When an insect bites, it injects venom and other substances into the skin. This causes swelling, itching and pain. Sometimes an allergic reaction can occur. Severity of reaction depends on one’s sensitivity to the substance injected and the number of times you have been bitten. Most reactions are mild, causing only stinging sensation, itching, and mild local swelling that decreases within 24 hours or so. Sometimes, a delayed reaction can occur, causing hives, painful joints, swollen glands and fever.
A very tiny percentage of those bitten by an insect may develop a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms of anaphylaxis are facial swelling, nausea, difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, faintness, rapid heartbeat, and occasionally a fall in blood pressure leading to shock. If such symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
Lemon has anti-itching and anti-inflammatory substances. So it not only relieves the itching but also reduces the swelling. Simply cut up a lemon into small slices. Rub the softer side of those slices against the place where the insect has bitten you. Within minutes you will experience welcome relief. Applying lemon juice to the affected area can also reduce the probability of getting infected.
Relief can be had from the swelling and itching due to insect bite by dabbing some toothpaste on the affected area. Do so using your fingers or cotton swab. Within a short time the swelling and itching will lessen.
Toothpaste works for this purpose because it contains fluoride, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Do not use toothpaste with gel for this purpose.
Salt also is one of the good remedies for insect bites. Take a pinch of salt. Add some drops of water to it. Mix the water with the salt to make it into a paste. Do not add too much water so as not to dilute it too much. Clean the area where the insect has bitten with running water. Then apply this paste you have prepared. It might cause a stinging or burning sensation initially, but soon you will experience relief.
Baking soda is an easily available and good remedy for insect bites. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a pint of water. Mix it thoroughly to make it into a paste.
Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into this paste. Place this cloth or cotton swab on affected area for 10-20 minutes. It will give much relief from itchiness. At the end of it, wash off the area using lukewarm water.
Cold temperature decreases the inflammation, reducing the swelling and itching. Ice also relieves the pain. Wrap some ice cubes in a towel or washcloth. Place it on the area of the insect bite and hold it in place for 10-20 minutes. Do not apply the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time. If you do not have access to ice cubes, then place the affected area under cold running water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can apply a packet of frozen vegetables to the area of the insect bite. In addition to the above, a few other remedies have been suggested, which might also work just fine. They include applying honey, or sugar, or an onion poultice to the site of insect bite. You may try one or more of the above remedies to see which works best for you.
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