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Here's how to easily prevent *and* treat bug bites
From hiking to blueberry picking, there are so many awesome outdoor activities to partake in during the summer! When it comes to the sun, you've got your skin protection plan down pat. Saving yourself from bug bites isn't something you really worry about, though. But you *should,* especially if you plan on being in the woods or near still bodies of water. Why? Well, did you know that not only do mosquitoes carry a slew of illnesses on their own, but they can also transmit a disease from one being to another? Gross! Here's some tips to avoid this annoying itch.
Prevention
One key to staying protected form pesky bug bites is to cover any exposed skin. But in the heat of summer you will most likely just want to use insect repellent with the ingredient picaridin. This can be found in many popular products such as Cutter Advanced, Autan and Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a more natural ingredient that can also be used. However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that these may not be effective against ticks or bugs other than mosquitoes. They recommend using EPA-registered repellents that contain at least 20 percent diethyltoluamide (commonly referred to as DEET) when in places with other insects.
To stop the itch of a bite you already have, look for calamine lotion or other creams containing baking soda or colloidal oatmeal. If the bite hurts, creams with ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine or pramoxine should do the trick. But if you want a more natural treatment, here is a soothing DIY recipe to try.
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
1 drop tea tree essential oil
1 empty roll-on bottle (like this)
Directions:
Simply combine these ingredients in the bottle and remember to shake well before rolling it over the bite.
What is your favorite summer outdoor activity? Do you have a different way you like to treat bug bites?
We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.
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