of St Johns wort, it can be used relieve the itching. All you need to do is apply the herb or an infused oil directly onto the affected area and leave there until you feel better.

Clay effectively helps with itching associated with some skin diseases and insect bites. 

It's preferable to use virgin, untreated clay. Look for green clay (it's frequently called montmorillonite or bentonite clay). It will provide the maximum effect. 

What to do:

1. Mix the clay powder in a bowl, cup, or anything along these lines, filtered water (not much) so as to make a paste with a creamy consistency like peanut butter.
2. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of water. If you do, add it in small portions.
3. Apply a layer of the clay paste onto the affected skin.
4. Leave it to dry.
5. Rinse or peel it off afterwards.

Plaster is an extremely effective mixture of clay, oatmeal, peppermint oil, and witch hazel. It will soothe your skin immensely.

What to do:

1. Blend three-quarters of a cup of dried clay with a quarter of a cup powdered oatmeal.
2. Add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (you can substitute it with a tablespoon of powdered peppermint leaves).
3. Combine the powder with witch hazel so as to make a thick paste. 
4. Before applying the plaster, wash the area.
5. Dry it gently and apply the plaster onto the affected skin.
6. Leave it there until you feel better.

Grapefruit seed extract is antioxidant-rich as well as has a significant antifungal effect and can be used to treat itching. All you need to do is apply the extract two to three times a day to the affected area. If your skin is very sensitive, try diluting it with water

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E oil which is great for your skin. While milk is very soothing and helpful in relieving itching. 

What to do:

1. Thoroughly mix a little amount of milk cream and almond oil.
2. Apply the mixture onto your skin.
3. Repeat daily to experience serious improvements.

Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails. All you need to do is directly apply a camphor cream or ointment to the affected skin.

Applying coconut oil over the bites can stop the itching and swelling caused by bug bites or stings in just a few minutes.

All you need to do is rub some warm coconut oil on the affected skin. Repeat this procedure 2 or more times daily.

Coconut oil can be found in most stores as well as online.

"How to stop mosquito bites from itching, or any other bites from other insects?" The answer is simple – for immediate relief, try an antihistamine cream or stick to help you reduce the itching and swelling. 

Antihistamine creams can be found in most large stores, as well as online.

One way of how to treat insect bites is by applying cold tea bags on the bite. The cold will relieve itching while some tea compounds will reduce the inflammation.

What to do:

1. Put a teabag in a cup with hot water and let it steep for a few minutes;
2. Take the tea bag out and put it in the fridge for a few minutes;
3. Place the bag directly onto the bite for 3-5 minutes.

Aloe Vera gel has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to heal minor wounds, bug bites and prevent infection. 

If you have a plant around, break 1 big green leaf and apply the plant’s gel to the area that is irritated.

If you'd rather use a prepared gel, buy one in any pharmacy or online.

Lemon has great anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties that help to treat insect bites and stings effectively.

What to do:

1. Cut a lemon into halves.
2. Rub the inside of one of them as well as the yellow rind against the affected skin for quick relief.

 Alternatively, apply some lemon juice to the bites to help reduce the chance of developing an infection. You can add some chopped fresh basil leaves to bolster the healing effect.

Salt is a simple yet effective remedy for insect bites due to some of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

What to do:

1. Take a small amount of usual salt and mix it with water so as to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the bites and leave it there for a few minutes.
3. Wash with warm water.

Salt is a simple yet effective remedy for insect bites due to some of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

What to do: 

1. Take garlic salt, seasoning salt and water (1:1:1), mix them so as to create a paste. 
2. Apply this paste onto the bites.You might feel a short burning sensation lasting a few seconds, but almost a complete relief will follow afterwards.
3. Leave it there for a few minutes.
4. Wash off with warm water. 

You can use mouthwash with a high amount of alcohol to relieve irritation caused by insect bites and reduce a chance of getting an infection.

Simply put a small amount of mouthwash on a cotton ball or a clean cloth and rub it on the affected skin and area around the bites. 

