How to relieve itching and redness from mosquito bites at home?

The joy of warm and gentle summer days is often overshadowed by the awakening of small bloodsuckers, whose bites are accompanied by the appearance of small itchy pimples. Hordes of mosquitoes do not allow you to relax normally outdoors, especially near water. There is no escape from them in your own apartment, where they are active at night, penetrating the room through open windows and doors. And in the morning we scratch the traces of the bloodsucker's "crime" until they bleed, risking a dangerous infection. Understanding this, many are interested in advance in how and what to relieve itching from mosquito bites, because this makes it possible not only to avoid the appearance of an unpleasant symptom, but also to prevent unwanted consequences of scratching on the skin.

Why does a mosquito bite itch?

Mosquitoes are dipterous insects that live all over the world except Antarctica. There are many varieties of this small parasite, and some of them are considered carriers of dangerous diseases. Others simply cause people many unpleasant minutes only by preventing them from sleeping at night with their nasty, thin squeak and leaving marks on their bodies that itch terribly and turn red.

Regardless of the type of mosquito, almost all of them feed on the blood of animals and humans, while their main food is plant nectar. But male insects are mainly vegetarians. But female mosquitoes need blood to continue their genus, because it contains protein (the main building material of the eggs laid by insects), lipids and amino acids, which are necessary for the development of larvae.

If a female mosquito does not receive such valuable food, she is not able to reproduce a sufficient number of eggs. A hungry insect can lay no more than 10 eggs, while a well-fed female will have stronger and more numerous offspring (up to 280 larvae). It is the instinct of procreation that is the driving force for mosquitoes, which for this reason settle near food sources (people and animals).

But even understanding the physiological needs of involuntary companions, a person cannot rejoice in such a neighborhood. And although the insect is not poisonous, a person cannot treat it without hostility and fear due to the torment that the winged parasite causes. And the reason for this torment is hidden in the saliva of the mosquito.

Many bloodsuckers inject substances with anesthetic and blood-thinning properties into the blood when piercing the victim's skin. The first is necessary as a means of survival (the victim will not feel the bite, which will increase the chances of remaining unnoticed). But anticoagulants in the saliva are necessary so that the blood does not clot when exposed to air, and the insect can receive the necessary dose of nutrients.

The culprits of why itching occurs from a mosquito bite are again anticoagulants, which are considered known allergens. Itching at the site of the bite is nothing more than a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Moreover, the body of different people reacts to bites differently. In a person who is not prone to allergies, saliva will cause only mild irritation and slight itching. And in people with sensitive skin and a tendency to allergic reactions from mosquito bites, severe itching and other unpleasant symptoms may appear, such as local hyperemia and tissue swelling, which is manifested by the formation of a red bump at the site of the skin puncture.

Itching, redness and swelling from a mosquito bite are often observed in small children. The reason for such a pronounced reaction is the immaturity of the immune system (and as a result, the appearance of allergic reactions to many irritants) of the baby. In addition, the skin of a child is more delicate and sensitive than that of an adult. The ease of puncturing it is very attractive to various bloodsuckers, which becomes a problem for both the child and his parents, because it is difficult to convince the baby not to touch the itchy pimple, if even a cautious adult sometimes finds it difficult to refrain from scratching the itchy place.

Looking at the suffering of the baby, you involuntarily think about how to quickly relieve the itching from mosquito bites so that your child can sleep peacefully at night and walk during the day, without the risk of introducing an infection into the scratched wound. And somehow you yourself feel calmer when the skin does not itch and does not hurt, as it happens with severe redness and swelling. It is clear that it is easier to prevent bites by using innovative technologies in the form of mosquito nets, fumigators, repellent sprays and anti-mosquito bracelets or stickers on children's clothing, but since prevention did not work out, you need to at least take measures to eliminate the itching. After all, the insect bite itself is not dangerous for a person, unlike the consequences that can occur when scratching the bite site.

Yes, it is not always possible to protect yourself and your children from attacks by dipterous bloodsuckers, so just in case you need to have information on how and what to relieve the itch from mosquito bites. You can’t give up a full-fledged family vacation in nature, exciting fishing or evening friendly gatherings around the campfire because of them.

