Summer picnics and evening walks across the city are almost always accompanied by the chirping and biting of mosquitoes. In addition to wearing socks on your hands to avoid scratching and slapping yourself to distract from the itching, we present to you some more effective and above all simple natural remedies that quickly repel the extensive consequences of mini mosquito bites.
Mosquito bites are hard to 100% avoid and sometimes it seems that the more anti-mosquito products we put on, the more blood they drink! Of course, we will not give up the summer pleasures, so we will have to put up with the consequences of the spades. These pesky bloodsuckers have the ability to find even a small area of exposed skin, attack it and cause burning, redness, swelling and itching. Although it is easiest and fastest to scratch well, this only damages the skin even more and increases the inflammation in the stung area... and the more we scratch, the more fire we add to an already burning area! How to extinguish it? The best and most effective fire extinguishers are simple ingredients that are just a kitchen cupboard away!
1. Refreshing ice cubes
Did you know that a cooling sensation travels to the brain faster than an itchy sensation?
Ice cubes are therefore an extremely effective and simple measure to relieve the pain of mosquito bites, as the cold slightly numbs the 'attacked' area and reduces the swelling. The easiest way is to wrap a couple of ice cubes in a cloth and hold it on the stung area for ten minutes (maybe more).
2. Don't miss it: baking soda
Baking soda is so versatile that it really shouldn't be missing in the kitchen. You can use a homemade paste to combat itchy spots: mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste that you apply to the irritated area. Allow it to dry and you will quickly feel relief as the alkalinity of the baking soda neutralizes the skin's pH, restoring balance and reducing itching.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Natural, home-made apple cider vinegar is the best. Like baking soda, apple cider vinegar helps restore a neutral skin pH. Simply take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, rub it into a cotton cloth and apply it to the irritated area as a compress.
4. Reusable tea bags
The thein in the tea draws fluid from the venom in the skin, reducing discomfort after the sting. So, simply hold the cooled tea bag on the irritated area and wait for the itching to stop... Let nature do its thing, and in the meantime let's enjoy an iced tea.
5. Tea tree essential oil
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients in tea tree oil help with many skin problems, they also work great against itching and swelling in stings. Since it is also antibacterial, essential oil prevents the spread of redness and inflammation. Procedure: put a few drops of oil on a cotton cloth and rub it on the irritated skin. Lavender and peppermint oil also work great. Tip: the advantage of essential oil is the fresh smell it leaves on the body.
6. Magic aloe vera
Aloe vera is like a multi-tasker among plants, as it has 130 active ingredients and as many as 34 amino acids, excellent for skin care. Pure fresh aloe vera is best, but you can also buy a gel that is available in pharmacies. It's best to keep it in the fridge and when a mosquito bites, apply the chilled gel to your skin and get ready for instant relief. If you have fresh aloe vera available, just peel off the rough skin, break off a leaf and rub it over the irritated skin.
7. The power of fragrant spices: mint and basil
Mint, a fragrant spice that is great for refreshing summer dishes, also reduces itching and burning in the affected area thanks to its cooling effect. Use is simple: grind mint leaves into a paste in a mortar and apply to irritated areas. Basil also works similarly, containing camphor and thymol, two ingredients that quickly reduce the sensation of itching.
8. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is extremely alkaline and therefore great for both an upset stomach and irritated skin. Simply mix the flakes with water to make a paste, apply to the affected area and allow to dry. Redness, swelling and itching will be significantly reduced, and the skin will also remain pleasant to the touch, as the paste prepared in this way can also be used for skin care.
Now we just have to figure out how to successfully ignore that annoying sizzle…
