Alternative Mosquito Bite Remedies

Mosquito bites are a fast way to ruin a good time. You know you’re supposed to use prevention, but even with the best of intentions and the strongest of preventions, sometimes you get bit. While there are a variety of over-the-counter products that are great when you have access to them, mosquito bites often strike when you’re far away from a pharmacy or convenience store. These common products should help to take some of the itch out of mosquito bites.

First let’s talk about why mosquito bites itch. When a mosquito bites someone, it breaks the skin and mosquito saliva is introduced to the body. This causes the body to create histamines, a chemical reaction meant to preserve the body and prevent infections. Unfortunately, this histamine reaction also causes the heat, itching, and raised bump often associated with mosquito bites. Histamine reactions vary from person to person. While some bodies create an intense reaction to histamines and the mosquitoes that cause them, others are much more mild. To reduce the annoying side effects of mosquito bites, it’s important to try to reduce the effects of histamine. 

Calamine Lotion

Polka dots are cute on outfits, but not as fashionable worn across the skin. The light pink splotches of calamine lotion aren’t the most fashionable way to cure the itch of mosquitoes, they are one of the most effective ways to stop the awful histamine reaction of a mosquito bite

Zinc-based Sunblock

One of the main ingredients in calamine lotion is zinc oxide. This is also the main ingredient in many physical block sunscreens. Most dive-safe or natural sunscreen contain mostly zinc oxide. Check the ingredient label on your sunblock, but it’s likely that if the product creates a lifeguard-style white stripe down your nose, it’s mostly zinc oxide and can help relieve mosquito bites.

Raw Honey

Raw honey is a superfood of sorts. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and local raw honey can help to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms. These features mean that raw honey (honey that has not been pasteurized or compromised due to high heat) can help provide relief to the itchy inflammation of mosquito bites. Simply place a dab of honey on the affected area, let it dry, and wait for the skin-soothing effects.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another way to help alleviate the side effects of mosquito bites. The acidic nature of vinegar can clean and soothe bites. If you’re sensitive to the sharp smell of white distilled vinegar, try apple cider vinegar. It has a sweeter odor, but the same effective acidity.

Alcohol

Most first aid kits come equipped with isopropyl alcohol pads. These sterile pads are a great way to eliminate some of the itch of mosquito bites. No medical grade alcohol laying around? A high proof clear liquor like vodka or gin may work in replacement. Make sure to not select any flavored liquors or those with additional additives as that may actually attract more mosquitoes your way.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have become popular in recent years as a veritable cure-all. From headaches to bug bites, there is an essential for almost everything. Oils with antiseptic properties like tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary oil can be highly effective to help reduce the irritation and itching associated with mosquito bites. No essential oils on hand? Products containing high levels of essential oils, like lip balms or lotions, can make great substitutes in a pinch.

Oatmeal

There’s a reason the humble oatmeal is the go-to treatment for those suffering from chicken pox. Oatmeal contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe skin from irritations ranging from bug bites to sunburn to swimmer’s itch.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste has been long known to be a pinch-hitting blemish corrector, but not many people think to use it for mosquito bites. Toothpaste can dry out the skin around mosquito bites helping to reduce the itch. As a bonus, the menthol flavoring of most toothpastes can have additional anesthetic properties.

The best way to alleviate mosquito bites is to prevent them. Call Mosquito Control to schedule a mosquito spray to keep mosquitos away. Our non-toxic, pet and kid-friendly sprays prevent mosquitoes in your yard and help you to get the most enjoyment from your home.

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