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Mosquito bites can be annoying and distracting, but there are several ways to treat them. Deal with the bites when they first occur for best results. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an antiseptic wipe, or plain water as soon as you can. Although the itch won’t go away completely until the bite is healed, you can use a variety of products, from lemon juice to aloe, to relieve itching.
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Apply some honey to the bite area. Honey will soothe the affected area and give you some much needed relief from the itching. [1] X Research source
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Put apple cider vinegar on the bite. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it over the mosquito bites. Leave it there for several minutes. This should help alleviate the pain.
- Alternatively, you can make a paste out of apple cider vinegar and flour. This will help dry out the bite in addition to soothing the itch with the vinegar. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to dry. Wash it off with warm water. [2] X Research source
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Use a lemon or lime. Cut it into pieces and rub gently on the affected area, or just squirt a bit of juice on it. Citric acid has some itch-relieving properties. [3] X Research source
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Use your breakfast oatmeal. Oatmeal is renowned for its anti-itching properties, so make a small paste using ground oatmeal and a little water. Apply it to the bite area, allow the paste to dry, then wash it off. [4] X Research source
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Add a little meat tenderizer to the bite area. Mix it in water first before applying. Then let it dry and rinse it off afterwards. [5] X Research source
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Use baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (13.8 g) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Gently apply the paste to the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with warm water. A strong alkaline solution like this will often ease itching from insect bites.
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Look for over-the-counter medications to alleviate itching. Products such as Stingose and After Bite may help to alleviate pain. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion may also help reduce itching and swelling. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Follow the instructions accompanying the product. If you can't find one, talk to your pharmacist.
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Make a paste out of aspirin. The aspirin will help relieve the pain and reduce the symptoms of swelling and itching. Naturally, do not use this method if the person is allergic to aspirin.
- Alternatively, make a paste out of Tums tablets. This will also help with the itching.
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Rub alcohol on the affected area. The alcohol can have a cooling effect, which can temporarily relieve itchiness. It is also drying, which can cause the bites to shrink and reduce swelling. [9] X Research source
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Dab some toothpaste over the bite area. [10] X Research source This can work like a charm to relieve itching. Regular flavored toothpaste is the best option for this method. Rub it on and let it dry overnight. Then, wash it off in the morning with cold water and mild soap. The toothpaste will dry the bite out, and may remove irritation.
- Use any non-gel toothpaste. Gel toothpaste is not suitable for this method.
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Use soap. Wash the area using soap and water. Soap may be enough to relieve the itching. Use a mild soap, so as to not dry out the skin and increase irritation. [11] X Research source
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Use aloe. Rub aloe vera gel or a broken leaf from an aloe vera plant on the bite area to relieve itching. Aloe is well known for its ability to soothe and heal problematic skin areas. [12] X Research source
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Try basil. Fresh basil leaves that are crushed and directly applied to the area also naturally relieve itching symptoms because basil contains thymol and camphor, both of which are natural itch relievers. Basil can also be useful in repelling insects so you don't get any more bites. [13] X Research source
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Use plantain herbs. Either roll the plantain leaves between your fingers to extract the juice or rub the juicy leaf over the mosquito bite. The itch should go away in less than a minute. [14] X Research source
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Apply lavender oil . Dabbing small amounts of lavender oil directly on the affected area can relieve the itching quickly. [15] X Research source
- Alternatively, try dabbing some witch hazel on the bite.
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Use melaleuca or tea tree (ti-tree) oil. This oil is known as a cure-all for many problems and it can also alleviate the itching from mosquito bites.
- Add a drop of tea tree oil to an ice cold compress of witch hazel. It helps stop the burning feeling and the itch.
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Press or slap the area of the bite with your hand. Not too hard, but firm enough that it distracts the itching for a while. [16] X Research source
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Take a nice, relaxing warm bath. The addition of strong chickweed tea, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar, or 2 cups (280 g) ground oatmeal to the bath can help to alleviate itching. [17] X Research source
- You can even add a few essential oils to that to make the bath not only smell better but to clean the spot and also to soothe the skin.
- Make sure the water isn't too hot, and don't stay in the water longer than 20 minutes, as this can have a drying effect.
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Apply an ice pack or ice cubes to the bites. You should leave this on the affected area for about 20 minutes to alleviate the itch.
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Press a warm spoon to the bite. Let a metal spoon sit in steaming hot water for a minute. Remove the spoon from the water, let it cool for 5 to 10 seconds, and press it onto your mosquito bite. Hold it there for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat a couple of times while the water is still hot, and do this several times daily until your bite is healed.
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Join the Discussion...
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo I have to leave toothpaste on overnight?Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.It works best if left on the bite for the equivalent of and overnight sleep, so if you prefer, you could apply it and leave it on for about eight hours during the day.
