It’s that time of year again when kids bring home more than a sun burn after a day in the sun! I’m talking about the wonderful world of itchy, burning, painful bug and spider bites… and with three kids, I have seen it all. We’ve had bee stings, spider bites, fire ant attacks, and mosquitos using my kids as buffets on more than one occasion, and it’s not a comfortable experience for our little ones. I’ve talked with many moms about remedies they follow for bug bites and most of these ideas can be found easily in your pantry or bathroom. Some swear by them!
Make a paste out of baking soda: this is supposed to take the sting/itchiness away. Simply add enough water to some baking soda to make a thick paste and apply it directly to the bite site. Let it dry. It should help relieve some of the discomfort.
Meat tenderizer: Add water to any brand of meat tenderizer to make a paste, this is also said to help take away the itchiness.
Ice it: if swelling is a problem, don’t forget the ice! Just like with other wounds, ice will help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Witch Hazel: soaking a cotton ball in Witch Hazel and applying it directly to the bite can help with itchiness and help to “shrink” the bite. Witch Hazel is also associated with helping to reduce hemorrhoids, so this makes sense!
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is said to work best. It’s said that vinegar can help neutralize the venom of a bee or wasp sting. Worth a try!
Banana peels: the skeptic in me giggled a bit at this, but there are actually studies showing that banana peels have antimicrobial properties and antioxidants that can benefit wounds/bites, and help reduce the chance of infection. So, the next time your child comes in with some nasty bite, grab a banana!
What are you go-to remedies for bug bites at your house?