Tea tree oil possesses excellent antiseptic properties that can be effective in treating bacteria-infected wounds such as insect bites. It is also able to reduce swelling and itchiness.

All you need to do is apply some tea tree oil with a cotton ball to the affected skin. 

However, refrain from using tea tree oil if you have sensitive skin since it can cause skin irritation. Try other essential oils like lavender or cedar oil.

Tea tree oil can be found in many stores as well as online.

Aspirin is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce swelling and itchiness caused by insect bites.

What to do:

1. Grind usual aspirin into powder form.
2. Add a few drops of water to the powder and make a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the bites and leave it there for a few hours.
4. Rinse the area with warm water afterwards.

 Alternatively, wet the affected skin and rub an aspirin over the bite.

Do not use Aspirin in case you were stung by a scorpion.

Lime has great anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties that help to treat insect bites effectively. Simply cut a lime into halves and rub the inside of one of them against the affected skin for quick relief. 

 Alternatively, apply some lime juice to the bites to help reduce the chance of developing an infection. 

Milk is very soothing and helpful in relieving itching, swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites. It's preferable to use skim milk because it's the protein and not the fat in milk that provides a relief.

What to do:

1. Soak equal parts of milk and water into a handkerchief.
2. Apply the handkerchief over the bites.
3. Keep it in place for a few minutes.

Baking soda is alkaline in nature, which is why it is able to neutralize the pH of the skin and provide relief from itchiness and swelling. Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which makes it effective in drawing out excess fluid to reduce swelling of bites even more. 

What to do:

1. Make a paste out of witch hazel and baking soda.
2. Apply it and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

Bleach quickly neutralizes the toxins from the bite when applied directly to it.

What to do:

1. Dip a cotton ball or a small cloth into the bleach.
2. Dab the insect bite and the entire are around it with the bleach.
3. Hold it there for about five seconds.
4. Let the area dry off. 

Since most hand sanitizers have alcohol among its ingredients, they act as antiseptics which relieve irritation caused by insect bites and prevent an infection.

All you need to do is dip a cotton ball in hand sanitizer and rub it on the affected skin.

Household ammonia is a popular and effective remedy for bug bites. It is often used as an active ingredient in over-the-counter insect bite remedies. 

Applying a little ammonia over the bites with a cotton ball for a couple of times will help you get rid of the discomfort.

Ammonia can be bought in most stores as well as online.

Hydrogen Peroxide is antiseptic and can prevent infections caused by bug bites as well as reduce swelling, itching, and redness.

What to do:

1. Generously damp a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Apply it directly over the bites.
3. You can repeat it as many times as you wish as it is unlikely to cause any damage even with the sensitive skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide can be found in most stores as well as online.

Cold water can reduce inflammation and numb the skin if you hold the affected area under running cold tap water. 

Vanilla is known to be a natural insect repellant. It can also help you if you are already bitten. 

Put a little dab of vanilla over the bites and let it sit there until it dries up completely. You can repeat this as many times as you wish until you feel better.

Warm water reduces the inflammation and irritation as well as helps release histamine. 

What to do:

1. Take half a liter of warm filtered water (dirty water can lead to infection) and soak a cloth or a towel in it.
2. Apply the compress gently onto the bitten area. 
3. Leave it there for 10-15 minutes.

Turmeric has been long used in treating various wounds because of its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. It also works great with insect bites.

What to do:

1. Take a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with water so as to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste onto the bitten area.
3. Let it dry off before rinsing the area with water.

Turmeric powder can be found in many large stores as well as online.

Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid that offer anti-inflammatory benefits which can draw out toxins and soothe skin irritation. 

You need to simply put either cucumber skins or slices on top of the bites to reduce the itching and irritation. 

Lavender oil is very effective in soothing bug bites. It is also able to stop bleeding while being an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. You should be sure to dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil.

What you need to do is apply some tea tree oil with a cotton ball to the affected skin. 

