Natural Bug Bite Relief Remedies

1. Aloe Vera

Description: Aloe Vera is well-known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Use: Break off a leaf from an aloe vera plant and apply the gel directly to the mosquito bite. Allow it to dry and reapply as needed.

2. Honey

Description: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching and speed up healing.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of honey to the mosquito bite and cover it with a bandage if necessary to prevent it from being wiped off.

3. Baking Soda Paste

Description: Baking soda can help neutralize the pH balance of the skin and reduce itching.

How to Use: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the bite and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with water.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Description: Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties and can help reduce itching and swelling.

How to Use: Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply it to the bite using a cotton ball.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Description: Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce swelling and prevent infection.

How to Use: Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply it to the mosquito bite.

Over-the-Counter Bug Bite Relief Remedies

1. Major Banophen Anti-Itch Cream | Benadryl Anti-Itch Cream (Diphenhydramine HCl / Zinc Acetate)

Description: This cream contains diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine that helps relieve itching and pain, and zinc acetate, which has astringent properties.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to the affected area up to 3-4 times daily as needed.

2. Rugby Anti-Itch Lotion | Sarna (Menthol / Camphor)

Description: This lotion combines menthol and camphor to provide a cooling sensation and reduce itching and discomfort.

How to Use: Apply to the affected area no more than 3-4 times daily.

3. Rugby Zinc Oxide 20% (Zinc Oxide)

Description: Zinc oxide is known for its protective and soothing properties, forming a barrier on the skin to reduce irritation.

How to Use: Apply a thin layer to the mosquito bite as needed.

4. Major Calamine Lotion | Caladryl (Calamine / Zinc Oxide)

Description: Calamine lotion contains calamine and zinc oxide, both of which help soothe itching and irritation.

How to Use: Shake the bottle well and apply the lotion to the affected area with a cotton ball or pad as often as needed.

5. Rugby Hydrocortisone Cream with Aloe | Cortizone-10 with Aloe 

Description: Hydrocortisone cream is a mild steroid that helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to the affected area 1-4 times daily, as directed by the product instructions.

Bug Bite Relief Remedies: Which remedy is best for each bug?

Mosquito Bites

Best Natural Remedy: Aloe Vera

Why: Aloe Vera is renowned for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for reducing itching and swelling from mosquito bites. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection.

Best OTC Remedy: Major Banophen Anti-Itch Cream (Diphenhydramine HCl / Zinc Acetate)

Why: This cream contains diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine that helps relieve itching and pain, and zinc acetate, which has astringent properties to soothe the skin.

Chigger Bites

Best Natural Remedy: Baking Soda Paste

Why: Baking soda can neutralize the skin’s pH, providing relief from itching caused by chigger bites. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling.

Best OTC Remedy: Calamine Lotion (Calamine / Zinc Oxide)

Why: Calamine lotion contains calamine and zinc oxide, both of which help soothe itching and irritation, making it effective for treating chigger bites.

Wasp Stings

Best Natural Remedy: Apple Cider Vinegar

Why: Apple cider vinegar can help neutralize the venom from wasp stings, reducing pain and swelling. Its antiseptic properties also help prevent infection.

Best OTC Remedy: Hydrocortisone Cream (1%)

Why: Hydrocortisone cream is a mild steroid that helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching, providing relief from the pain and swelling of wasp stings.

Bed Bug Bites

Best Natural Remedy: Tea Tree Oil

Why: Tea tree oil has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce itching, swelling, and prevent infection from bed bug bites. Diluting it with a carrier oil ensures it’s safe to apply to the skin.

Best OTC Remedy: Rugby Anti-Itch Lotion (Menthol / Camphor)

Why: This lotion combines menthol and camphor to provide a cooling sensation and reduce itching and discomfort from bed bug bites.