Home Remedies for Insect Bites

This is something that is pretty common and can happen anywhere and at any time. Insects are present everywhere, indoor and outdoor. Some insect stings aren’t too harmful and some stings lead to diseases.

When stung, the most immediate and common symptom would be “irritation” near the area where the person has been stung. It may swell, become red in color and can itch for hours. Adverse reactions such as choking can also occur depending on the insect. Although most insect bites are not harmful, one must take a person’s initiative in tackling insect bites in the right way, to prevent acquiring any disease or becoming a victim of a severe skin reaction.

When bitten, there are certain Do’s and Don’ts. Follow these, and you will be free of any insect-ridden problems.

DO’s

• When you are stung, on the arm or leg, the first thing to do would be to lower that part of the body in order to prevent spreading of the venom.
•  Later, to reduce swelling, elevate that part of your body.
• Whenever your body moves, the venom spreads faster and so, it is advised that you stay seated or rest on your bed.
• If the area is getting bigger, swelling rapidly and becoming redder, it would be best if you went to a doctor immediately for medical attention.
•  If the person has been stung in areas such as the mouth or throat, or the person appears to be going through an anaphylactic shock, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

DON’Ts

• The most common reaction to a bite is to scratch that particular area. Well, the truth is, you shouldn’t. It only worsens the problem and increases the risk of infection.
•  If you try to experiment with the area where you have been stung, such as rubbing or squeezing, things will only get worse. If blisters are formed, do not break them.

Home Remedies:

Tackling this problem at home isn’t difficult and there are a number of home remedies that one can adopt to help tackle insect bites and stings:

• Remove the sting and wash it with water using some soap or antiseptic hand wash.
• Soak a cloth in cold water and apply on affected area and press gently.
• Baking Soda – apply it on the affected area and it will help neutralize the acidic nature of the sting (being basic itself)
• Crush basil leaves and apply the paste on the affected area.
• Turmeric and sandalwood – apply  half a teaspoon of each to the wound for healing and a soothing sensation.
• Neem –  mix neem powder with water to create neem paste and apply it at site of wound for 15 minutes.
• Banana – the inner part of a banana, i.e. The inner skin when rubbed on the site of bite, helps reduce swelling and irritation.
• Coriander – take 2-3 teaspoons of coriander juice and apply on site of the bite. To make the paste, add and crush coriander leaves and mix with one-third cup of water.

Insects will obviously never stop biting, so it’s best if you take precaution, follow the Do’s and Don’ts mentioned above and you will never have problems with insect bites and stings.