Fortunately, most insect bites and venoms are harmless, cause just some itching or a stinging feeling and may be accompanied by swelling which normally subsides on its own in a couple of days. Sometimes there may be a delayed reaction characterized by fever, joint pain, gland swelling or hives. The percentage of people who develop serious reaction to insect bites is quite low.
If reaction is mild, cure for insect bite itch can be found in simple self-care steps which include:
- Washing area with soap and warm water.
- Applying a cold compress or an ice pack in order to reduce pain and swelling.
- Avoid itching as it will only increase the need to itch and may also lead to secondary infections.
- Avoid bursting. Instead, protect the blister with an adhesive bandage.
Though there is no scientific basis for some home remedies, many people claim to have benefited from them during incidents of insect bites. Some home remedies include:
- Applying the inside of a banana peel to the bite and letting the peel sit there for an hour and a half and finally washing off with water and applying a hand sanitizer.
- Applying a paste of baking soda or plain mud and washing off with water after the paste dries up may prevent itching.
- Dabbing natural anti-inflammatory oils like lavender and natural disinfectants like Tea Tree oil.
- Applying little toothpaste to take away the pain from a sting.
- Applying some mouthwash with antiseptic content in it.
Warning:
Do not attempt to remove ticks with a lit match or alcohol or petroleum jelly. In case of severe allergic reaction (example, difficulty breathing or wheezing) to insect stings and bites, immediately call 911.
References:
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-insect-bites/FA00046
- http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/flu/A-Z/B/Bites,-insect/Treating-insect-bites.html
answered by M W