references
Pharmacognosy Research: "Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research"
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology: "Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases"
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences: "The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review"
Mayo Clinic: "Insect Bites and Stings: First Aid"
American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Tips to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites"
Michigan Medicine: "Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)"
Cleveland Clinic: "Cellulitis From a Bug Bite"
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
Several kitchen staples have the power to stop the swelling and itch that come with bug bites.
Image Credit: Dash_med/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: Dash_med/iStock/GettyImages
- Honey
- Witch Hazel
- Aloe Vera
- Oatmeal
- Baking Soda
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tea Bags
- Tea Tree Oil
- Thyme and Basil
- Milk
- Ice
- When to See a Doctor
The leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant are used to make astringents and ointments.
Image Credit: © Jackie Bale/Moment/GettyImages
Image Credit: © Jackie Bale/Moment/GettyImages
Your favorite breakfast doubles as a treatment for insect bite swelling.
Image Credit: AnnaPustynnikova/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: AnnaPustynnikova/iStock/GettyImages
The same ACV that tops your salads can help soothe itchy, inflamed skin.
Image Credit: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/GettyImages
Don't throw out your tea bags when you're done with them!
Image Credit: Louis Lefebvre/Photodisc/GettyImages
Image Credit: Louis Lefebvre/Photodisc/GettyImages
Some people may develop a rash from tea tree oil, so try it on a small patch of skin before applying it anywhere else.
Fresh herbs aren't just for sauces and stews.
Image Credit: merc67/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: merc67/iStock/GettyImages
Ice is a tried-and-true remedy for many types of minor injuries, including bug bites.
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/GettyImages
Pharmacognosy Research: "Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research"
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology: "Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases"
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences: "The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review"
Mayo Clinic: "Insect Bites and Stings: First Aid"
American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Tips to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites"
Michigan Medicine: "Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)"
Cleveland Clinic: "Cellulitis From a Bug Bite"
