Ten tips to treat mosquito bites at home…from ONIONS to honey and toothpaste

THEY'RE arguably one of the most irritating things about summer, the itch impossible to shake for days.

And to top it off mosquito bites leave you covered in unsightly, red welts.

Some people may barely notice the itch, but for others it's enough to drive them wild.

As temperatures soared to 28C on the hottest ever May Bank Holiday weekend, pesky mosquitoes were out in force, especially in areas surrounded by water.

The reason those tiny bites itch so much is that they trigger an immune response in your body, causing your body to produce something called histamine.

Taking an antihistamine, as you would for hay fever, can help beat the itch.

But in case it doesn't here are a few home remedies...

1. Ice

One of the most painful parts of having a mosquito bite is the inflammation.

As with any allergic reaction, crushed ice can help relieve the swelling around the bite area.

You should never put ice directly on the skin though as this can cause damage.

Instead, wrap it in a thin cloth and press against the bite.

2. Honey

It's probably best you don't wear it outside as it will attract more bugs, but honey can help soothe an itching bite.

That's because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Just a small drop can help get rid of swelling and ease the itch.

3. Baking soda

This handy little kitchen ingredient isn't just for baking.

Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste and then smear it over the bite.

How it helps ease itching isn't clear, but many home-remedy fans and even doctors swear by it.

4. Basil

Before you throw that fresh basil into your bowl of pasta, use a little on your mosquito bites.

Studies have suggested that a chemical in the herb, called eugenol, can relieve itching skin.

All you need to do is boil two cups of water and add some basil then leave it to cool.

Once it's cold you can take a wash cloth to dab it onto your skin.

5. Onions

Another kitchen staple that can help get rid of itching.

Onions have antifungal properties which will reduce your risk of infection.

And the juices seem to help relieve itching and swelling too.

Simply cut a slice from an onion and put it directly on the bite for several minutes.

6. Vinegar

You've definitely heard of home remedies involving vinegar before.

Putting a small drop directly onto the bite can act as a natural disinfectant and relieve the itching and burning sensation.

If it's not enough, try soaking a cloth in cold vinegar and applying it like a compress.

7. Lemon juice

The citric acid in lemons, and limes too, numb the bite.

But the trick is to get it on early, ideally before you start itching.

Citrus juice is also mildly antibacterial, which will help stop your bites getting infected.

8. Chamomile tea

It's not only soothing for the nerves, it can also calm down angry mosquito bites.

When applied to the skin it can reduce inflammation, irritation and speed up healing.

Simply boil a tea bag then leave it in the fridge to cool before applying it to your bites for 10 minutes.

9. Toothpaste

Not just for glistening white teeth, toothpaste relieves insect bites too.

Two ingredients commonly found in toothpaste, menthol and baking soda, help to relieve inflammation and itching.

And it can help draw fluids from your skin to relieve swelling.

Simply put a thin layer over the bite and leave it to dry, then remove it with cold water.

10. Creams

If your home remedies aren't nipping that itch in the bud then you should speak to a pharmacist.

There are plenty of medicated creams that can help provide the relief you need.

And antihistamine tablets may also put an end to the itch.

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