Thread: Help! Mosquito and gnat bites!

I'm afraid that I have to be outdoors every afternoon in gnat and mosquito country...despite bug spray and proper clothing I have loads of bites on my arms, hands and torso and will have to dance in a restaurant in a couple of days, where I'll actually be close enough for people to see my sorry state! Anyone have any suggestions for making the redness go away? It's taking incredible will power to keep from scratching - eek!

Originally Posted by carpediem

I'm afraid that I have to be outdoors every afternoon in gnat and mosquito country...despite bug spray and proper clothing I have loads of bites on my arms, hands and torso and will have to dance in a restaurant in a couple of days, where I'll actually be close enough for people to see my sorry state! Anyone have any suggestions for making the redness go away? It's taking incredible will power to keep from scratching - eek!

rub anti antiperspirant on them. reduces itches and helps them heal. weird, but true. also, benadryl (generic diphenhydramine) will work on the itching and swelling, but makes you drowsy

Seriously, that anti-perspirant thing works. I have no idea why. I had never heard of that before in my life, and I am like CATNIP to bitey bugs. It's probably my high-calorie blood.

I was a bit sceptical when Kina here told me about the anti-perspirant thing, but MY GOD it just about saved my poor sanity andstopped me scratching my poor bitten feet right open. Win!

This is why I post on Bhuz - I get the best answers! I'll definitely try the antiperspirant trick. I've been using Benadryl so hopefully, that will help, too! Thanks!

I never heard of this! Thank you!

I would also add, drink Pineapple juice. It helps healing, and swelling.

Thank you for posting this.

I love Bhuzzers!!!
:)

Benadryl and other anti-inflammatory treatments are likely your best bet. I cannot say anything to the antiperspirant thing, though I could guess that, if it does work, it has to do with the prevention of sweat (i.e. perspiration) which may further irritate the bites.

For future reference, if you are to be dancing outside and want to prevent mosquito bites, DEET is The. Way. To. Go! None of those "natural" methods actually work and citronella candles don't do anything either. When you go to the store, you'll find a variety of Deet percentages; anywhere from 6% to 100%! Studies show that anything over 45% is just overkill and does not add any additional protection (kind of like spf100 sunblock). There are other products which contain Picardin or a fancy product called IR3535, but the concentrations available in the states require repeat applications when needed for a few hours.

For more information about mosquito repellents check out this awesome post by Bug Girl.

Home my rambling was helpful. Good luck!