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QuestionWhat if I don't have any of the creams or other things listed in the article?Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.Try using a cool compress with a wet washcloth. Alternatively, you can try a warm compress.
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Tips
- Avoid getting bitten by taking preventative measures: avoid going outside when mosquitos are most active (dusk and dawn), put screens in windows and promptly repair tears, wear long-sleeves and pants, or use an insect repellant containing DEET, Icaridin (also called picaridin), or oil of lemon eucalyptus. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
- Lavender deters them. Put some lavender oil in a diffuser near your bed if you’re getting bit in the night, or just rub some of the oil on you before going outside.Thanks
- You might react to mosquitoes from a different place more than your original hometown. There are many species of mosquitoes, so you may react to the bites of some species more than others.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Putting some aftershave on the bite before bed can reduce the itch and speed up healing time. In the morning, just remove the remaining aftershave with warm soapy water.
- This may sound weird, but eat a banana and hold the peel up to the bite. You can also rub the peel around a bit.
- Make sure you use the right toothpaste if you try the toothpaste method! Gel toothpaste will not be effective.
- Use clear nail varnish. Something in the nail varnish stops the itching and takes down the swelling.
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Warnings
- If you think you are allergic to mosquito bites (your bites start swelling immediately), discuss oral antihistamine options with your doctor.Thanks
- Mosquitoes carry certain serious diseases that can be passed to humans, such as West Nile Virus, Zika virus, malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. It is important to take protective measures so you avoid getting bitten.Thanks
- If your itching doesn't stop and the sores aren't healing, see your doctor. Skin that appears inflamed or infected requires medical treatment.Thanks
- Whatever you do, don't scratch or rub your bites. This will make the itching worse.Thanks
- See a doctor promptly if you develop a fever, headache, body aches, or other signs of infection. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/natural-home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites/
- ↑ https://www.optiderma.com/articles/natural-remedies-mosquito-bite-itching/
- ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/mosquito-bite-home-remedies/
- ↑ http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-natural-ways-to-relieve-mosquito-bites/
- ↑ http://www.almanac.com/content/insect-bites-and-stings-tips-and-remedies
- ↑ http://www.stingose.com.au/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/otc/162246/after-bite-the-itch-eraser.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/your-mosquito-bite-remedies_n_1619585.html?slideshow=true#gallery/234429/1
- ↑ http://www.oprah.com/health/How-to-Make-Up-for-Your-Past-Health-Mistakes_1
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/22/your-mosquito-bite-remedies_n_1619585.html?slideshow=true#gallery/234429/9
- ↑ Zora Aiken and David Aiken, The Essential Family Camper , p. 78, (2001), ISBN 0-07-137614-3
- ↑ http://www.naturallivingideas.com/mosquito-bite-home-remedies/
- ↑ http://wellnessmama.com/4638/plantain-herb-profile/
- ↑ http://commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-bug-bites-and-stings/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/20/natural-mosquito-bite-treatment_n_1610186.html?slideshow=true#gallery/233733/12
- ↑ http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/natural-home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/basics/prevention/con-20032350
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/basics/symptoms/con-20032350
About This Article
Article Summary
X
The best way to stop a mosquito bite from itching depends on what you have on-hand. For immediate relief, apply an ice cube for no more than 20 minutes or try applying honey to the area. For an overnight fix, dab regular-flavored, non-gel toothpaste on the bite and let it dry overnight before washing it off. For more suggestions from our Medical reviewer, including when to use chemical products like Stingose and After Bite, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "A Big thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely request this from my doctor. When the mosquitos start biting me, they don't seem to stop and each bite immediately starts to welt up at least an inch wide. Most of the itch remedies mentioned do work, but when you're allergic like I am you need something more affective overall. Thanks again." ..." more
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"A Big thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely request this from my doctor. When the mosquitos start biting me, they don't seem to stop and each bite immediately starts to welt up at least an inch wide. Most of the itch remedies mentioned do work, but when you're allergic like I am you need something more affective overall. Thanks again."
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"I live in a very rural area with a man who has never used pesticides or any other toxins on his five acres. Great for life in general and mosquitoes! I have been their favorite pin cushion and have been miserable. Rubbing alcohol is working and with this article, I have more options. Yay!"
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"I happen to have a fresh basil plant; I picked off the leaves and smashed it. I rubbed the juices into the bite and the itching went away. I also took the smashed leaf and laid it on top of the bite. It relieved the inch instantly. Thank you for the relief."
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"I used the hot water method on a very swollen mosquito bite on my thigh. The itch woke me from my sleep, but now I can rest peacefully because it worked like a charm. Thank you so much for this extremely helpful information!"
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"The toothpaste method worked really well for me, except for that my bug bites start itching when I'm in bed, so the toothpaste sticks to the bed sheets. Another thing that worked for me is white vinegar and salt."
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