Lavender oil can be found in many stores as well as online. 

Both chamomile and ice can be used as remedies for bug bites. Applied together, they are even more effective. Chamomile possesses great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing properties while ice helps reduce swelling.

What to do:

1. Take chamomile ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth.
2. Apply the cloth directly to the bites.
3. Hold for some time, repeat.

Parsley has long been used as a remedy for insect bites all over the world. All you need to do is apply crushed fresh parsley leaves directly onto the bite.

An insect bites treatment includes echinacea. Echinacea is an exceptionally strong antibiotic and immune booster. Using it while treating bites and stings will allow you to reduce the chance of infection and prevent some immune reactions.

All you need to do is buy an Echinacea tincture and apply a few drops onto the bitten area.

Echinacea tincture can be found in many stores, as well as online.

One of the home remedies for insect bites includes chamomile. It is often used in treating insect bites and stings because of its immune boosting and anti-inflammatory nature, as well as its ability to reduce swelling and redness.

What to do:

1. Take a teaspoon of dried chamomile.
2. Steep it in a cup of steaming hot water for minimum 10 minutes.
3. Strain it and soak a clean piece of cloth in the clear liquid.
4. Apply it on the affected area. You should feel the relief almost instantly.

Arnica is a plant that effectively treats intense swelling and soreness caused by stings or bites and is considered a good insect bite swelling treatment.

Remember to use arnica only in its homeopathic form as the herbal form is toxic. Arnica is used in creams, gels, liquids, ointments, sprays and homeopathic pellets.

You can find arnica in most pharmacies, as well as online.

Milkweed from the wild lettuce contains a volatile oil that can soothe your skin and relieve discomfort you are experiencing. 

You need to do the same thing Lumbee Indians have been doing for a long time - break wild lettuce's stem and apply the milky sap from it onto the affected skin.

Turmeric and Neem leaves possess antibacterial property. While mustard oil bolsters the skin's immunity power and aids in overcoming the excessive dryness of the skin.

What to do:

1. Grind a piece of raw turmeric and a few fresh Neem leaves in a grinder so as to make a smooth paste. 
2. You can alternatively use a few drops of Neem oil. Then add mustard oil and mix everything well.
3. Place this mixture under the direct sun for about 30-40 minutes. This way, the mixture will additionally absorb vitamin D from the sun rays and will get hot. 
4. Massage this hot paste into the affected skin.

Both orange and honey possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat itching. 

What to do:

1. You should first extract the juice from one washed orange.
2. Add a teaspoon of honey in the juice.
3. Apply the mixture on your skin daily.  

Basil contains certain chemical compounds that can help you get rid of discomfort caused by itchiness. 

What to do:

1. Boil 2 cups of water.
2. Add half an ounce (15 g) of dried basil leaves. into the water
3. Leave the mixture to cool down.
4. When it's cold, dip a washcloth into it and gently rub it into the affected skin. 

You can alternately chop some fresh basil leaves in small pieces, and just rub them on to your bites.

Garlic is able to reduce swelling and relieve the itching. Besides, its strong smell repels insects.

What to do:

1. Mince some garlic and apply it directly to the bites.
2. Leave it there for a few minutes.
3. Wash the area with warm water.

Onions can help reduce swelling and relieve the itching from the insect bites. 

What to do:

1. Mince some onion and apply it directly to the bites.
2. Leave it there for a few minutes.
3. Wash the area with warm water.

Such simple home remedy as vinegar is able to greatly reduce itching due to its acidity.

What to do:

1. Dilute 2-3 cups of it in a bathtub of warm water. 
2. Soak in there for 15-20 minutes or until you feel better.

Peppermint contains some cooling oils that temporarily overload nerves, thus, stopping pain and itching.

What to do:

1. Apply a few crushed fresh peppermint leaves over the affected skin.
2. Leave them there until you feel better.
3. Rinse the area with water.

Alternatively, put a few drops of the peppermint oil on the bite.