Names of non-hormonal pharmaceutical products against mosquito bites

Nowadays, when the shelves of shops and pharmacies are literally bursting with various means designed to repel insects from humans, few people think about what to do if you still couldn’t avoid an insect bite, and itchy marks appeared on your skin, depriving you of sleep and peace. And now such a moment has come, and there is not a single product in the pharmacy called “Anti-mosquito bites”.

The thing is that such remedies do not exist. With mosquito bites, the usual creams and tablets that we previously used when allergic rashes, injuries and burns appeared, for the treatment of inflammatory foci on the skin can help. After a mosquito bite, an inflammation center characteristic of an allergic reaction forms on the skin. And when scratching the bite, the inflammation will be maintained by the infection that has already gotten inside.

Any pharmacist in a drugstore can advise how and what to relieve itching from mosquito bites, but even without leaving your apartment in your home medicine cabinet you can often find suitable products, you just need to know which of the creams and ointments available there help in this situation. What useful products can you find at home or buy at retail outlets?

First of all, these are ointments. If we are not talking about a serious allergic reaction, there is no particular need to take oral antihistamines. But such antiallergic drugs as Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadine, Cetirizine, etc. will perfectly help to cope with unpleasant symptoms for those who have a tendency to allergic reactions to insect bites.

But again, you shouldn't take medicinal chemicals internally once again, because there are special external agents with antihistamine and antipruritic action, which are quite suitable in our situation. These are gels, creams and ointments that can be successfully used against mosquito bites, and most of them are suitable even for use in early childhood.

Fenistil

This drug is available in the form of an ointment and gel for external use, and in the case of more serious allergic reactions, treatment can be supplemented by taking oral drops with the same name.

The most popular in the treatment of skin diseases accompanied by itching and swelling is a gel-based drug that easily penetrates deep into the skin and blocks histamine receptors, thereby relieving the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The same remedy can be successfully used to relieve itching from mosquito bites, as noted in the indications for use of the drug.

"Fenistil gel" is a medicinal product that has its own contraindications for use. The drug should not be used if a person has individual sensitivity to any of its components, because in this case there is a risk of developing an even more serious allergic reaction. The gel is also not recommended for patients with closed-angle glaucoma or prostatic hyperplasia, since it can provoke an exacerbation of these diseases. It is also undesirable to use the drug in patients with bronchial asthma, especially if we are talking about its oral forms.

The use of the drug during pregnancy is allowed. But if a woman plans to use the gel in the first trimester of pregnancy, she will need to discuss this possibility with the doctor at the antenatal clinic. In subsequent periods, as well as during breastfeeding, the gel should be used carefully on small areas of skin. It is better not to apply the product to scratched areas where there are wounds, because this increases its absorption into the blood.

In childhood, the external form of the drug is approved for use even in infants. However, it is not recommended to use it to relieve itching after mosquito bites in children under 1 month. The same applies to oral drops.

The use of ointments and gels may be accompanied by rare side effects. These include burning of the skin and a feeling of dryness or tightness. Allergic reactions are considered an even rarer phenomenon, although it cannot be ruled out that itching and rash on the skin may also appear after using mosquito repellents.

If the itching after the bite is severe, you should additionally take oral drops. In this case, the patient may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea. Some may complain of headaches and depressive mood.

The method of application and dosage of the drug are specified in the instructions for it. The gel is used locally, applying it to the bite site 2-4 times a day. Drops are taken orally 20-40 drops per dose three times a day. The children's dose is calculated depending on the child's weight, with the ratio of 2 drops of the drug per kilogram of the patient's body weight taken as the basis.

When using Fenistil gel against mosquito bites, you should not be afraid of exceeding the dose, because the absorption of the local drug is small. But when using the oral form of the drug, you should remember about such an unpleasant phenomenon as an overdose, which is possible if you take the drug often and in high doses. In this case, adults experience drowsiness, and children experience increased agitation. Tachycardia, convulsions, hallucinations may occur, body temperature may increase, blood pressure may decrease, and urine retention in the body may occur.

