Everyone knows how annoying mosquitoes can be. We have them a lot here in the Amazonian area. I am really sensitive for mosquito bites, I feel really itchy and can’t help myself for scratching all the time. I have a lot of bites especially on my legs and after all the scratching they look awful. My husband is always telling me not to scratch, sure, easier said than done!
The mosquitoes here in Ecuador are really sneaky, they are silent and fast making them almost impossible to notice. The worst thing with the mosquitoes is that they spread deceases like dengue. I don’t like to wear bug spray because I don’t think it’s good for the skin in a long term use. Sometimes we spray the house with insecticide, but the mosquitoes always return. At nights we sleep with a mosquito net, but during the day the mosquitoes have a free access to my legs.
Now I have decided not to scratch anymore, but what to do for the itchy feeling? Sure there must be some reliefs. First thing to do is to clean the bites. I have been using alcohol for cleaning, but surely washing with soap is enough too. And whatever you do don’t scratch after cleaning! The temptation is big to scratch, I know, and I have done this mistake many times, but you don’t want the bites to infect so keep your hands out. Here is a list of things you can do instead of scratching.
- Antihistamines (cream or tablets), they really help if you are feeling desperately itchy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding remember to check the package instructions if you are allowed to take it or not.
- Aloe Vera is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory so it gives good help for the bites. Put Aloe gel straight to the bites. If you don’t have the fresh plant you can also use Aloe Vera cream the give you some relief.
- Tiger balm or other menthol rub.
- Honey is antibacterial, so put it on top of the bite to avoid infections
- Ice, rub the bites with an ice cube for a momentary relief
- Tea tree oil, also antibacterial and maybe also works for preventing mosquito bites
- Apple cider Vinegar, mix it into your bath water if you have bites all over your body or use locally.
