Is there anything worse than a swollen, itchy bug bite? They’re not pretty to look at, that’s for sure. And did we mention that they are that causes itching?
“Mosquito bites are probably the most common, but unfortunately there are also bed bug bites, which we see most often after traveling.” Katy Burris, MDsays a board-certified dermatologist in the department of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “Mosquitoes and chiggers can also bite people, and they tend to appear when people have been walking outside or on the beach.”
There are many over-the-counter medications you can take to relieve symptoms such as itching and inflammation. But if you’re not a big fan of pharmaceutical medications (or can’t get to the store), there are also some natural remedies for bug bites that you probably already have in your home.
Keep in mind that many of these remedies do not have solid clinical trials backing them, but doctors recommend them and many people swear by them.
So, if you’re wondering how to quickly cure insect bites, here are 13 remedies you can try.
1. Honey
“Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Kemunto Mokaya, MDa board-certified dermatologist based in Houston. Reducing inflammation helps calm swelling and keeping bacteria at bay reduces the chance of the bite becoming infected.
In fact, a review of the research in open life sciences says that the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of honey make it useful in the treatment of wounds.
How to use it
Simply apply a small amount to affected areas, says Dr. Mokaya.
In addition to being a great treatment for swelling from insect bites, “the stickiness will reduce the temptation to scratch, because doing so will be messy,” she says. And that’s a good thing, because scratching can lead to an infection.
2. Witch hazel
“Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the skin,” says Mokaya.
Although research on this is limited, a study in the journal Antioxidants demonstrated that witch hazel had an anti-inflammatory effect on human cells inflamed with acne bacteria in test tubes.
How to use it
Witch hazel is a plant. You can find it online or at your local pharmacy as an astringent.
“Apply a small amount to a cotton ball, then gently rub it on the bite and let it dry,” says Mokaya.
3. Aloe Vera
“Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties,” says Mokaya, which is why it is often touted as a sunburn remedy.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthThere is scientific evidence that aloe vera is effective in treating many types of wounds and rashes, including psoriasis, so it is likely to help with itching as well.
How to use it
Mokaya recommends cutting a small part of the plant to obtain the gel and then applying it to irritated areas to relieve insect bites. You can also buy the gel at your local store or online.
4. Oats
“Oats have anti-inflammatory and calming properties,” says Mokaya. For these reasons, it is also suggested as a natural remedy for eczema.
How to use it
“If you have some inflamed areas, make an oatmeal paste and apply it to the area to soothe it,” suggests Mokaya.
To make the paste, grind the oats into a powder with a food processor. Next, mix equal amounts of oats and water in a bowl. Place a tablespoon of the paste on a washcloth and hold it, paste side down, on the irritated skin for about 10 minutes before wiping the area.
If you get a lot of bites, Mokaya recommends taking an oatmeal bath by sprinkling a cup of ground oats into a bathtub full of warm water and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes, gently rubbing some of the oatmeal clumps into your skin.
Instead of grinding your own oats, you can purchase a commercial bath treatment that contains colloidal oatmeal.
5. Baking soda
When you use it to create a homemade ointment, baking soda can soothe a bite, says Mokaya.
How to use it
“Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to create a paste. Apply it to the affected areas for about 10 minutes before washing it off,” she suggests.
However, Mokaya warns that treatment should be discontinued if skin irritation occurs.
Mayo Clinic Likewise, he recommends applying a baking soda paste to a bite or sting several times a day.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Although it’s not the cure-all many people think it is, apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, Mokaya says, so it might be helpful to have on hand.
How to use it
If you have many bites, he recommends taking a cold bath and pouring 2 cups of apple cider vinegar into half a tub of water.
7. garlic
“Garlic can help reduce swelling,” says Mokaya, but you shouldn’t apply it directly to the skin.
How to use it
“Chop fresh garlic and mix it with room temperature coconut oil,” she suggests.
Apply the mixture on the affected area for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
Mokaya notes that coconut oil can also be used without garlic, because it has antibacterial and calming effects on its own.
8. onion
“The anti-inflammatory effects of onion are powerful,” says Mokaya. “Unlike garlic, which must be mixed with oil to prevent it from irritating the skin, onion can be applied directly to the insect bite.”
How to use it
Cut a slice of onion and apply it directly to the bite for 5 to 10 minutes. Then use a mild cleanser to wash it.
9. Tea bags
Like the other remedies mentioned above, tea, and especially chamomile tea, has anti-inflammatory properties, says Mokaya.
How to use it
Brew some chamomile tea, take out the tea bag, let it cool, and then apply it to the affected area to help prevent the itching of insect bites.
The best part is that you have options.
“Although chamomile is best known for its calming effects, you can use green tea, black tea, rooibos, and tea bags of other teas to get the job done,” says Mokaya.
10. Tea tree oil
Mokaya says this essential oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help heal insect bites.
How to use it
It is safe to apply tea tree oil directly to the skin, according to Mayo Clinicbut if you have sensitive skin you may want to dilute it a little with a little almond, olive or vegetable oil.
Some people may develop a rash from tea tree oil, so test it on a small area of skin before applying it anywhere else.
11. Thyme and Basil
Both herbs can help fight inflammation, says Mokaya.
How to use them
She recommends finely chopping some fresh thyme or basil leaves and then applying them directly to the bite for 10 minutes.
You can also try pouring a little boiled water over some thyme sprigs. Once the mixture has cooled, dip a washcloth in the liquid and apply it to the affected area.
12. milk
I bet you didn’t think that a natural remedy for bug bites could come straight out of your refrigerator. But it’s true: “Milk has calming effects and can help the insect bite,” says Mokaya.
How to use it
Mix equal parts milk and water, then dip a cotton ball or thin cloth in the mixture and apply it to your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse.
Just be sure to use cold or cold milk so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.
13. Ice
“If you don’t have any of the above remedies, I’m sure you have access to ice,” Mokaya says. This type of cold therapy can freeze swelling and itching.
How to use it
“Place crushed ice on a washcloth or tea towel and then place it on the skin to reduce inflammation,” says Mokaya.
Don’t leave it on your skin for more than four minutes, he warns, because it can damage the skin and cause a burning sensation known as ice burn. If your symptoms return after 10 to 15 minutes, go ahead and do another round of ice.
He Association of the American Academy of Dermatology Similarly, he suggests applying an ice pack to help reduce the itching and swelling of an insect bite.
When to see a doctor for insect bites
While you can handle most insect bites on your own, certain situations require a visit to the doctor.
You were bitten by a tick
“Tick bites are something you should definitely see a dermatologist about to be evaluated for tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease,” says Dr. Burris.
If you find one of these insects buried in your skin, it is important that you remove the tick properly and store it in an airtight bag so your doctor can examine it. Different types of ticks can transmit different diseases, so knowing which type can help your doctor determine the best way to detect and treat you.
The bite is infected
Even with a normal insect bite, “if the surrounding area starts to become tender, red and warm, and there is concern about infection,” that warrants medical attention, Burris says.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an insect bite that becomes infected, depending on Cleveland Clinic. This can happen if you scratch the bite, which can break your skin and introduce bacteria. Signs of an infection include red, swollen skin and fever. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.
The itching is out of control
Burris also says that if your itching goes beyond the control of natural remedies and over-the-counter topical steroids or antihistamines, you’ll need to see a dermatologist for something stronger.
