Bug Bites with Swelling - Home Remedies

Hi K.,
As someone who also reacts strongly to bug bites, I really feel for your daughter. My family has had really good results with an organic product called Basic H. We use it as a repellent (though it does seem to work better on some body chemistries than others) AND if applied right after a bite, it takes the itch and swelling right out, which is super!

You can get this product only via a Shaklee distributor. If you don't already know one, I'd be honored to fill that role. I think you're really wise to be searching out non-chemical options.

Hope you find something that really works well,
A.

My grandmother used to make a paste out of baking soda and water for use on bug bites and stings. I don't know if it really worked or if we just thought it did but it can't hurt.

Those gnat bites are nasty. My daughter reacted to them too. We started putting Vanilla Extract around her hair line and kept her hair up in a pony tail. It really seemed to help. Give it a try.

I've also used the baking soda/water and it does work. I used after a bee sting.......took the sting right away.

Hi K.! We use a repellant by Jason called Quit Buggin' Me. You can find it at health food stores or online. It's very mild but it works!
Also, I have heard that baking soda works well for big bug bites.
I see you had a suggestion for using dryer sheets for repellant, but dryer sheets are filled with chemicals. I have heard that rubbing basil leaves on the skin works well.
I hope you have a wonderful, bug free summer!

This is what I've done for my boys if they get bug bites: Baking Soda Paste. You take about 1 teaspoon of baking soda (more or less, if you need it) and mix in just enough water to make a thick paste. Then smear it on the bites... I got the idea from my mother-in-law and it really does work wonderfully! Plus, baking soda is something that most people keep in the house. Good luck! Hope she's feeling better soon!

For a repellant for gnats use cheap vanilla extract and a cotton ball. That really seems to work. For mosquitos, you can buy citronella essence oil and add about 5 drops to 8oz of water, shake it up and spritz it on. I've been doing this for years before going outside, it works pretty well and doesn't contain harsh chemicals. Good luck!

Try tea tree oil on the bug bites. As far as repellant goes, I used California Baby bug repellant (all natural) on my little one last year and he only got one mosquito bite the whole season.

ive heard wiping self with a dryer sheet or simply using vanilla extract helps repel bugs. you can google it and you should get something good.
i have a friend whos kids are allergic to bug bits and get the same reactions that you describe, they swell up a lot. one will even get a puffy face! it doesnt sound like it becomes a breathing hazard or anything, but you could talk o your doctor at your next scheduled appointment.
you might want to avoid bees at all costs ...

Try boiling some water, steeping chammomile tea bags for about 2 mins, then pulling out and letting them cool. Apply damp bags to bites and let sit for a few minutes. Will soothe the skin!

Try a little baking soda mixed with water. Make it pasty, put it on and let sit for 20 minutes or so.

K. . All 4 of my children also swell when bitten by gnats and mosqitos , unfortunatly we have not found a home remedy that works but our MD has said to give the kids benadryl or something similar. The benadryl works well. Our childrens swelling was pretty bad so this helped. Good luck. I will have to see everyones comments maybe this will help us also.

J. SAHM of 4

Hi K.,
sorry about the bug bite itches. I have found Melaleuca oil effective with itches. I also have a natural recipe for an insect repellent. I have been with Melaleuca for 13 years. Feel free to contact me.
Blessings,
S.

Garlic works great for Mosquito bites. Just cut a clove in half to expose the juice and rub it on, worth a try because it can't hurt it is all natural and smells great :)