So, instead of suffering through another sleepless night because of bug bites, see if you have any of these simple remedies in your camp kitchen.
Ice Pack
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For some, mosquito bites are just itchy, but for others they swell, too. If this is the case, kick both symptoms with an ice pack. The cold shock will help to ease the itch and reduce swelling of the infected area. If you don't have an ice pack, put ice in a paper towel or plastic bag to experience the same relief.
Tea Tree Oil
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If you prefer all-natural mosquito bite remedies, then this one is for you; because the oil is extracted directly from a tea tree, there are no harmful chemicals to worry about. The oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, which helps with itching and swelling, as well as some pain. The best part is that a small bottle goes a long way, so keep it in your camping box to use every time.
Mint
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Whether you use mint toothpaste, peppermint extract or another peppermint product, the cooling sensation from the mint relieves itching. "Because the brain can only process one sensation at a time, cooling agents are often added to skin products to act as 'counter irritants'," says Dr. Neal B. Shultz in the Huffington Post.
Basil
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As one of the most delicious mosquito bite remedies, you can use this one for itch relief and dinner. Natural compounds of this plant, camphor and thymol, are what make it effective. Crush some basil leaves and apply to the bite. You can also buy it in essential oil form and apply a drop or two.
Alcohol Wipes
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This is a handy item to have around the campsite for cleaning. But you can also reduce itching before it starts by rubbing the bite with a wipe or alcohol soaked cotton ball right after it happens. This cleans the area, which will sooth initial pain and itching.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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This kitchen staple is one of the most simple and natural mosquito bite remedies available. Soak a cotton ball with the vinegar and hold it on the bite. You should feel itch relief within a few minutes.
Calamine Lotion and Witch Hazel
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Calamine lotion may be effective on its own, but up the itch relief ante and mix it with witch hazel. A combination of the two will be most effective at relieving pain and itching.
Mud
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You have plenty of dirt at or near your campsite, so take advantage. Mix dry dirt with water to create a mud mixture to place on the bite. The cooling sensation you feel from the mud will relieve itching, if only temporarily.
Lemon Juice
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Immediately after the bite, put lemon juice on the affected area. Compounds in the citric acid provide itch relief, making it an effective mosquito bite remedy. Be sure to do this before you itch the bite, or it will burn.
Banana Peel
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One of the most obscure mosquito bite remedies comes from ancient Chinese beliefs. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite and feel relief almost immediately. The author at TheHealthyHomeEconomist.com tried this and said in a blog post, "The banana peel not only worked, it worked FAST!"
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