Bug bites and poison ivy are inevitable in the summertime, but that doesn’t mean that you have to itch and scratch your way through the season. If you’re looking for a way to ease the irritation of these common warm weather ailments, these all-natural home remedies can help.
- Ice cubes. Simple, quick, and gratifying, the common ice cube is one of the most effective ways to relieve the itch of bug bites. Just wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and hold it on the bite for a few minutes to induce numbing.
- Tea bags. Press a wet tea bag on a bug bite to draw out toxins and minimize itching through the tea’s natural astringent.
- Baking soda paste. For bug bites and poison ivy alike, creating a paste of baking soda and water will neutralize the pH and relieve itching.
- Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar also neutralizes the pH in your skin, so swabbing some on poison ivy or insect bites will quickly alleviate the itch.
- Soap and water. If you’re fortunate enough to catch poison ivy as soon as you touch it, immediately wash the affected area with lukewarm, soapy water to rinse off some of the oil.
- Oatmeal baths. If the damage is already done and you have itchy poison ivy, take oatmeal baths in cool or lukewarm water to relieve itching.
DIY: 7 Best Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies [Gardenista]
Poison ivy: Tips for treating and preventing [American Academy of Dermatology]
9 Genius Ways To Relieve Bug Bites [Women’s Health Magazine]
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