Home Remedies and Herbs for Insect Bites

Insect bites are marks that are left on the skin from when an insect bites or attacks your skin. An insect bite leaves lumps, lacerations or puncture marks on the skin. Insect bites are not usually harmful and will typically heal on their own within a few days.^{1 2} Some insect bites can become infected or can cause allergic reactions in some people. However, most insect bites can be treated right away naturally.² The risk of insect bites increases if you spend a lot of time outdoors or if you live in a climate prone to insects. The summer is also a time for greater incidents of insect bites. If you spend lots of time outdoors there are certain insect bite natural remedies that you can use to prevent bites and stings before going outside.

What Causes Insect Bites?

Insect bites causes are due to an insect biting or stinging human skin. This is usually done as an aggressive attack against a perceived threat. When insects become agitated or feel they need to defend themselves, they will bite or sting as a defense mechanism. When insects bite or sting human skin, they inject a type of acidic saliva into the skin. This causes a chemical reaction in the skin which produces insect bite symptoms.¹ Common insect bite causes are due to the following types of insects:^{1 2}

• Mosquitoes
• Fleas
• Spiders
• Scorpions
• Certain types of flies
• Ticks
• Bedbugs
• Midges
• Wasps, hornets and bees

Insect Bites Symptoms

Different types of bugs produce different types of insect bite symptoms. Some are more serious than others or present higher risks of infection or transmitting diseases.^{1 2} Common insect bite symptoms include:

• Red, swollen lump on the skin
• Blisters
• Irritating sensation
• Itchiness
• Pain

Some people are naturally more allergic to insect bites than others. Serious allergic reactions can produce insect bite symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing and swollen face or mouth. Natural antihistamines can help reduce these allergic reaction symptoms.² Insect bites from ticks can cause serious medical conditions like Lyme disease. Equatorial climates are home to mosquitoes than can transmit West Nile virus, dengue fever, malaria and other serious diseases.¹ When spending time in the woods, be sure to use insect bite natural remedies to treat and prevent bug bites.

References

1. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/22/insect-bite-treatment.aspx
2. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Introduction.aspx