39 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bite

Mosquito bites are generally the itchy and irritating bumps that come into view after mosquitoes make use of their mouthparts to puncture your skin and feed on your blood to fill their stomach. Although, most mosquito bites are risk-free or harmless, but seldom, a mosquito bite may result in swelling, soreness, and redness.

Monsoon season is, of course, the favorite of mosquitoes to grow up. When mosquito bites us, we don’t realize it the same time. However, the after effects may be harmful and annoying, and may result in dengue or malaria. Some of the home remedies to treat mosquito bites are described below. Let’s have a look at them.

1. Ammonia

Ammonia is a well-liked and the most efficient anti-itch remedy. It changes the acidity (pH) of the skin, thus, opposing a number of chemical reactions that may cause itching. Moisten a dry cotton ball with ammonia and place it on the affected skin. This remedy is especially very useful for fresh mosquito bites.

Note- Utilize only household ammonia. Those who have a sensitive skin are suggested to not try out this remedy.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

This home remedy is very helpful in curing the itch. When alcohol starts to evaporate, it cools down and dries off the skin, thereby reducing the size of the bite and aids minimize the swelling. Pour some alcohol directly onto the bitten site or place a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol on the mosquito bite. Make sure that the affected area is completely wet by the alcohol.

Note: This remedy is not a permanent cure, so, the itching may return in a couple of hours.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

This works as an antiseptic and may help prevent infections caused by mosquito bites, if applied in a correct way. It also reduces swelling, itching, and redness.

Damp a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and apply it directly onto the bitten area. You can reapply it as many times as you want. This treatment is really helpful, especially for kids, and for those who have sensitive skin.

Note: Utilize only household hydrogen peroxide.

4. Hand Sanitizer

You may also employ your hand sanitizer. Almost all sanitizers contain alcohol plus some gel that cure the itch as well as prevent any further infection. All you need to do is, simply, apply a drop of hand sanitizer to the mosquito bite and leave it for some time.

5. Meat Tenderizer

If you apply it instantly after being bitten, it may neutralize the chemicals present in the mosquito saliva, thereby, preventing itchiness and redness. You may apply meat tenderizing powder directly onto the bite or combine it with some water. Leave it on for a few minutes, but do not leave it for a longer period of time.

Note: Do not try this remedy, if you have a sensitive skin.

6. Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant comprises of an aluminum compound that works as an astringent. It might not reduce the itching, but it surely minimizes the redness and swelling. All you need to do is, simply, spray or swipe antiperspirant on the affected site.

7. Soap

Rub a small piece of soap onto the bitten area. If you feel that the irritation and swelling is getting all the more worse, then immediately wash it off. The problem that you may come across using this remedy is that soap often causes skin irritation, so, the possibility of worsening the uneasiness of the mosquito bite might increase. If you are using this remedy, prefer a gentle/mild soap that is free from dyes and perfumes.

8. Toothpaste

Apply toothpaste on the mosquito bite to minimize the discomfort. It is recommended to choose that toothpaste which contains menthol and baking soda, or peppermint.

Note- Do not opt for gel-based toothpaste.

9. Mustard, Ketchup, and Other Spices

Mustard, ketchup, hot pepper sauce, cocktail sauce, and other mixed condiments may provide temporary relief from the uneasiness caused by mosquito bites, as they are either acidic and alter the pH of skin, or they are salty and dry off the bitten area, thus, reduce the itching. In addition, the cold refrigerated sauce may relieve the irritation for some time.

• Apply a dab of whatever you may find is easily available in the refrigerator to the bitten area.
• Leave it for a couple of minutes before washing.
• If you feel that it is helping you to relive the itching, then you may repeat the process using a cool, moist towel or with an ice cube.

10. Garlic

Rub a small piece of raw garlic onto the affected site. You might sense a tinge of burning sensation for a couple of minutes, but slowly and steadily it will provide respite from the irritation and itchiness. The strong smell of garlic will also repel the mosquitoes; hence, you will be rescued of mosquito bites.

