1. Ice Pack
The cold temperature from ice can help numb the nerve endings, thus
relieving the itching sensation caused by bed bug bites. It will also help calm the swelling.
1. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
2. Place it on the affected area.
3. Remove it after 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Repeat as needed.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, helps neutralize acidic chemicals that could be causing the itching from a bed bug bite. Being an anti-inflammatory agent, it also helps reduce swelling and redness.
1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 3 teaspoons of water.
2. Apply the mixture generously on the affected area.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
4. If the discomfort persists, apply again after 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Lemon Juice
Being a natural astringent, lemon juice helps dry out rashes caused by bed bug bites and keeps itching at bay. Plus, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce redness and swelling as well as prevent infection.
1. Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice.
2. Dab it on the bed bug bites.
3. Let it air dry, then rinse the affected area.
4. Do this a few times a day.
Note: Lemon juice may make your skin susceptible to sunburn. Do not go out in the sun for a few hours after using this remedy.
4. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a liquid astringent that you can get from a drug store. Mostly used as a facial cleanser, it can also help calm itching caused by bed bug bites because it contains tannins that have a mild anesthetic effect.
1. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel.
2. Place it on the affected area.
3. Remove the cotton ball after 10 minutes.
4. Repeat as needed.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Succulent aloe vera gel is soothing for your skin. Its active compounds and amino acids help ease itching and burning caused by bed bug and other insect bites. It also aids healing the skin by keeping it moisturized.
1. Rinse an aloe vera leaf and slit it open.
2. Scoop out the gel and apply it on your bed bug bites.
3. Store the remaining gel in the refrigerator. Apply it a few times a day for a couple of days.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another effective remedy for bed bug bites as it helps relieve itching and burning, thanks to its acetic acid content with anti-inflammatory properties. If you do not have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar.
1. Apply raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar on the affected area.
2. Allow it to dry, then rinse your skin.
3. If the symptoms persist, reapply after a few hours.
7. Oatmeal
Due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal is an excellent solution to reduce skin irritation and itching caused by bed bug and other insect bites as well as skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
Mix some water in a few teaspoons of oatmeal to make a paste. Apply it on the affected area, and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat a few times for a couple of days.
You can also prepare an oatmeal bath by mixing ½ cup of colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal) in warm bathwater. You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil, too. Soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Do this for a couple of days.
8. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another effective remedy for bed bug bites. It contains cooling menthol that helps reduce the itching and burning sensations. Make sure you use white toothpaste, not a gel version, for this purpose.
1. Dab a little white toothpaste on the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
3. Repeat as needed.
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