10 Simple Home Remedies for No See Ums Bites

After a brutal attack by no see ums, what do you do?

Is there anything you can do to reduce the incessant itching and pain associated with their bites? What about the swelling, redness, and welts you’re left with? Is there any recourse you can take?

Absolutely!

If your skin is fraught with pain and super itchy, these home remedies for no see ums can be used to reduce the intensity of their bites.

These remedies aren’t difficult to come by or perform, as most people have them sitting at home.

Home Remedies for No See Ums Bites

The suggestions you’ll receive in this article work on a symptomatic level. They will help you deal with different symptoms you’ll experience after being bitten by no see ums.

Some of these symptoms include:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Pain
• Redness
• Welts and blisters

If the symptoms experienced are severe and continue to worsen, please get to a hospital. Now let’s get into some recommended home remedies for no see ums bites.

1. Take a Warm Shower

Have you been bitten from head to toe? Take a warm bath or shower. Heat works against inflammation. Since you’ll be experiencing a lot of inflammation after an encounter with no see ums, a warm, steamy bath should cool things down.

This will bring a hint of “false relief” to affected areas, as it’s only temporary.

If you’re not able to take a bath, bring water to a boil and then kill the flame. A washcloth can then be administered topically to the area after immersing in the water.

Note: Please do not throw hot water onto your skin. This is hazardous. A washcloth should be used, the same way you would use a compress. The warm washcloth should be held at the affected area after removing the excess water.

Also, be mindful of how you operate the container in which the water is boiled, since this is a potential hazard if not handled carefully. At no time should you stick your fingers in the hot water to fetch the cloth.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol to the affected area may provide relief against itching.

A professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida mentioned that rubbing alcohol works to reduce itching, as it removes the “saliva proteins” that set off the reaction.

To supplement, alcohol has a cooling effect when dry, which could be another reason why it provides relief. Try adding calamine lotion or baby oil after rubbing alcohol onto the area.

3. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that contains tannins. These restrict and tighten the skin. When used, it works against inflammation and may reduce swelling and redness.

Although limited, research suggests that tannic acid protects the skin from inflammation caused by external irritation.  

To soothe no see um bites, apply witch hazel to cotton pads and gentle run over the affected area.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used as a soothing agent to relieve itching and lessen skin inflammation.

Although it’s no cure for eczema, the National Eczema Association recommends that eczema victims immerse in a full bath containing baking soda to relieve itching.

If eczema patients can find relief from using baking soda for their itch, exploring this multi-purpose product for no see um bites is worth it.

If you’ve been bitten all over, a simple home remedy for no see ums that might produce results is to bathe in baking soda. If you’re not up for taking a bath, try mixing baking soda with warm water and apply to the affected area.

Do not scrub the skin; simply apply.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s common for women to use apple cider vinegar for itchy scalp, but most aren’t aware that it can be used for other “itchy” complaints.

You can use a cotton swab or cloth to add apple cider directly to the area or combine it with water if you have sensitive skin. This is because apple cider vinegar can be a tad harsh, but this isn’t always the case for most skin types.

6. Garlic

Garlic contains diallyl disulfide. This naturally occurring constituent is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the pungent plant.

Modest application of garlic to affected areas may reduce inflammation. However, caution should be taken when using this home remedy for no see ums.

If garlic is left for long on the skin, it can create blisters, stinging, and burning. One of the best ways to use garlic and negate this effect is to mince a few cloves and allow them to seep in olive or coconut oil.

Add to the skin for about 10 minutes and then remove. You can always keep it on the skin, but garlic stinks, so most people opt to remove it with a washcloth.

Oats

Oat is a rich fiber source to add to one’s diet, but it can be used in a variety of DIY projects around the home. As oats contain anti-inflammatory compounds, it’s a great remedy for no see um bites.

In fact, an oat bath is often recommended for individuals with chickenpox, a very itchy and uncomfortable skin condition. If you’ve sustained a brutal onslaught by no see ums, an oat bath may soothe your itchy, inflammatory skin.

7. Vitamin C

When bitten by any insect, including no see ums, a salivary substance is introduced into the body through the skin. The immune system reacts and works to evict the intruder, as it’s recognized as foreign. This immune system response creates histamines which cause swelling around the area.

Vitamin C not only boosts the immune system but behaves like an antihistamine. This makes vitamin c a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Consuming more foods with vitamin c or applying vitamin c in the form of oil to the skin may prove soothing to the area, and counter histamine.

8. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another great option on the list of home remedies for no see ums bites. It contains properties that work against inflammation and can be dissolved in water and applied to the skin using a washcloth.

Table salt can be used, but Epsom salt seems to provide better results in reducing swelling, redness, and pain.

9. Aloe Vera Gel for Redness

Aloe vera gel is well-documented as a soothing agent in many cosmetic products. As an anti-inflammatory substance, aloe vera gel is ideal for reducing redness inflicted from no see um bites.

If you have the plant, the gel can be easily extracted and applied directly to the skin. Aloe vera gel can also be mixed with baking soda to double its effect.

10. Lemon or Lime Juice

Lemon and lime contain vitamin c, which makes them ideal candidates for antihistamine properties. If you have lemon or lime trees at home, the juice from the fruit can be applied to the skin using cotton pads.

You don’t have to wash this off.

Home Remedies for No See Ums Bites, Conclusion

Remember, people react differently to no see um bites. Some have found immediate success after using some of the recommendations above, while other cases are more extreme and may warrant continuous use to soothe the itchiness and pain.

Naturally, home remedies for no see ums bites work slower than OTC medications. In some cases, a waiting period is also required when using these products. If you’re interested in learning more about no see ums and why they bite, this is a great place to start.