Treatment of overdose consists of taking activated charcoal and laxatives, as well as symptomatic therapy.

Interactions with other drugs should also be taken into account, mainly when taking the drug orally. Fenistil should not be used in parallel with other oral antiallergic drugs, antidepressants, sleeping pills, analgesics and any other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Simultaneous use of bronchodilators, gastrointestinal antispasmodics, anticholinergics, and some urological drugs increases the risk of urinary retention in the body, so any combination of drugs should be discussed with a doctor to avoid unwanted consequences.

It is important to remember that any medications remain effective and safe during the expiration date, which is 3 years for gels and 2 years for drops. It is also important to observe the storage conditions for the medications, i.e. store them at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. Mosquito bites in children should be treated by adults, because even the most harmless medications can cause serious harm to health if used incorrectly.

According to reviews from those who used Fenistil for mosquito bites, the drug has a fairly fast and strong effect. Rare side effects, a minimum of contraindications and the ability to use the drug against itching and inflammation in children, who have allergic reactions to mosquito bites much more often and are more severe than in adults, make the drug quite popular among young mothers.

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Soventol

Another pharmacy gel, effective against mosquito bites by blocking histamine receptors. This drug, like Fenistil, is also classified as a non-hormonal agent, which many patients consider safer than corticosteroids used to combat inflammation and allergies.

The main contraindication to the use of the drug is intolerance to its components, and in particular propylene glycol. The manufacturer recommends using the drug with caution at the beginning of pregnancy and in childhood.

Side effects usually include burning and dry skin, which pass fairly quickly. However, if itching increases and rashes appear on the skin, you should suspect an allergic reaction and stop using the gel.

The manufacturer does not recommend using the product on large areas of skin or in areas where there are major breaches in the integrity of the skin. This is especially important if the gel is used to relieve itching from mosquito bites in children. Use on large areas of skin may contribute to the development of systemic side effects similar to oral administration of Fenistil.

Apply the gel as needed, applying a thin layer and lightly rubbing into the skin. Repeated use is possible after half an hour.

The drug retains its properties for 3 years if stored at temperatures not exceeding 25 degrees.

A close analogue of the drug "Soventol" is the external agent "Bamipin", with similar contraindications and method of application.

Psilo-balm

A non-hormonal antihistamine with a similar effect in the form of a gel. When applied to the skin, it has a local anti-allergic and some analgesic effect, so it can be used to relieve unpleasant symptoms after insect bites, including mosquito bites.

The preparation should be applied to the bite site in a thin layer three or four times a day until the itching and inflammation disappear. However, it is not recommended to apply the product to open wounds and skin lesions.

Contraindications to the use of the gel include hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug. Do not apply the medicine to large areas of skin or combine it with other products containing the same active ingredient (diphenhydramine), such as Dermadrin ointment, also used for insect bites.

Usually, the use of the drug is without unpleasant symptoms. But in isolated cases, skin hypersensitivity reactions may be observed, if they occur, you should stop using the gel.

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in the drug, can enhance the effects of alcohol and drugs that depress the central nervous system, and reduce the effectiveness of psychostimulants. When applied to small areas of skin, such interactions are insignificant, but they must be taken into account when using the drug on large areas of the body.

"Psilo-balsam" can be used for 2 years from the date of manufacture, provided it is stored correctly. The shelf life of the drug is reduced if it is stored at high temperatures.

Ketocin

Multicomponent antihistamine ointment that reduces itching, inflammation and pain. In parallel, the drug has an antimicrobial and antioxidant effect. The ointment is used for allergic reactions to insect bites in patients over 1 year old.

The drug is not used to treat infants, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug is also considered a general contraindication.

It is recommended to apply the ointment to the bite site in a thin layer once a day. But if necessary, the frequency of use of the medicine can be increased to 2-3 times a day until the painful symptoms disappear completely.

When using the ointment, burning and redness of the skin may occur. In some cases, allergic rashes and increased itching were noted. If the drug is used on large areas of the body, systemic reactions may occur due to the absorption of a significant dose of the drug into the blood. These reactions are not life-threatening and after discontinuing the ointment, they pass without outside intervention.

