What are the essential oils that can help provide relief for bug bites. How can you use these oils to treat bug bite discomfort.

Basil (Ocimum spp.)

Basil is a gentle anti-inflammatory oil that may help with irritation. Antimicrobial properties in the plant prevent infection, making it great for bug bites, especially bee stings. A 2013 study documented remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities in basil, finding that the essential oil helped relieve arthritic inflammation symptoms in mice.

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor, a relative of cinnamon, has been used since ancient times to treat pain, irritation, and inflammation. It can help reduce pain caused by bug bites by creating a tingling warmth reaction on the skin.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita/chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile’s soothing emollient effects make it a great addition to skin products and lotions for bug bites. A 2011 study found that chamomile essential oil helped lesions heal much faster, while reducing pain, inflammation, and itching, compared to a 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a popular essential oil for treating bug bites. Unlike most other essential oils, it can be applied directly to bites. Lavender has soothing properties similar to chamomile, and can also provide pain relief. A 2012 study found that lavender had notable anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint essential oils, such as peppermint and spearmint, can provide cooling pain relief when diluted and applied to the skin. Mints can also help keep insects away, preventing future bites. A 2013 review analyzed peppermint’s anti-inflammatory benefits alongside another mint species, chocolate mint.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil is another choice for bug bite pain relief, and it can also help prevent infection. Be sure to dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil before use. A 2011 study on rats found that rosemary had potent anti-inflammatory qualities, alleviating inflammation in the colon due to colitis.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree essential oil is famous for its anti-pain, anti-swelling, and anti-itching qualities. It is also antimicrobial, preventing bacterial infections, making it a great option for treating bug bite discomfort. A 2012 trial showed that tea tree essential oil prevented itching in the eyes better than certain medications.

How to Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites

When using essential oils for bug bites, it’s important to dilute them first before applying to the skin. Mix 5 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. You can also make a dilute spray by mixing 2-3 drops of essential oil and 2-3 drops of carrier oil per ounce of water in a spray bottle. Shake before use and spray onto bug bites. For an ointment, you can create your own by mixing essential oils into a carrier oil or lotion.

Avoiding direct application of essential oils is crucial, as this could cause burning and stinging on the skin, potentially making bug bite symptoms even worse. By properly diluting the oils, you can experience the soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits to find relief from bug bite discomfort.

What are the benefits of using essential oils for bug bites?

Essential oils can provide a more natural approach to relieving the pain, swelling, itching, and irritation caused by bug bites. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce the discomfort of bug bites. Some oils like lavender and chamomile also have soothing, calming effects. Using essential oils can be an effective alternative to traditional medications for managing bug bite symptoms.

How do I choose the right essential oil for my bug bites?

When selecting an essential oil to use for bug bites, consider the specific properties of different oils. Oils like basil, chamomile, and lavender are great for reducing inflammation and irritation. Oils with cooling properties like mint can provide pain relief. Tea tree oil is beneficial for its antimicrobial effects to prevent infection. You may want to try a blend of complementary oils to address multiple symptoms. Always dilute the essential oils before applying to the skin.

Essential Oils for Bug Bites: 7 Oils for Relief

Using essential oils for bug bites

Essential oils are highly concentrated distilled extracts from certain plants. They are popularly used today for health, cleaning, massage, and other purposes. One reason they may be used is to help relieve discomfort from bug bites.

People who want a more natural approach to pain relief may turn to essential oils. Research shows that some could be a great alternative treatment. Essentials oils are used in aromatherapy where the oil is diffused into the air or added to a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

There are many essential oils that can help treat bug bites. These include:

1. Basil (

Ocimum spp.)

Basil is a gentle anti-inflammatory oil that may help with irritation. Antimicrobial properties in the plant prevent infection. This makes it great for all sorts of bug bites, especially bee stings.

A 2013 study documented remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities in basil. Though the study only tested mice, the essential oil was found to help relieve arthritic inflammation symptoms. Anti-inflammatory properties are found in many varieties, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and holy basil.

2. Camphor (

Cinnamomum camphora)

This plant is a relative of cinnamon. It’s been used since ancient times to treat pain, irritation, and inflammation. It can also help reduce pain caused by bug bites. It does this by creating a reaction on the skin like a tingling warmth.

3. Chamomile (

Matricaria recutita/chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile is added to many skin products and lotions for its soothing emollient effects. With bug bites, the oil helps with redness, itching, and irritation. This flower remedy may speed up healing and recovery.

A 2011 study compared chamomile to a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream for skin irritation. It helped lesions heal much faster, while reducing pain, inflammation, and itching.

