Mosquitoes are a menace across the world and are usually rampant during the monsoon and summer seasons. While most mosquito bites are harmless, some can be carriers of diseases like malaria and dengue. Even when harmless, however, once a mosquito bites, it leaves behind a bumpy lesion that itches.
Did You Know!
Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein in blood to produce and develop their eggs. The saliva they secrete to numb the bite is what causes the itch(1).
It’s useful to be able to identify a mosquito bite, in order to rule out it being something else. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into the bite to temporarily lessen the sting. The saliva contains enzymes that the human body reacts against.
The immune system produces histamine that rushes to the site and causes blood vessels to enlarge because of the increased blood flow, causing the bump. The histamine also causes the affected area to itch. A mosquito bite is a raised bump of even color.
There are some simple remedies you can use to reduce the itching caused by a mosquito bite. If you’re wondering how to prevent mosquito bites, we have provided some remedies for repellants later on in the article.
Natural Remedies For Mosquito Bites
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
1. Oatmeal
Why use?
Oats can be helpful in relieving the itchiness caused by mosquito bites when applied topically to the skin. Oats contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds help lessen the itch of a mosquito bite.
How to use?
Using oats as a scrub is how to treat mosquito bites. For a single bite, you use this remedy by making a paste of oats and water. Mix equal parts of oatmeal and water in a bowl until it forms a paste. Take some paste in a washcloth and place it on the bite for about 10 minutes.
If you have multiple bites, taking a bath with oats will help relieve the itch. Add one cup of oats to a bathtub of warm water and soak yourself in it for 20 minutes.
How much to use?
- For a single bite make a paste of equal parts of oatmeal and water and apply through a washcloth for 10 minutes.
- For a bath, add 1 cup of oats to a bathtub of warm water and soak yourself in it for 20 minutes.
2. Honey
Why use?
Honey has been used as a healing agent for ages, both topically and orally. Honey has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and these properties are one way how to heal mosquito bites. The antibacterial properties also help prevent the bite from being infected.
How to use?
Apply a drop or two of pure honey to the bite and let it sit. You can use your finger to smother it over the bite gently.
How much to use?
As much as is necessary to cover the mosquito bite.
3. Aloe Vera
Why use?
Aloe Vera is known as a natural antiseptic and used to treat numerous skin ailments. The gel of the Aloe Vera leaf has incredible antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties help relieve the itchiness caused by a mosquito bite, making it one of the best home remedies for mosquito bites.
How to use?
Aloe Vera gel is a great relief for mosquito bites. All you need to do is cut off a part of the leaf, peel off the hard exterior and apply the gel directly onto the mosquito bite.
How much to use?
As much Aloe Vera gel as needed to cover the entire bump.
4. Baking Soda
Why use?
This might sound unusual, but baking soda is one way how to cure mosquito bites. Baking soda is alkaline in nature, and it helps neutralise the pH levels of the bite, thereby reducing the itchiness.
How to use?
It’s quite simple to use baking soda for mosquito bites. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in water until it fully dissolves and then applies the paste directly on the affected area. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then wash the area with lukewarm water.
You can use apple cider vinegar for mosquito bites along with baking soda too. Apply a few drops of it to the skin to restore the natural pH levels.
How much to use?
One teaspoon of baking soda in enough water to form a paste. Use as much as needed to cover the entire area. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
5. Vinegar
Why use?
Vinegar, especially Apple Cider Vinegar (since it is less acidic than others), can be used to get relief from mosquito bites. The acidic nature helps restore the pH levels, and it also has antifungal properties.
How to use?
There a couple of ways to use vinegar for mosquito bites. For a few bites, you can directly dab a drop or two to the affected area and let it sit.
If the itchiness is not bearable, you can soak a washcloth in cold water and vinegar and then apply it to the bite.
You can also draw a bath with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in a bathtub full of cold water and soak in it for 20 minutes.
How much to use?
