Especially in the warm season they plague us: the mosquitoes. Even if a mosquito bite is completely harmless in most cases, it is still very unpleasant. But there is help!
What helps against mosquito bites?
In the case of a mosquito bite, it is recommended to squeeze or chew a leaf of ribwort and put the pulp on the bite. After a mosquito bite, the main thing is not to scratch! Otherwise the symptoms will intensify and the skin and tissue will swell even more. The skin is quickly injured and can become inflamed in the worst case. In the pharmacy there are many different remedies that help with mosquito bites. Gels, ointments and sprays relieve itching, cool and soothe the skin. They are particularly pleasant when stored in the refrigerator (read the package insert beforehand!). These acute medications usually contain anti-allergic substances, so-called antihistamines. Special plasters also help against mosquito bites. They cool the skin, reduce swelling and relieve itching. In addition, they prevent unintentional scratching, which would aggravate the symptoms. For people who react very strongly to mosquito bites, cortisone preparations or oral anti-allergic drugs are necessary in rare cases. Cortisone preparations in particular, however, should only be used for a short time. They are not a standard solution. If you would like to treat your mosquito bites without any chemicals at all, you can purchase a so-called bite healer. These small devices work with heat. They heat up to about 50 degrees Celsius in one spot and are then held briefly against the bite. At this temperature, the proteins from the insect venom, which are responsible for the agonizing itch, decompose. You should go to the doctor if the swelling is very severe or if the bite is in sensitive areas of the body, for example on the eyelid. Abroad, mosquitoes can sometimes transmit serious diseases. Therefore, other measures are sometimes necessary here. It is best to inform yourself about dangers and measures before traveling.
Quick help
Kitchen and garden provide many means that are quickly at hand and provide relief from mosquito bites. A cotton ball soaked in vinegar water cools and soothes the itch. The juice that comes out of cabbage leaves when squeezed has the same effect. A slice of lemon, tomato, onion or cucumber also relieves the unpleasant symptoms of a mosquito bite. Curd cools and acts against inflammation. Therefore, it is also good for more severe swelling and redness. In the garden and meadow, it is mainly ribwort plantain that helps against mosquito bites. A leaf is squeezed or chewed and the pulp is applied to the bite. The great advantage: ribwort is very widespread and can be found quickly almost everywhere. So you have the right remedy at hand immediately, even when you’re on the go. Anything that cools also helps with mosquito bites. Therefore, cold compresses or cold packs from the freezer are very pleasant. But be careful: never put too cold packs directly on the skin, they can cause damage there! Another effective remedy you really always have with you: your own spit. It cools and also contains weak painkillers and anti-inflammatory substances.
Alternative remedies
If you want to prepare for the mosquito season, you can prepare your own effective remedy for mosquito bites: In spring, collect ribwort leaves and put them in a screw-top jar. Then pour clear alcohol so that all the leaves are covered. The jar should be placed by the window and shaken vigorously every two to three days. After four to six weeks, you can strain the mixture and transfer it to a clean jar. This tincture will keep for at least two to three years and can be applied with a cotton ball. The following remedy is made even faster: Boil very strong chamomile tea. Once cooled, mix with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio, store in a cool place. Homeopathic remedies can also help: Ledum palustre D12, for example, helps with very itchy stings. Essential oils can also alleviate the problems. Tea tree and lavender oils are particularly helpful.
