Even though you might have taken every precaution to avoid getting bitten or stung, bugs will find a way to get you. Just in case they do get an opportunity to bite or sting you, pain and skin irritation will likely follow. If you are a healthy person who does not have a history of allergies, then you’ll probably recover quickly using home remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, if you are allergic, then you need to go to a hospital after getting stung or bitten. Medical intervention is very important as this saves a victim from going into a coma or dying.
Home Remedies
A lot of common items that you might already have in your kitchen can be used to relieve pain or reduce itching. Below are some tips about how to create your own home remedies.
1. Baking Soda and Water
Simply make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the mixture on the affected site using a clean finger or a cotton swab. Leave for around 15 minutes, and then rinse.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Get a few cotton balls and soak these in vinegar. Squeeze excess wetness and lightly dab the area with the vinegar-soaked cotton. If you wish, tape a damp cotton ball on the affected area for a few minutes. Vinegar helps in neutralizing toxins that cause pain and itching. Another way to use vinegar is by mixing a few drops with some corn flour. Then, slather the mix onto inflamed skin.
3. Running Water
Exposing a bitten or stung site to cool running water is also a good idea. This helps in alleviating pain and itching.
4. Ice
Applying an ice pack on an injured area is often recommended because this is a wonderful way to relieve soreness and skin irritation. An ice pack must be kept on the bitten or stung site for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, the procedure must be repeated every 4 or 6 hours during the first 24 hours.

5. Mouthwash and Toothpaste
Mouthwash and toothpaste usually have antibacterial qualities. A small amount of mouthwash or toothpaste can be dabbed onto an injured site. Toothpastes have anti-inflammatory properties as well, and the menthol and baking soda present in such products aid in relieving itchiness. Menthol, peppermint, and other cooling ingredients in a mouthwash can reduce pain and itching too.
6. Aloe Vera
If you have an aloe vera plant in your garden, you can use this for bites and stings too. Just cut a leaf, which is filled with a gel-like substance. Apply this on an itchy insect bite to relieve skin irritation and encourage healing.
7. Citrus Fruits
Gently dab or pat the juice of any citrus fruits on a sting or bite. Natural extracts from either lemon or lime are great options. Citrus fruit juice helps in relieving itchy sensations.
Medicines or Over-the-Counter Treatments
Apart from natural and common household items, you can opt to use medicines too. Topical applications using hydrocortisone creams, calamine lotion or Vicks Vaporub work well too. You can also take oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl. But for those who show signs of breathing difficulties, heart irregularities or palpitations, or generalized swelling, prompt medical intervention is necessary.
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The article is by Claire Lassiter who specializes in pest control issues. She regularly blogs about pest control in Joplin, MO in order to spread more info to people about how they can deal with their pest problems.
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