Few drops directly to the skin, or a cloth dipped in equal parts of cold water, and vinegar gently applied to the bite. For a bath, use 2 cups of vinegar with a bathtub full of cold water.
6. Onion
Why use?
The juices from a freshly cut onion bulb can help reduce the mosquito bite’s itch and irritation. Onion has natural antifungal properties and using it will help reduce the swelling as well.
How to use?
Cut a slice from onion and rub the juices directly onto the mosquito bite and leave it on for several minutes. Rinse the area after a few minutes.
How much to use?
Rub the onion to cover the bite and leave the juice on for a few minutes before rinsing the area clean.
7. Garlic
Why use?
Garlic is a well-known home remedy that has been used for ages for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal benefits. It also helps relieve itchiness caused by mosquito bites.
How to use?
While you can directly rub garlic to the bite, it might cause a burn. It’s best to mix finely minced garlic in coconut oil, since using coconut oil for mosquito bites helps relieve the itch as well, and then apply this mixture directly onto the affected area.
How much to use?
As much of the mixture as needed
8. Salt
Why use?
Salt is found in every home and is a simple remedy for mosquito bites. It is often used as a healing agent because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You might have used salt as a gargle to soothe and heal throat problems. In case you’re wondering what to do for mosquito bites, salt is the answer.
How to use?
Mix salt in water and apply the mixture directly onto the affected area.
How much to use?
As much of the mixture as needed.
[Read: Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites]
CURE 2: Herbs For Mosquito Bites
1. Basil
Why use?
A commonly used seasoning, Basil also has properties that help with skin irritation. Basil contains a chemical compound called eugenol which can help relieve the itch caused by a mosquito bite.
How to use?
Create a basil rub by boiling 2 cups of water and adding about 15 grams of dried basil leaves in it. Let the mixture cool, then dip a clean cloth in the mixture and apply it to the mosquito bite.
How much to use?
15 grams of dried basil leaves in 2 cups of water. Apply as much as needed to cover the area.
2. Thyme
Why use?
Thyme is an herb found in almost every kitchen. Thyme also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help give relief from the irritation of a mosquito bite.
How to use?
You can apply finely minced thyme leaves directly to the bite and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Another method is by making a rub. Boil a cup of water and add some stems of thyme. Let the water cool, then dip a washcloth in the mixture and apply to the affected area. Let the cloth sit for about 10 minutes.
How much to use?
As much as needed to cover the bite, applied for 10 minutes.
3. Chamomile Tea
Why use?
When consumed Chamomile tea is extremely refreshing, but did you know, used Chamomile tea bags can be used to relieve skin irritation and reduce inflammation?
How to use?
Steep a tea bag in water and place it in the refrigerator to cool. Once it cools, you can place the tea bag onto the bite to ease the itchiness.
How much to use?
One tea bag placed on the bite for 10 minutes.
4. Banana Peel
Why use?
It may sound surprising, but you can use a banana peel for mosquito bites. The juices in a banana peel help relieve the itch.
How to use?
Rub the insides of a banana peel on the bite and let the juices sit for 30 minutes. Wash it clean after 30 minutes.
How much to use?
Applied for 30 minutes 1-2 times a day.
[Read: Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites]
CURE 3: Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites
1. Tea Tree Oil
Why use?
Tea Tree Essential Oil has antimicrobial properties that help in preventing bacterial infections, making it a popular remedy for bug bites. It acts as a natural antihistamine, helping relieve pain, swelling, and itchiness caused by bug bites. You can also use tea tree oil as a mosquito repellent.
How to use?
Essential oils are potent and should be used with a carrier oil. To use tea tree oil for mosquito bites, dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil and directly apply it to the bite, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
How much to use?
Equal parts of tea tree oil and coconut oil applied to cover the bite, left on for 10-15 minutes.
2. Rosemary
Why use?
Rosemary essential oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling caused by a mosquito bite and also relieves the itchiness.
How to use?
