Bugs are a necessary part of nature, and they are most common during the summer and spring. While most of them are harmless, their bites can cause various forms of discomfort such as itching, redness, mild pain, and inflammation. You can choose to wait for the symptoms to subside, use over-the-counter creams, or apply essential oils.
OTC medication may be an unnecessary expense for harmless bug bites. The best solution for these symptoms is the use of essential oils.
Essential oils are affordable and can be found in most local stores. They have natural ingredients that won’t cause side effects on the skin. Besides treating bugs, you can use them for other aromatherapy applications. Don’t let bugs take the fun out of the summer and spring seasons. Look for the following essential oils, and apply them for immediate relief whenever you suffer a big bite.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil has disinfectant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties which make it ideal for use on bug bites. Past studies indicates that tea tree oil is a natural antihistamine that reduces the skin’s allergic reactions and eases the pain, itching, swelling, redness, and other symptoms that result from a bug bite. When applied directly on the affected area, the oil provides a soothing effect and instantly works to reduce the pain and itching. What’s more, the antibacterial properties prevent a bacterial infection from a bite.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol which produces a cooling and soothing sensation when used on the skin. The oil has potent antimicrobial properties that help reduce itching, burning, and stinging from a bug bite.
Additionally, the oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for reducing swelling on the skin from the bites. If one suffers an infection after a bug bite, applying peppermint oil to the affected area can help inhibit the harmful bacteria and treat the infection. You can dilute the oil with a carrier oil and dab it on the skin for maximum benefits.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is famed for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The oil can help reduce swelling on the skin, prevent an infection from occurring, and kill any harmful bacteria on the skin. The oil is also a strong analgesic and can assist with reducing pain after a bug bite.
You can apply lavender oil directly on the affected part of the skin. You can also inhale it straight from the bottle a few times to reduce the pain resulting from the bug bite.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile has long been used topically and orally for its numerous medicinal benefits. A previous study indicates that chamomile is widely used in topical creams that are meant to curb skin irritation. The oil is also used in numerous lotions and skin care products. Chamomile oil produces a soothing effect which is necessary to ease the pain, itching, swelling, and irritation from bug bites. Besides reducing the symptoms of the bite, chamomile oil also speeds up recovery. Apply a few drops of chamomile oil to the affected area for optimal results.
Mint Oil
Mint oil works like peppermint when applied to the skin. The oil produces a cooling and soothing effect that helps alleviate pain from bug bites. Mint oil also has powerful anti-inflammatory property that reduces swelling and irritation from various kinds of big bites. When applied before going outdoors, mint can also keep insects away and protect you from bites. Dilute this oil with a carrier oil and use it on the affected area or the exposed parts of your body before visiting a bug-infested area.
Bug bites can be uncomfortable and irritating, but they don’t have to ruin the season for you. Invest in one or a few of these essential oils and use it on your skin to alleviate the symptoms of bug bites. You can also use oils like mint and peppermint before going outdoors to keep bugs away and protect your skin from irritation and infection.