Mosquito bites are an inevitibility. No matter how much bugspray you use, you’ll get bitten eventually. So what do you do to deal with the nasty welt?
One of the most popular remedies is Vicks for mosquito bites. Does it really work?
Yes, Vicks Vaporub works well to soothe itchy mosquito bites! I use it on my kids all the time!
Here are some reasons why you should apply Vicks on mosquito bites:
- The ointment contains eucalyptus oil which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- It also has a cooling effect that will make your skin feel better when applied to the affected area.
- The soothing menthol in Vicks helps to reduce itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites.
In this article, I will explore some information about Vicks and how it calms mosquito bites.
What Is Vicks and How Does It Work?
Vicks is a mentholated ointment that is applied topically to the skin. It is typically used to relieve pain and itching from minor skin irritations, insect bites, and cold sores. Ultimately, Vicks creates a cooling sensation on the skin that helps numb the area and reduce inflammation.
The key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub is camphor, a white crystalline substance with a strong, pungent odor. Camphor has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for colds and flu. It works by causing the body to release histamines, which helps to reduce inflammation and congestion.
In addition to camphor, VapoRub contains menthol, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil.Â
VapoRub can be applied directly to the chest or back and rubbed until absorbed into the skin. It can also be added to hot water and inhaled through a towel placed over the head. Some people also apply VapoRub to their feet before bed, believing this can help them sleep better.
How to Use Vicks to Treat a Mosquito Bite and Reduce Irritation
If you’ve been unfortunate enough to suffer a mosquito bite, you know how irritating and itchy they can be. Moreover, even though it can feel good to scratch, scratching only worsens the irritation and can even lead to an infection.
But did you know that Vicks VapoRub can help to treat the bite and reduce the irritation?
Apply a small amount of Vicks to the affected area and rub it gently.Â
The camphor and menthol in the Vicks will help soothe the skin and relieve the itchiness. Leave the Vicks on for around 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water. You should find that the itching has subsided, and the redness has begun to fade.
Repeat this process as necessary until the bite is completely healed.
However, if mosquito bite is still bothering you after a few applications of Vicks, then you can try other home remedies Preparation H or a commercial remedy like Afterbite.
But for most people, Vicks does the trick in providing relief from mosquito bites!
Other Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites That Actually Work
There are many different remedies for mosquito bites that people use, but not all of them work. Here are the four other great home remedies for mosquito bites to help reduce irritation.
1. Ice Pack
It is one of the most popular remedies for mosquito bites. The ice pack cools down the area where you are bitten and helps to relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can also put a cold compress on your skin to do the same thing.
2. Lemon
Lemon juice has been known to help relieve itching and swelling from mosquito bites because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Apply fresh lemon juice or rub some lemon peel on your skin. It will help soothe your skin and reduce irritation.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a plant that contains natural healing properties that can help with inflammation and itching from mosquito bites. Apply some aloe vera gel to your skin or drink it in tea.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar contains malic acid, which helps reduce swelling and pain from insect bites and promotes the healing of skin cells that the mosquito bite has damaged. It also has antibacterial properties, which help to fight the infection that the insect bite may have passed on.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
There are many different causes of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemicals in our sweat. In addition, some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites due to factors like blood type, respiration, body temperature, and even the time of day.
Mosquitoes use a combination of sight and smell to locate their prey. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, along with the lactic acid and other chemicals in our sweat.
Sometimes, a mosquito may bite in response to movement or vibration.
If you’ve been outdoors for a while, you’re likely to have more mosquito bites than someone who just stepped outside for a few minutes.
Several factors can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites. For example, if you have Type O blood, you’re more likely to be bitten than someone with Type A blood. Mosquitoes are also attracted to people with higher body temperatures, so if you tend to run hot, you may get bitten more often. Additionally, they tend to bite people who have recently eaten sweet or salty foods.
Finally, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so you’re more likely to be bitten during those times of the day. In some cases, a mosquito bite can be a sign of an allergic reaction. For example, some people develop red bumps or hives after being bitten by a mosquito. If you experience these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Mosquitoes are a major annoyance, and sometimes they can be really dangerous. It would be best if you took precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
Vicks is a popular treatment method for mosquito bites because it is easy to use, safe, and effective. You probably have Vicks in your medicine cabinet, so give it a try!
