The buzz sound of a mosquito alone is enough to make you cream out of your seat or bed.
These little creatures are so fast, creepy, and annoying, so much that they™ll try their chance to bite you in search for blood. More often than not, they’ll succeed in their mission to terrorize you.
When mosquitoes bite, they do so mercilessly, leaving foreign saliva protein for your immune system to attack.
But while the histamine released by your body’s immune system is effective in cleaning up the salivary protein, the same component is responsible for the itching and swelling that some of us experience.
Mosquito bites aren’t life threatening, though. The itching and swelling tends to fade naturally within a few days.
However, there are several safe ways to treat the bite quickly, so you don’t really have to wait that long if you need a quick solution that works.Â
Quick Ways to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites
Below are effective remedies that you can use right now to get rid of mosquito bites almost overnight.
Whether the bite is on your leg or face, or the bugs left some marks on your baby’s skin, the treatment options discussed below can get you some relief.
1. Apply Oatmeal to the Mosquito Bite
For many of us, oatmeal is one of the most ideal breakfast options that start the day. According to medics, it’s also an effective and safe home remedy for mosquito bites thank to its anti-irritant compounds.
There are two ways to use oatmeal. The approach you choose will depend on the number of bites on your skin.
An oatmeal bath is a good option to consider if you have many mosquito bites on your skin. In this case, a cup of oatmeal sprinkled into a bathtub of warm water should be sufficient.
Soaking your body in the mixture for about 30 minutes should give you relief.Â
If you have only a few spots of mosquito bites on your skin, an oatmeal paste is all you need. Apply some paste on a clean towel and apply the paste on the irritated areas of the skin.
Allow the paste to site on the bites for around 8 minutes and then wipe the spots clean.Â
2. Use a Baking Soda Paste
An alternative to the oatmeal paste is to make some do-it-yourself baking soda paste and apply the mixture on the affected area of the skin. This is safe for both adults and babies and can offer fast relief
Mix baking soda and wear in the 4:1 ratio to make a smooth, thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected bite. Allow the paste to sit on the bite for 10 minutes and then wipe the area clean.
3. Smear Some Honey on the Itching Area
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions honey? Maybe you think about its sweet taste sandwiched between two loafs of bread?
Or maybe you consider it a good ingredient to mix with lemon water to cure a cold?
But did you know that honey also helps to relieve bug bites fast? As an antibacterial and inflammatory product safe for treating bruises and bumps, a small drop of honey can relieve bug itch and even help to fade away the ugly marks.
What’s more?
Honey also discourages the urge to scratch your skin. And that’s a good way to promote quick recovery from mosquito bites.
4. Use Aloe Vera Gel
People have used aloe vera to treat many conditions for years. Because of it anti-inflammatory in nature, the plant’s gel can calm infections and fix minor wounds.
So if you have a bug bite that itching and you need a quick remedy that works, consider applying aloe vera get to the bite.
So how do you use aloe vera as quick remedy for mosquito bite? You should:
- Cut a small part of an aloe vera plant to split it up
- Apply the gel to the bite, especially on the area where there’s irritation
- Let the aloe vera dry
Remember to apply as needed until the itchiness fades. Don’t rinse with either warm or cold water. Let the gel do its work instead.Â
5. Apply Crushed Ice on the Bite
Because ice can reduce inflammation, it’s a safe remedy to consider if you want to get rid of itchy mosquito bites fast. A bag of crushed ice or reusable gel ice packs can easily reduce the itching, usually within 2 hours.
You do have to be careful with this approach though. In other words, never leave the ice packs on the bite for more than 5 minutes.
If you must leave the ice to rest on the itching area for longer, consider putting a clean piece of cloth between the ice and your skin.
Related reading Itchy bumps that look like mosquito bites but aren’t
Frequently Asked Questions How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites Quickly
How long does it take for mosquito bites to go away?
A mosquito bite will go away on its own within 3 to 4 days, with instances of swelling not lasting more than 7 days.
If you can’t wait this long for the bites to clear naturally, feel free to get rid of the bites fast with the home remedies that we’ve recommended.
Does toothpaste help with mosquito bites?
Yes, it’s possible to treat a mosquito bite with toothpaste. Since it’s an astringent, toothpaste easily drawn mosquito’s venom from the skin.
Moreover, toothpaste contains methanol, a property that provides a cooling effect similar to cold ice. This helps to relieve pain and ease discomfort caused by bug bites.
Is Vaseline good for mosquito bites?
Vaseline doesn’t have anti-itch properties. It’s an oil product that doesn’t help soothe the itching from a mosquito bite.
A cheaper option would be to wash the bite with soap and water and then apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a calamine lotion.
Can I use over-the-counter creams to treat mosquito bites?
Yes, you can us over-the-counter creams to relieve itching from mosquito bites.
Specifically, look for an antihistamine or anti-itch cream, and use it according to the instructions written on the label.
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