The Today Network - 6/11/17( The November Issue)
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Erica called me some hours ago- saying that her son George had crashed his new toy motorbike in no time. It was George's birthday yesterday and how I recall the awesome dishes and the decorations around the Petal House! I don't think you know- but petal house is the house of Erica, indeed! Have a fun read, 6/11/17( The November Issue)
Last Updated
05/31/21
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Topic of the Day to Discuss : HELP! MOSQUITO!
Chapter 9
NEWSLETTER
HealthLine
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Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Stop Them
Q&A Quick relief Rubbing alcohol Honey Oatmeal Tea Basil OTC drugs Creams Aloe vera Corticosteroids Garlic Do not use See a doctor Outlook Prevention
Why do mosquito bites itch?
Many people get bitten by mosquitos each year, but bites can affect people differently. When mosquitoes bite, they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins.
The proteins are foreign substances that trigger the body’s immune system. To fight them the body’s immune system releases histamine, a compound that helps white blood cells get to the affected area. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling.
Sometimes if a person is bitten for the first time they won’t have a response. This is because their body hasn’t formulated a response to the foreign invader. And some people may not notice bites at all. Others may build up a tolerance over time.
When an irritating bite does appear, it’s good to know what remedies work to ease the itchiness.
Fast tips
Elevate affected area and apply a cold compress to reduce blood flow.
Apply lotion or hydrocortisone cream, but don’t scratch.
Clean blisters with soap and water.'
1. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol
If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin.
2. Apply honey on the bite
Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties. It’s shown to reduce inflammation and can also help prevent infection. Don’t wear it outside, though, because the honey’s sugar can attract more mosquitoes.
3. Take an oatmeal bath
Oatmeal has active properties that help soothe insect bites and allergic reactions, chicken pox, and dry skin. You can add oatmeal to a bath or apply it as a mask on your bug bite. Make a paste by adding a little water to colloidal oatmeal and apply to the affected area. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. You can also add honey to your paste for extra benefits. Moisturize with a cream after.
4. Use a cold tea bag
Green and black tea’s antiswelling effects may not just be useful for swollen eyes. Tea’s anti-inflammatory effects may help with the swelling. Soak a bag of green or black tea and pop it in the fridge to cool it down. Apply the cold tea bag over the bite to ease the itchiness.
5. Make a basil rub
Basil has chemical compounds that can relieve itchy skin. You can apply basil oil like a lotion or make your own at home. To make your own rub, boil 2 cups of water and 1/2 an ounce of dried basil leaves. After the mixture cools, dip a washcloth into the pot and apply it on the affected area. For a more immediate treatment, chop up fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin.
6. Take over-the-counter antihistamines
Antihistamines help lower the histamine count in your body and reduce inflammation. These are available over the counter and help with itchiness and swelling. You can take them orally (Benadryl or Claritin) or apply topically (calamine lotion) over the affected area.
7. Use ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine
Lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents in over-the-counter creams. They offer temporary relief from itchiness and pain. For extra benefits, look for creams that contain menthol or peppermint.
8. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties for wound healing and calming infections. The cool feeling of the gel may also soothe any itchiness. Keep an aloe vera plant around the house. You can cut the leaves and apply the gel directly.
9. Mild corticosteroid cream
Doctors recommend corticosteroid creams for itching. These creams are known to help with inflammation for skin irritations, but avoid using them on open wounds or on your face. Long-term use can also cause side effects like thinning or worsening of skin, excessive hair growth, and acne.
10. Dilute minced garlic
Some creams use garlic extract due to its wound healing and anti-viral properties. But don’t rub garlic directly on your skin. Raw garlic can increase skin irritation and inflammation. Instead, dilute minced garlic with coconut oil and apply that to the affected area for a few minutes.
Avoid these home remedies for bug bites
The following treatments have little scientific evidence to back up their effectiveness. They may increase skin irritation or cause unwanted side effects such as acne, burning, dry skin, and more.
baking soda
lemon or lime juice
toothpaste
vinegar
I hope these help in time...
