Insect Bite

Though they are not normally dangerous, insect bites are annoying, and if you are allergic to them, they can be problematic, but there are ways to take the bite out of insect bites. Most people have gotten a mosquito bite, a tick bite, or a nasty sting. There are risks associated with any insect bite, from children scratching until they get an infection, allergies to insect bites or stings, or insect borne illnesses.

Many illnesses are carried by insects. Malaria, or yellow fever, carried by mosquitos, is a serious illness that can be fatal. West Nile Virus is another mosquito borne illness that has reared its ugly head in the United States. Lyme disease, carried by deer ticks, is a serious illness that manifests itself in many ways, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another serious tick born illness. There are many, many more insect bourne illnesses. It is important to know how to treat insect bites and what to look for, so you know when it is time to seek assistance from a medical professional.

Home Remedies For Insect Bite:

Isopropyl Alcohol:

The first thing to do is to make sure there is nothing remaining at the site of the bite or sting. If there is a stinger (honey bees leave stingers behind, and they continue to pump in venom until they are removed) it should be removed. To remove a stinger, take your fingernail, or a clean butter knife, nail file, anything you can scrape with, and instead of trying to pull the stinger out, scrape sideways, and remove the stinger. Immediately wash any insect bite or sting, and sterilize with an antiseptic like isopropyl alcohol.

Meat Tenderizer:

One excellent home remedy is to wet a clean cloth or paper towel, make a paste out of powdered meat tenderizer, and immediately apply this to the bite or sting. Papain or bromelain, in the meat tenderizer draws the venom out of stings and bites. Being allergic to honey bee stings, I have been stung when I did not have my rescue shot kit, and used the meat tenderizer method. I was able to make it to the hospital (half an hour away) easily, and have used this treatment method on my own children, and when the compress was removed, it was difficult to see where the bite or sting was.

Tee Tree Oil:

A drop of tea tree or lavender oil on insect bites provides immediate relief, and can be reapplied every ten minutes, as needed. Neem powder, made into a paste with water, can be applied twice a day for ten to twenty minutes each time to provide relief from insect bites. Neem oil, rubbed on the skin before going outdoors, is said to prevent insects from biting or stinging.