4. Lavender (

Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a popular essential oil and a favorite for treating bug bites. This oil (unlike most other essential oils) can be applied directly to bites. It has soothing properties much like chamomile, and it can also be pain-relieving.

It can be especially helpful for spider bites, fire ant bites, and bee stings. Lavender was found to have notable anti-inflammatory effects on a cellular level, according to a 2012 study. Try it for relieving bug bites of all kinds.

5. Mint (

Mentha spp.)

Mint essential oils (such as peppermint and spearmint) can be a great option if they are diluted first. They give cooling pain relief when they contact the skin. Mint can also help keep insects away, preventing future bites.

Mints are also great for treating itching and the most painful of bites, such as those from fire ants. A 2013 review analyzed peppermint’s anti-inflammatory benefits alongside yet another species of mint: chocolate mint.

6. Rosemary (

Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil is another choice for bug bite pain relief, and it can also help prevent infection. Be sure to dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil before use.

A 2011 study performed on rats found that rosemary had potent anti-inflammatory qualities. They were so potent, in fact, that the essential oil alleviated inflammation in the colon due to colitis. However, studies on humans are needed to explore this more.

7. Tea tree (

Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree essential oil is famous for its anti-pain, anti-swelling, and anti-itching qualities. It is also antimicrobial, preventing bacterial infections. This makes it a great ally against bug bite discomfort.

The essential oil can be enlisted for fighting all sorts of insect bites. Mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants, spiders, bees, and even bed bugs or fleas are fair game.

Tea tree’s ability to stop itching may be its best trait. A 2012 trial showed that tea tree essential oil prevented itching in the eyes better than certain medications.

How you use an oil on a bug bite depends on what you prefer. Dilute first and put directly on the bite, or if covering with a bandage can go onto the bandage.

Common solutions include water (for a bug spray) or an oil or lotion (for an ointment). Here are some common, easy methods for applying oils to bites.

Direct application

Avoid direct application of essential oils. Mix them in a carrier oil — usually 5 drops per ounce of oil — and then apply to the skin.

Dilute spray

The vast majority of essential oils should be diluted before application. Direct application could cause burning and stinging on skin. In effect, this could make bug bite symptoms even worse.

To make a dilute spray, fill a spray bottle with water. Mix 2 to 3 drops of essential oil in 2 to 3 drops of liquid carrier oil per ounce of water. Shake before use. Spray onto bug bites to experience relief.

Ointment

You can create your own ointment with added essential oils. There are a couple ways to do this. One way is to make your own crude ointment. Add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or even a beeswax salve. Add about 2 to 3 drops per ounce, and mix in well. You can also do this with your favorite store-bought lotion, moisturizer, salve, or balm to the same effect.

Bath

If you have several bites all over your body, try an essential oil bath. Add about 15 drops of your preferred oil (or a combination of oils) to the same amount of a carrier oil. Shake, then add to your bath. You can follow this up with some direct topical application to your most painful bites.

Essential oils can give some people great relief from bug bite discomfort. For others, relief may be limited.

If essential oils are not working for your bug bites, you may need to talk to your pharmacist or doctor about other options. While these provide a great natural remedy to replace chemical or pharmaceutical approaches, they cannot be considered a cure. They also don’t work for everybody.

Some essential oils can and do cause certain sensitivities in people. Make sure to do a very small skin test before applying any essential oil generously.

Keep in mind that different essential oils may each cause different reactions, good or bad. If one makes you react, there may be another oil that works better for you.

If you start experiencing an intense allergic reaction, discontinue use of that oil immediately. Contact your doctor if you begin to experience worrying symptoms. This including skin hives, difficulty breathing, and more. If you have asthma, essential oils can trigger an asthma attack.

Also, make sure that you are not just applying essential oil to a potentially very dangerous venomous bite. Learn to recognize the markings of bites from venomous spiders like the brown recluse or black widow. These may initially appear as itchy, troublesome bites, but they can be very painful or even lethal.

If you suspect that you may have been bitten by a venomous spider, seek medical care immediately. Do not apply essential oils until your doctor has confirmed the bite isn’t from a venomous spider.

Fire Ants: Symptoms and Treatments

Fire Ants: Symptoms and Treatments

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Elea Carey — Updated on September 18, 2018

Overview of fire ants

Red imported fire ants aren’t supposed to be in the United States, but these dangerous pests have made themselves at home here. If you are stung by fire ants, you’ll probably know it. They swarm onto your skin and their stings feel like fire.