The fruit acids, vitamins, and minerals contained in the banana peel can help soothe pain and itching. 

Simply rub the soft interior of the peel over the affected skin.

Deodorants contain aluminum chloride which can stop the pain and swelling. It's preferable to use a roll-on deodorant as it suppresses the itch more effectively because of the pressure exerted. However, a spray deodorant could help, too.

Windex is able to help stop the itch due to ammonia in it. What you need to do is simply spray some Windex onto your insect bites. Repeat it if the itching hasn't stopped.

A common household remedy for bug bites is a tomato.

What to do:

1. Slice a tomato up.
2. Apply raw tomato slices onto the insect bites.
3. Leave them there for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse the area with water.

In order to relieve minor symptoms and pain caused by insect bites, take Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). You may want to not choose Aspirin or Ibuprofen since these painkillers may cause the venom spread through the body quicker in some cases.

However, bear in mind that children or teenagers who have recently had chickenpox or exhibit  flu-like symptoms should not take Aspirin.

Activated charcoal is known as an excellent multi-purpose detox agent, but it is also used by many for insect bites and stings. 

What to do:

1. Mix some activated charcoal with water so as to make a paste.
2. Apply it to the sting site.
3. Leave it there till it's dry.
4. Rinse with water.

Activated charcoal can be found in any pharmacy as well as online.

The jewelweed plant contains several chemicals that have strong anti-inflammatory and even fungicidal properties. You can simply break the stem of the weed (the most effective is the juice before blooms appear) and rub it on the infected area. 

 You can also use ready-to-use salve or soap. 

The fruit acids, vitamins, and minerals contained in a watermelon rind can help soothe pain and itching. All you need to do is simply rub the rind onto the affected skin.

When itching occurs, stress and discomfort are inevitable. Try drinking a tea that contains chamomile, red clover, mint, calendula tea, or linden to stay hydrated and relaxed. Such teas can be brewed and drunk as often as you want. 

1. What to do:
2. All you need to do is pour a quart (950 ml) of water over 4 teaspoons of any or even a combination of the mentioned above herbs. 
3. If you have fresh herbs at hand, use a total of four tablespoons of those. Leave the tea to steep under some cover for
4. Leave the tea to steep under some cover for the minimum of 20 minutes. Strain the tea and drink the clear part as often as you like.

Scratching and constantly touching the affected skin may lead to an infection, increasing of discomfort, and even spreading of the rash. Which you should avoid by restraining contact to the itchy skin and frequent application of remedies.

Sourwood tree is a herbal medicine that Lumbee and Cherokee tribes used to treat many conditions, including itching. The bark ooze can be employed to relieve itching. That is why, if you are camping or hiking, look for the sourwood trees to get some ooze and apply it onto your skin.

Goldenseal is great for treating itching, as it contains berberine, which is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. 

What to do:

1. Mix goldenseal root powder with Vitamin E oil, and a little honey so as to make a paste of medium thickness.
2. Apply the paste to affected area with a clean cotton ball.
3. Leave it there until you feel better.

Goldenseal is endangered, therefore, it's better to use a root powder from it. 

Fenugreek seeds also have antibacterial property and it is very good in fighting itchiness.

What to do:

1. Start by soaking some fenugreek seeds in water.
2. Grind them into a smooth paste.
3. Add a few drops of milk in it. 
4. Apply the paste onto the affected skin.
5. Let it stay there for about an hour and then take a bath. 

Both honey and cinnamon contain many essential oils and enzymes, which combat bacteria and fungi as well as relieve itching.

What to do:

1. Mix honey (preferably raw) with cinnamon so as to make a fine paste.
2. Apply the paste to the affected skin.
3. Let it stay there for 5-10 minutes.
4. Rinse off with water.

Yellow dock has been used as a gentle laxative and mild astringent tonic since ancient times. Its ointment is especially valuable for alleviating itching.

All you need to do is just apply yellow dock ointment, tincture, or an extract onto the affected skin according to the label.