12 Ways to Soothe the Itch

August 5, 2019 San Miguel

Are you hankering for relief from biting critters? Mosquitos and other flying bugs are in the air and looking for dinner.

Obviously, the best way to combat mosquito bites is to avoid getting bitten. You can use various repellents or cover up with pants and long sleeves but what about when they inevitably bite you? Luckily, we’ve got some remedies, at least one of which is particularly easy to find in Mexico.

Apple Cider Vinegar – dab some onto a cotton ball.
Baking Soda & Water – mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Put on bite for 10min then wash it off.
Oatmeal – mix roughly equal parts oatmeal to water to create a paste. Put the paste onto a washcloth and apply it to the bite for about 10min, then wash it off.
Tea Tree Oil – dab some onto a cotton ball.
Honey – apply a drop to the bite to reduce inflammation.
Aloe Vera – cut open a small part of the plant. Apply the gel to the irritated area.
Onion – slice an onion and apply for a few minutes, then wash the area.
Witch Hazel – dab some onto a cotton ball.
Chamomile Tea Bag – after making your tea, squeeze out any excess liquid and place the wet tea bag on the affected area.
Garlic – slice a clove of garlic and apply to the affected area.
Noni – Often available at the Tuesday Market, noni is a fantastic plant. The fruit of the noni can be crushed into a paste and applied to the skin. It is also quite effective at relieving sunburn and preventing peeling. Note: it has quite a strong smell, so many may not like it.
Our recommendation: Anti-Itch Cream – readily available at Mexican pharmacies, a tube can be bought for 50 pesos or less. We’ve not been able to find the same cream in the United States, but here in Mexico, it’s an over the counter medication. Look for one with Clotrimazol / Gentamicina / Betametasona as the active ingredients. We personally like this method the best. You can take it with you, it’s ready to apply and it gives instant relief and reduces inflammation.