Rosemary essential oil should always be used with a carrier oil when being added directly to the skin. Mix equal parts of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil and directly apply the mixture to the bite, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
How much to use?
Equal parts of rosemary essential oil mixed with jojoba oil or coconut oil applied to cover the bite left on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Lavender
Why use?
Lavender oil is known to possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used topically to treat bug bites and fungal infections. Being mild in nature, it can be directly applied to the skin, although for people with sensitive skin it is advised to use it with a carrier oil.
How to use?
To use lavender oil for mosquito bites, mix equal parts of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil and directly apply the mixture to the bite, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
You can also draw a bath and add a few drops of lavender oil to it and then soak in the water for 10-15 minutes.
How much to use?
Equal parts of lavender essential oil mixed with jojoba oil or coconut oil applied to cover the bite left on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Neem
Why use?
Neem is incredibly popular for its medicinal properties and used topically and orally. It is used topically to repair skin damage, help with dryness and also as an antibacterial agent. It helps soothe itchy and inflamed skin and is, therefore, used as a remedy for mosquito bites. You can also apply neem oil as a mosquito repellent.
How to use?
If you have neem essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture directly to the skin and let it sit for 15 minutes.
How much to use?
Equal parts of neem essential oil and coconut oil applied for 15 minutes.
5. Cedar
Why use?
Cedar Essential Oil contains cedrol and cedrene which act as natural bug repellents. You can also use cedar essential oil to soothe itchiness caused by mosquito bites.
How to use?
Mix cedar oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the mixture directly to the skin and let it sit for 15 minutes.
How much to use?
Equal parts of cedar essential oil and coconut oil applied for 15 minutes.
CURE 4: Alternate Remedies For Mosquito Bites
1. Crushed Ice
Why use?
Histamines generated by the immune system to fight mosquito saliva dilates the blood vessels around the affected area filling it with excess blood. Crushed ice or a cold compress applied to the bite causes the vessels in the affected area to constrict, reducing the amount of blood.
How to use?
Wrap crushed ice in a cloth and place it on the mosquito bite.
How much to use?
As much ice as needed applied so long as it does not cause discomfort.
2. Concentrated Heat
Why use?
The itchiness of a mosquito bite is caused by the protein present in the mosquito’s saliva. Applying heat to the bite helps destroy the protein, reducing the itch.
How to use?
You can lightly heat up a spoon over a flame and place it on the bite.
How much to use?
As much heat as is comfortable. Do not overheat the spoon, or you may burn your skin.
[Read: Get rid of Mosquito Bites]
Natural Repellents to Prevent Mosquito Bites
The itch caused by mosquito bites can be frustrating. Fortunately, you now have 18 ways how to get rid of mosquito bites. There are some simple home remedies you can use as a repellent, and precautions you can take to prevent mosquitoes from biting altogether. If you’re wondering how to stop mosquito bites, or how to avoid mosquito bites, here are a few methods:
- Neem essential oil diluted with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil acts as a good mosquito repellent.
- Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil and apply as a repellent.
- You can directly apply (if you don’t have overly sensitive skin) lavender oil as a mosquito repellent.
- When in areas prone to mosquitoes, minimize the amount of exposed skin.
- Use mosquito nets when sleeping to keep mosquitoes away.
Sometimes mosquitoes can be carriers of diseases like Malaria and Dengue. If you come down with a persistent fever, chills and headache a few days after being bitten by mosquitoes, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Otherwise, mosquito bites are more of a nuisance than dangerous, and now you have the right home remedies to help cure the itch.
[ Read: Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Certain People ]
FAQs
1. How long does it take for mosquito bites to heal?
If you’re wondering ‘how long does it take for mosquito bites to go away’, it takes approximately 3-4 days for the itch to go away, and the swelling to subside.
2. What is good for mosquito bites?
Mosquito bites heal on their own, but if the itch is unbearable, you can use one of the 18 home remedies provided in this article.
3. How to stop mosquito bites?
Use repellents (store-bought or homemade) and minimize the amount of exposed skin.
