Gardening: Expert shares advice for dealing with bugs
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Insect bites are one of the easiest ways you can have your summer day ruined. Itching, inflammation and bleeding are all signs of a bug bite. Whether it’s a mosquito or a gnat bite, they can be painful, but they’re easy to treat with the right remedies at home, and should go away over the course of a few days.
Insects bites cause raised, red bumps on the skin that can be incredibly itchy and can sometimes bleed.
Insects are happy to bite you all over your body, but the most common areas are your ankles and feet, particularly if you are wearing sandals.
The likelihood of catching a disease from an insect bite in the UK is practically zero, but excessive itching or picking of bites can lead to infection.
The best remedy for bites is to leave it alone as much as possible and let it fade on its own, but there are several things you can do to help make it more comfortable in the mean time.
How to care for an insect bite
A cold compress will ease any pain and help to minimise any swelling – for example, use a cold flannel or an ice pack.
If the pain and itching is persistent, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help.
If it is itchy, there are a number of things you can do to stop it.
Creams like hydrocortisone can help soothe and dry out bug bites.
Taking oral or topical antihistamines usually make good work of insect bites as well.
Any pharmacist will be able to recommend the right treatments for bug bites.
If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe, aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its cool temperature will also help with itchiness.
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What should I never put on a bug bite?
However, there are certain things you should never put on an insect bite, despite some touting them as effective remedies.
Do not use baking soda, lemon, toothpaste, or vinegar on your bites.
These can all cause additional irritation, including burning and dry skin, and make the bite take much longer to heal.
Remnants of these being left on the bite can also cause an infection, which can lead to illness and/or scarring on the skin.
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