11. Vanilla

Place a little dab of vanilla on the affected skin area and allow it to dry. You may re-apply it for a number of times, as required.

12. Table Salt

Salt is also effectual on mosquito bites, owing to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a thick paste by mixing a small amount of finely ground salt and a few drops of water. Apply this paste directly on the bitten skin area. Prefer iodized salt while trying out this remedy.

• Alternatively, you can also make a paste by using seasoning salt, garlic salt, and water in similar amounts. Now, gently apply the resultant paste on the affected skin area. In the beginning, it may cause a flaming sensation for a couple of seconds, but gradually, it will provide immense relief on the bitten area.
• If you reside near a beach, you can go swimming to rinse your skin in the natural salt water.

13. Transparent Nail Polish

Apply a solid coat of nail polish, in order to get rid of itchiness caused due to mosquito bite.

14. Lemon

Lemons have natural anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which make them one of the most efficient remedies for curing mosquito bites.

• Just slash a lemon into 2 pieces and massage your itchy skin with the inner part of one of the halves for speedy relief. You can also rub the yellow skin of the lemon over your skin.
• Or else, apply lemon juice to the bitten area, in order to reduce any further risk of developing an infection.
• Alternatively, you may also add minced basil leaves to lemon juice and apply the combination onto the affected skin area.

15. Freeze Gel

You may try freeze gel to relieve yourself from itchiness. Prefer freeze gel over ice, as it lasts for a longer period of time.

16. Heat

Another effective cure is to apply hot pad, so that the itchiness ceases permanently.

17. Apple Cider Vinegar

To get respite from the itching, use any of the following ways:

• Apply apple cider vinegar directly onto the bitten area.
  • Immerse a small cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
  • Put the soaked cotton ball over the bitten area. In case, you don’t want to hold it, you may place a tape on it.
  • Leave it for a couple of minutes. After some time, you will feel that the pain and irritation has gone.
• Home-made vinegar paste.
  • Prepare a thick paste by mixing ACV and corn flour.
  • Smoothly apply the prepared paste onto the bitten area.
  • Let it dry. It will ease the itching.
  • After a short interval of time, rinse it off using warm water.

18. Calamine Lotion

Put some calamine lotion, in order to alleviate the itching and irritation.

19. Bleach

Just dab your finger tip with a little amount of bleach, and massage it on the affected area.

20. Atis Juice

Atis helps prevent the swelling which resulted due to mosquito bite. The juice prepared from its unripe seed and fruit eases itching and is one of the best and popular home remedies used by many people all over the world for healing mosquito bite.

21. Saliva

Saliva is the finest solution to get rid of mosquito bite. All you have to do is just lick your finger and then, rub your wet finger on the bitten area. This sounds weird and awkward, but it heals almost 90 percent of the bitten skin. After giving this first aid, if you still feel drowsy or sick, consult a doctor.

22. Ice Cubes

Hold an ice cube or wrap a few ice packs in a washcloth and massage on the bitten area, for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. This will temporary numb the affected area, giving you quick and immediate relief from swelling and itchiness.

• In case, ice is not available, you may hold the affected area under cold running tap for a couple of minutes. Besides, you can also utilize a bag of frozen vegetables or a cold water bottle on the bite.

23. Tea Bags

Natural tannins present in tea work as an astringent and draw the poison out of the skin, thus, minimize the uneasiness. Employ a used tea bag and press it against mosquito bite until the itching sensation vanishes.

24. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedy to end the inflammation and irritation. Since it is alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the pH of the skin, and consequently, provides relief.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass full of water and make a thick paste. Immerse a dirt-free clean cloth into the paste and place it over the bitten skin area, for about 10 to 20 minutes.

