Why do some people seem to get bitten by mosquitoes more than others? Do different people really taste better? If so, my son Henry must be delicious because that boy gets more bug bites than anyone I’ve ever seen.
With all of my son’s bug bites, I have learned that you don’t need a drugstore cream to relieve itchy mosquito bites. Instead, try making your own calamine lotion or using ingredients already in your kitchen. Home remedies like honey, baking soda, lavender essential oil, and witch hazel are natural skin soothers—and far less expensive!
And if you want to avoid bites in the first place, try planting bug-repelling plants in your backyard or a natural bug spray. However, I know that sometimes we’re not always as prepared as we want to be—so here are my favorite recipes for relieving bug bites after they’ve happened.
Homemade “Calamine” Lotion
While calamine is generally considered safe, there are some concerns about specific ingredients or preservatives used in the lotion. Allergies or sensitivity to ingredients in calamine lotion, such as zinc oxide or ferric oxide, can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Moreover, if you suffer from eczema, you know calamine will dry out your skin even more or even aggravate your skin condition. There are no studies to show whether calamine is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or to a baby breastfeeding, all of which might be reason enough to opt for an alternative to calamine.
While this homemade “calamine” lotion doesn’t contain any actual calamine, it is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe even the most wicked bug bites. Use it like you would traditional calamine lotion, and apply it directly to bug bites several times a day or as needed to tame the itch.
Ingredients
—1 tablespoon fine sea salt
—1 tablespoon baking soda
—1 tablespoon bentonite clay
—Enough water or witch hazel to form a paste
—5 drops each lavender, chamomile, and peppermint essential oils
Directions
Combine dry ingredients and slowly add water or witch hazel until a paste forms. Apply to bug bites for relief. It will eventually dry and can be rinsed off with cool water.
10 More Natural Bug Bite Itch Relief Remedies
1. Mix a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil with coconut oil and apply to the skin.
2. Raid the kitchen: Apply a slice of lemon or rub the inside of a banana peel to irritated skin. Not only can they help with itching and swelling, but they’ll leave you smelling fresh in the process!
3. Apple cider vinegar. Of course. Soak a cotton ball with organic, raw ACV and rub directly on itchy areas to dry out bug bites. If your skin is sensitive, you can dilute it a little with cool water.
4. Don’t have clay? Just make a paste with baking soda and water to get rid of annoying itches. Let the paste sit on the bites until dry.
5. Activated charcoal is perfect for relieving the itch and sting of bites. Combine with baking soda to make a paste, or keep this drawing salve on hand.
6. Honey, the ultimate healer, can also soothe itchy bites. Dab a tiny bit of raw honey on irritated areas to moisturize dry, itchy skin and take the sting out of the redness. It can be a bit sticky, so it’s not something you’d want to dab on before bed.
7. Using aloe vera contains many beneficial ingredients with healing properties [source]. When used topically, it fights inflammation, which makes it a great choice to battle bites. It reduces swelling and redness and also has bacteria-fighting properties to keep skin clear and healthy. Make your own aloe vera gel and apply directly to itchy areas.
8. Used tea bags can provide skin-healing relief. A cool used tea bag from chamomile or green tea has anti-inflammatory properties [source]. A refrigerated tea bag is also incredibly soothing on irritated skin.
9. Witch hazel with jojoba and inflammation-soothing essential oils makes an excellent natural bug spray. But if you do get bitten, witch hazel can also relieve the pain and inflammation [source] from bee stings, bug bites, and poison ivy and poison oak. Soak a cotton ball and then apply to the bite area or rash.
10. Oats are rich in compounds that reduce swelling, redness, and itching [source]. A soothing oatmeal bath can kick-start the healing of bite-ridden skin.
11. Combine Lavender and ice for itch relief: The anti-inflammatory oil alleviates swelling, and the cold ice cube numbs nerves to stop the itching. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 cup of water; pour into an ice tray, and freeze. When needed, pop out a cube, wrap it in a paper towel, and hold it onto bites for a few seconds until the pain and itching subside.
Itch Relief FAQs
What’s the shelf life of homemade calamine?
If you use water, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 2 to 3 days. When using witch hazel, it will last a bit longer. But I recommend using it up within 2 to 3 weeks to be safe. You can always mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and add the liquid and oils just prior to using.
What gives this lotion a gray color?
The bentonite clay is what gives this lotion an earthy brown/gray color. Yours might be different, depending on the color of your bentonite clay.
Can I add other ingredients like aloe vera and colloidal oats to my homemade calamine lotion?
Yes, you can certainly try adding other ingredients. Just know that some fresh ingredients (like aloe) can change the shelf life of your lotion. If you’re not sure how long it will last, it’s best to use it immediately.
What natural bug bite itch relief creams do you use to relieve the summer bummers?
Homemade Calamine Lotion
Equipment
- Small bowl or jar
Materials
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- Enough water or witch hazel to form a paste
- 5 drops each lavender, chamomile, and peppermint essential oils
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients and slowly add water or witch hazel until a paste forms.
- Apply to bug bites for relief. It will eventually dry and can be rinsed off with cool water.
Notes
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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