

Take an anti-itch medicine (antihistamine) by mouth to reduce itching.Do this several times a day until your symptoms go away. Apply to the affected area calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream.If the injury is on an arm or leg, raise it.Apply a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice to the area of the bite or sting for 10 to 20 minutes.Gently wash the area with soap and water.Move to a safe area to avoid more bites or stings.The novelty factor may be low, but it's tried and true.To treat a mild reaction to an insect bite or sting: Take an Antihistamine Why it works: Reduces swelling, relieving pain and allowing itchy, blood-clotting mosquito saliva to depart the wound.Aloe Why it works: Gel found inside aloe vera plants applied to insect bites acts as an effective antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant.Fresh Basil Why it works: Rubbed on the affected area, natural camphor increases blood flow around the bite and breaks down itchy anti-clotting agents in mosquito saliva.Honey Why it Works: Another natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, honey is a quick pain reliever.Vinegar Why it Works: Malic acid in apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, able to soothe painful bites.Evidence is inconclusive, but some swear by this method. Garlic Why it Works: A natural antibiotic, fresh garlic rubbed on a mosquito bite is said to knock out the bacteria causing itchiness.Wet Tea Bag Why it Works: Another astringent, the tannins in a moist black or green tea bag soothe quickly.Deodorant Why it Works: Aluminum chloride in bar deodorant will draw moisture (and toxins) from the bite.Menthol in the toothpaste will also provide a “cooling” sensation that will occupy the nerves in the same way ice does, relieving discomfort.

Toothpaste Why it Works: A dab of toothpaste on the bite will act as an astringent, drawing itchy venom from the wound as it dries.Baking Soda Why it Works: When mixed with a little water and applied as a paste, this household alkaline can help neutralize the pH balance in the bite, providing itch relief.

Best used in conjunction with an antihistamine or other treatment that will reduce swelling. Apply Heat Why it Works: Holding a hot compress or running hot water over the affected area will overload the nerves in the same way ice does and also opens the pores to allow the itch-causing toxins easier escape.Like taking an antihistamine, ice reduces swelling and has the added benefit of numbing the nerves sending “itchy” signals to the brain.