Candy Hyena
WRITER OF THE TOPIC OF THE DAY TO DISCUSS
HealthLine
ADVERTISEMENT
Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Stop Them
Q&A Quick relief Rubbing alcohol Honey Oatmeal Tea Basil OTC drugs Creams Aloe vera Corticosteroids Garlic Do not use See a doctor Outlook Prevention
Why do mosquito bites itch?
Many people get bitten by mosquitos each year, but bites can affect people differently. When mosquitoes bite, they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins.
The proteins are foreign substances that trigger the body’s immune system. To fight them the body’s immune system releases histamine, a compound that helps white blood cells get to the affected area. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling.
Sometimes if a person is bitten for the first time they won’t have a response. This is because their body hasn’t formulated a response to the foreign invader. And some people may not notice bites at all. Others may build up a tolerance over time.
When an irritating bite does appear, it’s good to know what remedies work to ease the itchiness.
Fast tips
Elevate affected area and apply a cold compress to reduce blood flow.
Apply lotion or hydrocortisone cream, but don’t scratch.
Clean blisters with soap and water.'
1. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol
If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin.
2. Apply honey on the bite
Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties. It’s shown to reduce inflammation and can also help prevent infection. Don’t wear it outside, though, because the honey’s sugar can attract more mosquitoes.
3. Take an oatmeal bath
Oatmeal has active properties that help soothe insect bites and allergic reactions, chicken pox, and dry skin. You can add oatmeal to a bath or apply it as a mask on your bug bite. Make a paste by adding a little water to colloidal oatmeal and apply to the affected area. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. You can also add honey to your paste for extra benefits. Moisturize with a cream after.
4. Use a cold tea bag
Green and black tea’s antiswelling effects may not just be useful for swollen eyes. Tea’s anti-inflammatory effects may help with the swelling. Soak a bag of green or black tea and pop it in the fridge to cool it down. Apply the cold tea bag over the bite to ease the itchiness.
5. Make a basil rub
Basil has chemical compounds that can relieve itchy skin. You can apply basil oil like a lotion or make your own at home. To make your own rub, boil 2 cups of water and 1/2 an ounce of dried basil leaves. After the mixture cools, dip a washcloth into the pot and apply it on the affected area. For a more immediate treatment, chop up fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin.
6. Take over-the-counter antihistamines
Antihistamines help lower the histamine count in your body and reduce inflammation. These are available over the counter and help with itchiness and swelling. You can take them orally (Benadryl or Claritin) or apply topically (calamine lotion) over the affected area.
7. Use ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine
Lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents in over-the-counter creams. They offer temporary relief from itchiness and pain. For extra benefits, look for creams that contain menthol or peppermint.
8. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties for wound healing and calming infections. The cool feeling of the gel may also soothe any itchiness. Keep an aloe vera plant around the house. You can cut the leaves and apply the gel directly.
9. Mild corticosteroid cream
Doctors recommend corticosteroid creams for itching. These creams are known to help with inflammation for skin irritations, but avoid using them on open wounds or on your face. Long-term use can also cause side effects like thinning or worsening of skin, excessive hair growth, and acne.
10. Dilute minced garlic
Some creams use garlic extract due to its wound healing and anti-viral properties. But don’t rub garlic directly on your skin. Raw garlic can increase skin irritation and inflammation. Instead, dilute minced garlic with coconut oil and apply that to the affected area for a few minutes.
Avoid these home remedies for bug bites
The following treatments have little scientific evidence to back up their effectiveness. They may increase skin irritation or cause unwanted side effects such as acne, burning, dry skin, and more.
baking soda
lemon or lime juice
toothpaste
vinegar
I hope these help in time...
Candy Hyena
WRITER OF THE TOPIC OF THE DAY TO DISCUSS
