Mosquito Bites ….Natural Ways to Get Rid of …..

“Be persistent like a mosquito, at the end you will get your bite”   -------Bangambiki Habyarimana                

Female mosquitoes are attracted to us, and other animals, for our blood. They take about 3 milligrams per bite, and use the iron and proteins in it to develop their eggs. The mosquito doesn’t actually “bite” of course. She pokes around with her proboscis (a long, needle like mouth part) and finds a blood vessel close to the skin. She then punctures the skin with her proboscis, and sucks out the blood.

The irritation that comes after the mosquito bite is the result of the mosquito’s saliva, which acts as an anti-coagulant that keeps the blood flowing while she’s feeding. The human body reacts to the foreign saliva by releasing histamines, organic compounds that (put very simply) regulate inflammation. The itchy swollen red bump (called a wheal) that raises up becomes a bulls eye target for your itching and scratching.           

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A dab of apple cider vinegar may help with inflammation and itching-especially the itching. I couldn’t tell you exactly why it works, but it does. It’s just one of those things. If you’ve scratched at the bite and it’s open, this will sting. Sometimes even that is preferable to the infuriating itch you’re feeling though! **

You will need…-Apple cider vinegar, -Cotton balls

Directions

Soak a cotton ball in the ACV and squeeze out the excess so it’s not dripping all over the place. Press over the bug bite for 5 seconds or so. Repeat if needed (which it probably will be.)

2. Ice It

When it starts to really drive you nuts, break out the ice. The coolness reduces the hot, uncomfortable inflammation, and numbs the area enough to drive away the sensation of itching for the time being. It can get a little messy, but I prefer to place an ice cube directly on the bite, versus putting some in a plastic bag and holding it on.

You will need… -Ice

Directions

Hold the ice on the bite until the ice cube melts-or at least until it’s halfway melted. It’s really not an exact science.

3. Cucumber It

The same as icing it-only with a cucumber instead of ice. And with less mess. It’s not *as* effective, in my personal experience, but other people experience the opposite-where the cucumber is more effective than the ice. It’s a matter of trial and error, as everybody is going to respond differently. Cucumbers do have an anti-inflammatory constituent known as fisetin, which has been shown to inhibit several inflammatory causing cytokines. Cytokines are basically a broad and generalized group of proteins that signal cells to act a certain way. I would think you’d have to ingest the cucumber to get these benefits, but if your bites are terrible and you’re desperate for relief, feel free to see if it helps with the itching.

You will need… -Cucumber

Directions

Slice up a cucumber and store the slices in the refrigerator. When you need it, hold the slice over the bite until the itching stops. It’s cool, soothing, and unlike the ice the cucumber won’t melt against your skin (and if it does you have bigger worries than a mosquito bite) so simply hold it there until you get relief . Peppermint Toothpaste

This one is good if you’re REALLY in a pinch. Apply some (organic) peppermint toothpaste to the affected area. It can help take the bite (pun totally intended) out of the itchiness. The menthol in the peppermint will create a cooling sensation that can bring you some measure of relief until a more formal (for lack of a better word) remedy becomes available.

You will need… -Organic peppermint toothpaste

Directions

Dab a small amount of toothpaste over the bite and spread it in a thin layer. Before reapplying, rinse the old stuff off first.

5. Got Lemons?

You should. I am NEVER with lemons on hand-especially if I know I am going to be getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Honestly, I think the sting, or potential to sting, is what takes away some of the discomfort, as odd as that sounds. It may also help prevent bacteria from entering or irritating the area if you’ve scratched it open.

You will need… -A lemon OR lemon juice, if you don’t have the fresh fruit on hand.

Directions

Cut a slice of lemon, then wrap the rest of the fruit and stick it in the fridge for a later use. Rinse the bite with cool water, pat dry, and then squeeze a few drop of lemon juice out directly onto the bite. Alternatively squeeze it into a bowl, then use a cotton ball (or your clean fingers) and dab it on.

Put an old copper pennies on any kind of stings for 20 minutes, can use duct tape to hold in place.

Copper penny lowers histamine. Never take copper without zinc orally. Onion has quercitin may help allergies. 

Do Mosquitos Love You More?

Ever get the feeling that you’re getting singled out when you go camping? Like all of your friends are untouched by mosquitoes, and you must have sweet blood because you’re getting eaten alive? It turns out, it may not all be in your head. Studies have shown that mosquitoes will land on folks with blood type O nearly twice as often as people with blood type A. Based on other genes, about 85% of people secrete a chemical signal through their skin that tells what blood type you have. Mosquitoes seem to favor them, versus the 15% who kept their blood type “secret.”

So, the world is a wildly unfair place, and mosquitoes might just like you more than everyone else.

Old Glue Stick

Just take any average old glue stick and rub the messy compound onto your bite. This seems to be a spectacular trick for mom as they can carry a stick around in their purse and apply it to their children whenever needed.Everyone has access to these sticks, and they are much cheaper than the marketed “Itch sticks”.

Nail Polish

Some people use nail polish, as it works wonders also. The itch will go away in 15 minutes due to the lack of oxygen that the seal creates. Without an itch, there is less chance of an infection and that is a great reason to use it!

Heat

Heat can also be used to denature the protein found in the anti-coagulant that the mosquito injects. Some say that even getting a sunburn will render all mosquito bites un-itchable. If there are multiple bug bites that need remedied, try taking a hot shower as this can reduce the swelling effects and stop the urge to scratch.

Thank you for reading my post. This information is not intended to diagnose, or cure any disease.

Your thoughts  ……?

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using any of these remedies.