Interaction with other drugs should be taken into account if the product is used on large areas of the body. Like other antihistamines, Ketocin ointment is not recommended for use simultaneously with drugs that depress or excite the central nervous system, and alcohol.

The ointment can be used to reduce itching and irritation after mosquito bites within the expiration date, which is 2 years, provided that the ointment was stored at room temperatures of no more than 25 degrees. The ointment must not be frozen or allowed to be used by children without adult supervision.

Of the expensive ointments with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects for mosquito bites, you can use Elidel and Protopic, which are approved for use from the age of 2 in the absence of hypersensitivity to the main and auxiliary substances of the drugs.

If, as a result of scratching, the bite site has become red and swollen or there are symptoms of suppuration, you should immediately suspect infection of the wound and take all measures to combat the infection. Most often, in such a case, Levomekol ointment is used, which contains an antibiotic.

The ointment can be used from the age of 3. For younger children, it is better to use local antiseptics (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine, Chlorophyllipt, potassium permanganate solution, etc.) to treat scratches.

The ointment is applied to the wound once a day (it can be applied under a bandage), with the treatment lasting no more than 7 days. It is not used for hypersensitivity, psoriasis, eczema and fungal skin lesions, as well as simultaneously with drugs that suppress hematopoiesis.

The ointment can be stored at room temperature for no more than 2 years and should not be used after the expiration date.

Instead of Levomekol, for infected wounds from insect bites, you can use Baneocin ointment, which contains 2 antibiotics - bacitracin and neomycin.

What else can you put on mosquito bites to stop them from itching and hurting? A popular cheap remedy called "Menovazin", which can be found in pharmacies as a solution or ointment. The drug is a local anesthetic (composition: menthol, novocaine, anesthesin, alcohol), which is used for rheumatic pain, bruises, neuralgia, and also to relieve itching and pain at the site of an insect bite.

The product is used 2-3 times a day, applying it to the affected area and rubbing it in lightly. But this should not be done if a person has increased sensitivity to novocaine or any other component of the drug.

As we can see, any external anti-allergic agents containing a component that affects histamine receptors and reduces the immune response to irritation can be used to combat itching from insect bites. But these do not necessarily have to be non-hormonal ointments. If your home medicine cabinet contains external agents with corticosteroids, they can also be used as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent. We will talk about such effective ointments in the next section of the article.

Hormonal remedies for itching from mosquito bites

If an episode of mosquito feeding causes itching and irritation of the skin, it is called an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Such a reaction can occur differently in different people. For some, it is limited to slight redness and itching, while for others, severe swelling may form at the site of the bite, and the itching may be replaced by pain.

Doctors associate an allergic reaction with an inflammatory process in tissues caused by an inadequate response of the immune system. If the inflammation and swelling are quite strong, simple antipruritic agents cannot always help quickly save from painful symptoms (itching, pain). In this case, it is more appropriate to use external agents with corticosteroids, which are able to fight even severe inflammation and relieve persistent itching.

There is no need to be afraid of hormonal agents, because when applied locally, their absorption into the blood is very insignificant, and the benefit is great. So even with minor discomfort, hormonal ointments for mosquito bites can be used without any particular fears, if there are no other suitable drugs at hand.

Let's consider the question of how and what to relieve itching from mosquito bites from the point of view of using hormonal external agents for these purposes. What agents are best suited in this situation?

Mometasone

A cream based on a corticosteroid with the same name. It is used for various types of skin diseases that are accompanied by itching, including allergic ones. This cream can also be applied to the site of a mosquito bite if it is swollen and very itchy.

Usually it is enough to use the product once a day, applying it to the affected area in a thin layer. Moreover, the cream can even be used to relieve itching in small children. However, doctors do not recommend using the product before the age of 2.

Pregnant and nursing women, as well as people who have hypersensitivity to a particular drug, should not use corticosteroids.

Side effects during the use of the cream "Mometasone" are rare. Most often, complaints are about burning and increased itching, dry skin and the development of dermatitis. In this case, it is better to use another remedy.