Fire ants range in color from red-brown to black, and grow up to 1/4 inch in length. They build nests or mounds about 1 foot high, usually in grassy areas like lawns and pastures. Unlike most anthills, fire ant nests don’t have just one entrance. The ants crawl all over the hill.

Fire ants are very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. If provoked, they swarm on the perceived intruder, anchor themselves by biting to hold the skin stable, and then sting repeatedly, injecting a toxin alkaloid venom called solenopsin. We refer to this action as “stinging.”

Fire ant nests are like small cities, sometimes containing as many as 200,000 ants, according to Texas A&M University. Inside these busy colonies, female workers maintain the nest’s structure and feed their young. Male drones breed with the queen or queens. When young queens mature in communities with more than one queen, they fly off with males to create new nests.

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Red imported fire ants came to the United States by accident in the 1930s. They have thrived in the Southern states and moved north because they had no local predators. There are fire ants native to the United States, but they are not as dangerous or hard to get rid of as red fire imported ants.

Fire ants can withstand just about any challenge. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found that it would take two weeks of temperatures below 10°F (-12°C) to kill an entire colony. While fire ants kill and eat other insects like regular ants, they have also been known to live on crops and animals. Fire ants can even form nests on water and float them to dry locations.

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If fire ants sting you, chances are you’ll know. They attack in swarms, racing up vertical surfaces (such as your leg) when their nests are disturbed. Each fire ant can sting several times.

To identify fire ant stings, look for groups of swollen red spots that develop a blister on the top. Stings hurt, itch, and last up to a week. Some people have dangerous allergic reactions to stings and will need to seek immediate medical help.

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Treat mild sting reactions by washing the affected area with soap and water and covering it with a bandage. Applying ice can reduce the pain. Topical treatments include over-the-counter steroid creams and antihistamines to reduce pain and itch.

Texas A&M University recommends a home remedy solution of half bleach, half water. Other home remedies include diluted ammonium solution, aloe vera, or astringents like witch hazel. These remedies may offer some relief, but there is no hard evidence to support their use.

The sting and bite marks should go away in about a week. Scratching can cause the affected area to become infected, which can make sting and bite marks last longer.

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Anyone can develop an allergy to fire ant stings, although people who’ve been stung before are at higher risk. An allergic reaction can be fatal. Signs of a dangerous allergic reaction include:

• sudden difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• nausea
• dizziness

Symptoms develop quickly after exposure. It’s critical to get emergency medical treatment if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to a fire ant sting.

If you have a severe allergy, there are involved long-term treatments, including whole body extract immunotherapy. During this process, an allergist-immunologist injects ant extracts and venom into your skin. Over time, your sensitivity to the extracts and venom should decrease.

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The best way to avoid fire ant stings is to stay away from fire ants. If you see a nest, resist the temptation to disturb it. Wear shoes and socks when working and playing outside. If you are attacked by fire ants, move away from the nest and brush the ants off with a cloth or while wearing gloves so they can’t sting your hands.

Fire ant colonies are hard to destroy. There are some poisonous baits that when applied regularly may get rid of fire ants. The most common is a pesticide called piretherine. The best time to use bait against fire ants is during the fall, when ants are less active. Professional pest control companies treat fire ants where they are common. Dousing a fire ant hill with boiling water can also be effective for killing the ants, but it is also likely to cause the survivors to attack.

Fire ants are a growing problem in the southern United States. Avoid them whenever you can, and take basic protective measures when going outside, such as wearing shoes and socks. Be on the lookout for a severe allergic reaction in anyone who has been stung, and get emergency medical help if needed.

Last medically reviewed on October 9, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Drees M. (2002). Medical problems and treatment considerations for the red imported fire ant.
  fireant.tamu.edu/files/2011/12/FAPFS023_2002rev_Medical.pdf
• History of the red imported fire ant. (n.d.).
  fireant.tamu.edu/learn/history-of-the-red-imported-fire-ant/
• Insect sting allergy. (n.d.).
  acaai.org/allergies/types/insect-sting-allergies
• Loftin K., et al. (n.d.). Twenty questions about fire ants.
  uaex.edu/other_areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7052.pdf

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Elea Carey — Updated on September 18, 2018

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Local reaction to insect sting

You have been stung or bitten by an insect. Insect venom or bodily fluids cause a skin reaction at the site of the bite. The bite often causes redness, itching, and swelling. This reaction may disappear within a few hours. But it may take several days.

Common stinging insects whose stings cause reactions include wasps, bees, folded wasps, fire ants, and hornets. Common bites come from spiders, mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks. Other types of insects may be more common in different parts of the country or the world.

