Got Insect Bites? 7 Ways to Soothe Your Skin
Nobody likes insect bites. In case you get bitten, read on for tips on soothing the itchy, swelling skin.
Clean the Area>
Use a Cold Compress>
Apply an Anti-Itch Cream>
Use Your Lip Balm>
Apply Baking Soda>
Avoid Harsh Products>
Alert Your Doctor If...>
Are you one of those people who are always getting insect bites? Studies show your attractiveness to bugs isn’t all in your mind.
A 2015 article published in PLOS One states that you are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes if you are pregnant or have a larger surface area, therefore emitting more carbon dioxide. Your natural body odor and body heat are also a factor. However, here’s a comforting thought: everybody gets bitten. The real equalizer? We all have to use insect repellant to avoid it.
In case you forget or an alpha female lamok gets through the cracks, follow these tips to soothe your insect bites and get rid of them quickly.
Clean the Area
Cleaning the area is essential to getting rid of bacteria and avoiding irritation. Wash the area with soap, such as LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Soap Lemon Fresh, or dab it with 70% alcohol. This can also relieve itching.
Use a Cold Compress
A mosquito’s saliva is an allergen. When it enters your bloodstream, the body releases histamine, a chemical that fights it off. It’s also responsible for swelling and itching. Use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce both.
Apply an Anti-Itch Cream
Applying calamine cream or any other topical anti-itch lotion brings instant relief. You could also ask your doctor about taking antihistamines, which would address your body’s reactions to the allergens.
Use Your Lip Balm
Here’s a neat hack: in the absence of anti-itch creams, you could dab some lip balm on a new mosquito bite. Certain essential oils commonly found in these products, such as peppermint and lavender, can help relieve itching.
Apply Baking Soda
The US Center for Disease Control recommends soothing insect bites with baking soda paste – a mixture of baking soda and water. Leave it on the bite for 10 minutes then rinse off.
Avoid Harsh Products
If the bite persists, avoid harsh products that could dry or irritate your skin. Use a moisturizing wash like Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash to soothe irritation on sensitive skin while cleansing it.
Products
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Alert Your Doctor If...
Do not scratch insect bites. Call your doctor if a bite starts to spread or shows signs of an allergic reaction or infection. These include redness and warmth around the bite, increasing pain, swelling, and pus.
Insect bites are often small but terrible bumps that can cause discomfort and worry. While prevention is better than cure, following the tips above can help get rid of them and minimize the risk of infection. Always carry insect repellant if you’re prone to get bitten.
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