When using "mometasone" simultaneously with other means, it is necessary to remember that the cream is incompatible with alkalis. For example, traditional medicine suggests using soda for mosquito bites. In this case, it is undesirable to combine treatment.

Hormonal cream has a relatively short shelf life (2 years), so you need to carefully monitor this issue and dispose of the product at the end of the shelf life. The cream does not require special storage conditions, it is enough that its storage temperature does not exceed 25 degrees.

Complete analogues of the cream "Mometasone" are the external agents "Gistan", "Uniderm" and "Elokom", which can also be found on sale in the form of a cream.

Advantan

The drug is available in the form of an ointment, cream and emulsion, which contain the corticosteroid methylprednisolone. The drug is used in dermatology in case of inflammatory processes on the skin, accompanied by itching, which corresponds to the reaction to mosquito bites.

The drug also needs to be used once a day, which quickly helps relieve unpleasant symptoms.

The product can be used even for treating children, but not younger than 4 months. But during pregnancy and lactation, it is better to use non-hormonal products.

Those who have hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, have wounds at the site of application, have been diagnosed with tuberculosis of the skin and syphilis (if their manifestations are at the site of the bite), rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, etc. should not take risks.

When applying Advantan ointment to the skin, burning and itching may increase, dry skin, erythema, and rashes at the site of use are less common. Do not apply the preparation to large areas of skin.

You can store Advantan ointment, cream and emulsion at room temperature for more than 3 years. If you take a fatty ointment, its shelf life is longer (5 years).

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Akriderm

This is an ointment for external use based on the corticoid betamethasone. The official instructions for the drug, among other indications for use, also note a reaction to insect bites.

The ointment can be used 1-2 times a day (if necessary, for example, if the product is accidentally rubbed off the skin, the frequency of use can be increased), applying it to the bite site in a thin layer and lightly rubbing it into the skin.

Side effects of the ointment are rare and mild. Skin itching may increase for a while, and burning and irritation may occur on the skin. Like other local hormonal agents, it is undesirable to apply the ointment to large areas of skin.

In childhood, the medicine is approved for use from 1 year. Contraindications to its use are: hypersensitivity to the main or auxiliary substances of the ointment, skin manifestations of tuberculosis and syphilis, skin diseases of bacterial, fungal or viral etiology, reactions after vaccination, wounds on the body at the site of application, skin cancer, rosacea, hemangioma, etc. You should not resort to the help of the ointment during pregnancy and lactation.

The ointment should be stored at temperatures of 15-25 degrees for no more than 4 years, after which the use of the medicine is unacceptable.

Hydrocortisone

An external agent (1% ointment) with anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and antipruritic action, which, according to the instructions, can be used to combat the effects of insect bites.

The ointment can be used 2-3 times a day, but usually the treatment of itching is limited to one or two applications. Apply the product to clean and dry skin in a thin layer.

Contraindications for the use of the ointment are similar to other external hormonal agents. In childhood, it can be used starting from 2 years.

Side effects of the ointment are rare and include redness and swelling at the site of application, as well as increased itching.

You should not use hydrocortisone ointment in parallel with antihistamines, because the latter reduce the effectiveness of the corticoid. And "Paracetamol" increases the risk of negative effects of the drug on the liver.

The ointment should be stored at a temperature of 2 to 15 degrees for no more than 3 years, after which it should be disposed of.

Treatment of mosquito bites with hormonal agents is short-term. The effect occurs after 1-2 applications, so there is no need to be afraid of overdose and the appearance of systemic side effects.

Alternative and specialized remedies for mosquito bites

Special anti-mosquito products appeared not so long ago, but the problem of allergy to mosquito bites and other bloodsuckers has existed for many years. And it is necessary to understand that people all this time did not sit with their hands folded, enduring suffering and not thinking about how and what to relieve the itching from mosquito bites.

In the absence of medicines and specialized products, people have developed many different folk recipes to help relieve itching and irritation after a bite. Later, effective pharmacy ointments and universal creams appeared that help in various situations (bruises, burns, injuries, etc.). However, according to statistics, not everyone turns to specialized pharmacy medicines, giving preference to universal products used for many problems.