25. Crushed Onion

Onion reduces swelling and calms the itching sensation caused by mosquito bite. Furthermore, the strong and pungent smell of onion also repels various other insects and mosquitoes. Put minced onion directly onto the bitten area. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and subsequently rinse off.

26. Aspirin

As aspirin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it can efficiently control the swelling resulted due to mosquito bite. Crush aspirin into powdered form. Add some amount of water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste onto the bitten area and let it stay for a couple of hours. When it gets dried, rinse off using warm water.

• Alternatively, you may also wet the affected area and massage an aspirin over it.

27. Raw Honey

Just take a small amount of local raw honey and apply it directly onto the mosquito bite. Honey has anti-microbial properties that will help prevent any further infection.

28. Sticky Solution

Put a bandage (or a Scotch tape) on the bitten area. It will remind you to not scratch the bite, particularly at night.

29. Potato

Slash a potato and massage it on the mosquito bitten skin.

30. Mud

Apply a small amount of wet mud onto the bitten area and cover it with a bandage, in order to hold it in one place. Allow it to dry for some time. Rinse off the mud with water.

31. Banana

Use banana peel as a remedy for mosquito bite. It may sound strange, but it’s really effective. All you need to do is simply rub the inner side of a banana peel (skin) onto the bite.

32. Egg

Break an egg. You will find a flexible membrane inside the shell of the egg. Cover the mosquito bite with that membrane and let it dry for a couple of minutes. It will draw out some of the poison.

33. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is well-known for its anti-itching properties. Use breakfast oatmeal to prepare a paste out of it and apply it on the bitten skin. Let it dry, and subsequently wash it off.

Herbal Remedies to Cure Mosquito Bite

34. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is considered to be one of the best herbal remedies for healing the itchiness caused by mosquito bite, as it is a natural antibacterial agent. It will lessen the swelling, pain and itching, as well as assist quick healing.

• Slash the fleshy part of an aloe vera leaf to take out the juice. In case, you do not have an aloe vera plant at home, you may also make use of aloe vera gel readily available in almost all medical stores.
• Allow the extract to cool down in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Massage the ice-cold juice directly on the affected area of the skin.

35. Peppermint Poultice

The cooling effect of crushed peppermint leaves will give you instant relief from the bothering bites. Poultice made from plantain, jewelweed, or chickweed also works wonders on the bite.

36. Witch Hazel

Make a paste using baking soda and witch hazel. Apply it on the affected skin area and let it stand for approximately 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

37. Plantain

Roll leaves of plantain among your fingers to take out the juice, or alternatively, you may also massage the juicy leaf over the bite. The irritation caused by the bite will be vanished in less than a minute. You can also blend witch hazel and plantain, and use it as a soothing wash.

38. Basil Leaves

Massage a basil leaf on the mosquito bite, which will stop the itching slowly. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that keep the mosquitoes away.

39. Essential Oils

There are a number of essential oils that can provide momentary relief from mosquito bites. Some of them are rosemary, witch hazel, tea tree, lavender, margosa, and cedar oil. Take some oil and dilute it with a small quantity of water. Then, apply it on the affected skin.

• Alternatively, you may also dab a little amount of lavender oil on the bitten area, which can ease the itching speedily.
• Tea tree oil cures redness and swelling. Dilute the oil with water and apply on the affected skin. You might feel itchiness after applying this oil, but these side- effects are short-term. You may also use creams or lotions containing this oil.

Note- Don’t use this oil, if you have a sensitive skin or allergies.

Do’s

• Wear long-sleeved clothes.
• If doors and windows of your house are not screened, keep them close to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.
• Chuck out water-holding containers, as they easily develop mosquitoes.
• Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn as mosquito bite, generally, occurs during these hours.
• Massage the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent.
• Use mosquito net on the bed.

Don’ts

• Avoid scratching the bitten areas, so that, it does not worsen.
• Many people use to put an ‘X’ with the help of their fingernails just in the middle of the bitten area. But, it should not be done, as it may cause infection.