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They itch and they burn and they can be terribly annoying. Everyone has experienced the agony and irritability of a mosquito bite at some point in our lives. Whether it’s a vacation in the tropics or a summer day in the woods, mosquitoes can take the fun out of a potentially enjoyable outing. Of course, taking precaution is advisable. There are mosquito-repellent sprays and creams that claim to keep you safe from an itchy nuisance. You may take all the preventive measures you can, but sometimes you just cannot escape being bitten.

Unlike a wasp or bee sting, which injects poison in your body, a mosquito bite is simply the skin’s reaction to the mosquito’s saliva. When a mosquito bites us, it releases anticoagulants that prevent our blood from clotting. The bumpy, itchy result is usually an allergic reaction to this secretion. While you can never truly be safe from a mosquito bite, you can certainly take measures to reduce the irritation from the bite. Take a look at these simple remedies that you can do at home.

Top 10 Home Remedies For Mosquito Bites

1. Honey

Sweet relief for that itchy, swollen bite, honey can be a good balm for your skin. Just dab a little bit of honey directly on the affected skin for relief. It is recommended that you use raw or organic honey, instead of chemically-processed honey for better results. Because honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it can prevent infection. Honey also has a soothing and calming effect that can provide immediate relief from the irritable itching or burning sensation.

2. Banana Peel

A folk remedy that is gaining credibility, banana peel is becoming popular for many skin afflictions. One of its uses, it appears, is to help soothe a stinging, itching mosquito bite. You can use the inside of the banana skin on the bite to get relief. After application, it is advisable to not rinse it off. Let it dry naturally. Apply as needed.

3. Aloe Vera

We all know the usefulness of aloe vera in treating a multitude of skin problems. Mosquito and other insect bites are also afflictions that this herb can be useful in healing. If you have an aloe vera plant in your backyard or balcony, simply cut off one leaf, split it in half and use the oozing gel to apply on the affected skin area. Aloe will not only relieve the burning or itching sensation but will also help speed up recovery. If you do not have the plant, you can get any lotion that has a fair amount of aloe vera in it.

4.Onion

An old remedy for insect bites, onion can help provide immediate relief from an irritating mosquito bite. Onion is known for its effectiveness in reducing swelling. It does this because it has powerful enzymes that can pull out fluids. You can slice up an onion and apply it to the mosquito bite. Remember to use freshly-sliced onions, because stale slices are known to be less effective.

5. Garlic

A powerful remedy for bug bites, garlic is not for the faint-hearted. This root has a strong effect when applied to a mosquito bite; it may cause mild burning. However, it is also one of the more effective remedies. It is highly successful in reducing inflammation and relieving the itching sensation. What’s more, the smell of garlic can also prevent mosquitoes from biting you again. It is not recommended that you use this method on children and those with sensitive skin.

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6. Basil

Good for more than just garnishing, basil is a friendly and effective remedy for mosquito bites. This popular kitchen ingredient is known to be a good mosquito repellent as well. It is believed that this is because it contains known bug-repelling components like camphor and thymol. The good news is that basil also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for reducing swelling of the bites. Just crush some leaves, make a paste of them and apply it to the affected area.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Another traditional folk remedy for insect bites is tea tree oil. Native to Australia, the tea tree has been used by the indigenous population of the continent in many medicinal remedies for centuries. Tea tree oil is known to have sanitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. This means the essential oil will kill any bacteria and prevent infection and will also reduce swelling. After cleaning the mosquito bite, dab some of tea tree oil on the affected area.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

This is another simple and successful remedy for a mosquito bite. Eucalyptus oil has cooling and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it ideal for use against itchy and irritating insect bites. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can prevent the mosquito bite from getting infected. You can directly apply a couple of drops of this oil on the bite, after cleaning the area first. However, it is advisable that you test and see if you have an allergic reaction first.

9. Vinegar

One more common kitchen commodity that can be helpful in case of mosquito bites is vinegar. Of the different types of vinegar, it is apple cider vinegar that has proven to be most useful in this case. After being bitten, apply some drops of apple cider vinegar directly on the area. It is more effective if it is done immediately. You can also take a bath with water and apple cider vinegar if the bites are multiple and more severe. However, take care if the bite is raw, as it might burn when applied with the vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar helps relieve the itching sensation and can help reduce the swelling.

10. Lemon Juice

Treating a mosquito bite cannot get easier than squeezing a lime or lemon and applying its juice. This simple and effective remedy is a convenient way of immediately getting some relief. Because of its acidic properties, lime or lemon can give you relief from the itching and can encourage the healing process. Just dab some freshly-squeezed lime or lemon juice on the bite. This may burn mildly at first, but it gives you fast relief.