Such products include creams "Boro Plus" and "Spasatel", balm "Zvezdochka", creams and sprays with dexpanthenol, which are suitable for people of different ages in the absence of hypersensitivity to their components. It should be said that such remedies for mosquito bites are used more often than pharmaceutical drugs. Although the effect of their use is less pronounced, they are usually always at hand and are generally safe.

Over time, it turned out that the problem of insect bite allergy is of concern not only to pharmacists. In cosmetics stores and on the shelves of many supermarkets today you can find a variety of products for protection against insects. But since such protection is not always effective, along with this product, products began to appear that help after mosquito bites.

Here is just a small list of such means, the number of which is growing every day:

• "Deta" balm after insect bites for the whole family,
• Cream "Bite OFF" from the company "Biocon" with menthol, essential oils and leech extract,
• Balm "Gardex Family" with D-panthenol, allantoin, echinacea extract, essential oils of mint and lavender,
• Moskill bite gel-balm with extracts of 7 herbs,
• Spray-balm "Moskitol" for all family members,
• After-bite balm "Shoo mosquito!"
• Balm after insect bites 911,
• Balm "Summer without mosquitoes"
• Cream-gel "Picnic" after insect bites with D-panthenol and chamomile, which can be used from the age of 1 year,
• Balm "Picnic Family" with extracts of aloe, chamomile and calendula,
• Cream-gel "Nezulin" with essential oils (basil and lavender, which repel insects, and mint with its cooling effect), plant extracts (chamomile, plantain, celandine, licorice), dexpanthenol.
• similar products from foreign manufacturers.

The safety of such specialized products can be judged by the composition indicated on the packaging and the body's reaction to them. It must be said that itching after using mosquito repellents is a common symptom, and in most cases it indicates an allergic reaction to the product itself. Moreover, the body can itch both from repellents that repel insects and from products designed to combat itching after their bites. In this case, it is better not to take risks, so as not to get a more serious allergic reaction.

If the body reacts normally to the use of special means, it is quite logical to have such products on hand just in case, especially during those periods when mosquitoes leave a person no other choice. It is better to treat the bite site with an "anti-mosquito" gel or spray than to scratch it and bring in an infection.

Folk remedies for itching from mosquito bites

When it comes to helping a child, parents are especially careful with pharmaceuticals, repellents and cosmetics. Many of them prefer to turn to proven folk recipes that have already helped many people and did not lead to the appearance of unwanted symptoms.

Read also: Mosquito bite remedies for children

Traditional mosquito remedies are usually universal, i.e. they can be used by people of any age, because they mostly consist of natural components and have a caring effect. Let's look at several folk recipes that help relieve itching and swelling after a mosquito bite.

Cold against itching. This is the simplest and safest way to reduce itching and tissue swelling after an insect bite. It is suitable for both adults and children, because cold on the skin safely reduces the severity of the inflammatory process. You need to apply a cold object to the bite site (a piece of ice, a metal spoon or coin, a piece of cloth soaked in cold water, etc.). This will help reduce the severity of symptoms, although it will not have a therapeutic effect.

Baking soda for itching after a mosquito bite. A fairly popular kitchen product is no less popular in folk medicine. Treating the bite site with baking soda is a common and accessible practice. But it is important to know how to use the product correctly, because baking soda is an alkali and in undiluted form can cause a burn, especially if used to treat children.

To relieve itching and inflammation, as well as to disinfect the bite site, use soda by diluting it in warm water (1 tablespoon of powder per glass of water) and stirring well. In the cooled solution, you need to wet a piece of cloth or cotton wool and make compresses on the bite site, performing the procedure several times a day.

It is a good idea to add chamomile, string or calendula infusion to the soda solution. These components will help relieve inflammation and will care for damaged skin, promoting its rapid regeneration. The main thing is that the adult or child is not allergic to the herb used.

Adults can use soda in a more concentrated form, moistening it with water and forming a cake from this mixture. The inconvenience of this method is that the cake must be kept on the skin for at least 3 hours, which requires fixing it, and this is not always convenient and possible.

Use of table or apple cider vinegar for itching. The pain and itching will go away if the bite site is moistened with a weak sour vinegar solution. If a child needs help, it is better to use natural apple cider vinegar rather than table vinegar.

Milk against itching. If you don't have either soda or vinegar at hand, milk can take their place. Lotions on the bite site can be made from a mixture of milk and water.

Fermented milk products for insect bites. Lactic acid helps relieve itching caused by a bloodsucker bite, so if there are no other remedies, the bite site can be lubricated with any fermented milk product: sour cream, kefir, yogurt, unsweetened yogurt, etc.

Citric acid against itching. The bite site can be moistened with an aqueous solution of citric acid or wiped with a slice of lemon or lime.

Using toothpaste. It turns out that toothpaste can be used for more than just brushing your teeth. Paste containing menthol or mint helps relieve itching from mosquito bites due to the cooling effect of the ingredients. And if the paste is also antibacterial, it will prevent infection of damaged skin.

Alcohol for insect bites. It has been proven that any alcohol solution, whether it is a medicine (boric or salicylic alcohol, herbal tinctures) or regular vodka, helps reduce inflammation and itching after insect bites. It is enough to lubricate the bite site several times a day.

True, this method is only good for adults. For children, such treatment can only cause harm, because alcohol partially penetrates through the skin into the bloodstream.

Honey for mosquito bites. Honey is known to many for its general strengthening and disinfecting properties, but not everyone knows that it can reduce itching, having a fairly long-lasting effect. And you just need to lubricate the bite site with it.

True, the healthy sweet is a known allergen. And it can cause harm to people with allergies to bee products.

Acetylsalicylic acid for itching and swelling. The well-known aspirin also helps to cope with the symptoms of inflammation if the tablets are crushed and mixed with water to a mushy state. But again, it is necessary to remember that some people have an allergic reaction to aspirin.

Useful herbs and plants. Aloe is famous for its ability to soothe the skin and relieve itching after bites. It is enough to cut off a small piece of the fleshy leaf and lubricate the bite site with it.

But infusions of chamomile and calendula have an anti-inflammatory effect. If you make poultices from them, all the symptoms of inflammation will go away faster: itching, redness and swelling. Children can wipe the bite site with a decoction of succession, which has a calming and anti-allergic effect.

If the bite was received outdoors and there are no means to relieve the itching at hand, fresh crushed leaves of plants such as plantain, mint, parsley, basil, and bird cherry will help.

Benefits of essential oils. Instead of plants, you can use their essential oils. Coconut, mint, clove, lavender, and tea tree oils have properties to remove itching and inflammation. At the same time, lavender and basil ethers act as repellents. And tea tree oil is famous for its bactericidal action, so it is useful both for preventing infection and for treating infected scratches.

Preparing remedies for itchy mosquito bites at home does not take much time and effort. Home recipes mostly involve the use of available raw materials and do not require additional costs. You can always find a recipe consisting of those products and herbs that you have at home. And if they do not help, then run to the store or pharmacy.

What else can be used to lubricate mosquito bites to reduce unpleasant symptoms? Onions, tomatoes, and potatoes are suitable for these purposes. Vegetables should be cut and applied to the bite with the cut side.

It is believed that not only cold but also heat helps to reduce itching, so you can try to cover the bite with something warm or just warm it with your hand, lightly pressing on the skin in this area. This method may not completely eliminate the itching, but heat can reduce its severity.

In extreme cases, you can wet the itchy area of skin with saliva, and the itching will become noticeably weaker. If there are many bites, you need to quickly take a bath with sea salt dissolved in it, which will disinfect the bite sites and reduce discomfort. After the bath, the bite sites can be additionally wiped with black tea.

As we can see, even if there are no suitable pharmaceutical and cosmetic protective products at hand, the question of how and what to relieve itching from mosquito bites is not particularly acute. Both at home and in the bosom of nature, you can always find suitable products that help reduce the unpleasant consequences of an attack by bloodsuckers in both adults and children.

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