Insect venom causes “local” toxic reactions in any person. A local reaction means that the symptoms only affect the part of the body where you were bitten. The reaction has not spread to most of your body. Allergic reactions occur only in those who are sensitive to the poison. The severity of your reaction to an insect bite depends on the dose of the venom and how sensitive you are to it. When a rash or itchy skin appears, most people think of an allergic reaction. But bites tend to cause local symptoms that are not allergic. These symptoms may include:0003

• Rash, redness, welts or blisters around the bite site

• Itching, burning, stinging or pain

• Swelling around the bite site, which may spread and cause discomfort

After 1-3 days, the site of the insect bite may become infected. So watch out for the following symptoms. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a local reaction to an insect bite from an early infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for you.

Home care

Medicines

Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve swelling, itching, and pain. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking these medicines.

• Diphenhydramine is an oral antihistamine available in stores. You may take this medicine to relieve itching and swelling. The medicine may make you drowsy. So be careful when using it during the daytime, or when you go to school, work or drive. Do not take diphenhydramine if you have glaucoma or urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate. Other antihistamines may cause less sleepiness. They are best taken during the day. Ask a pharmacist for advice.

• If you have large areas of localized swelling, you may be given oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. They will help reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Do not apply diphenhydramine cream to the skin. In some people, this can cause a localized skin rash due to an allergy to the cream.

• Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths sometimes help with itching.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain unless another pain medication is prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking these medicines. Also check with your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

• If you have had a serious reaction, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a rescue medication that will stop an allergic reaction from getting worse. Before you leave the hospital, make sure you understand when and how to use this medicine.

General care

• If itching is annoying, do not take hot showers or baths. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight whenever possible. Warming up the skin will increase the itching.

• Apply an ice pack to reduce redness, swelling and itching. You can make an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a top-seal bag. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this may damage the skin. Apply an ice pack for 5-10 minutes.

• Avoid scratching affected areas to prevent skin damage or infection.

• If oral antibiotics or corticosteroids have been prescribed, be sure to take them as directed until the end of treatment.

Advice for insect bites

• Be aware that honey bees nest in trees. Wasps and fold-winged wasps build nests on the ground, trees, or roof eaves.

• Do not wear perfume, cologne, sandals or bright clothes when outdoors. Don’t go barefoot. Do not spank flying insects. Be careful when eating outside. Close food and drinks.

• If you are stung by a bee, the sting may remain in your skin. Wasps, fold-winged wasps and hornets do not leave stingers behind. Move away from the nest immediately. The sting of a honey bee releases a substance that will attract other bees to you. As soon as you move away from the nest, remove the stinger as quickly as possible. One suggested method is to pick up the sting with a thin, blunt edge. It could be the edge of a credit card or the dull side of a thin table knife. Do not pinch the stinger with your fingers or tweezers. This releases more poison into the skin.

• Ice may be applied after the bite and diphenhydramine or another antihistamine may be taken. If you experience any of the danger symptoms listed below, get help right away.

• If you feel dizzy, faint, or have trouble breathing or swallowing, ask your doctor if you need epinephrine autoinjectors.

Follow-up

If your symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider after 2 days or as directed. You may be referred to an allergist for further evaluation and treatment.

Call 911

Use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one and call 911 immediately in the following cases:

• Problems with swallowing and difficulty or wheezing

• New or worsening swelling in the mouth, throat, face or tongue

• Hoarse voice, tightness in throat or speech problems

• Confusion

• Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up

• Fainting, dizziness or loss of consciousness

• Rapid pulse

• low blood pressure,

• Feeling of approaching death

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea

• Vomiting blood or large amounts of blood in the stool

• Convulsions

When to seek medical help

Call a doctor immediately or seek medical attention in the following cases:

• Spreading itching, redness or swelling

• New or worse swelling of the face, eyelids or lips

• weakness or dizziness,

Also call your doctor immediately if you have signs of infection:

• Increasing pain, redness or swelling

• Temperature 38°C (100. 4°F) or higher, or as directed by a physician

• Discharge of fluid or pus from the area of ​​the bite

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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Insect bites – health articles

11/10/2022

Babies have thin and sensitive skin, so the bite of a wasp or a bee, a hornet or a bumblebee, and even an ordinary mosquito can lead to serious negative consequences. A local reaction in the form of slight itching or swelling at the site of the bite is considered normal and disappears after a maximum of two days.

However, it is not uncommon for babies to develop hard and itchy blisters. The danger lies in the fact that when combing, harmful bacteria can enter the wound, which cause infection or inflammation. And the bite of some insects does lead to severe allergies.

Bee and wasp stings are especially dangerous for children, as poisonous substances that contain histamine penetrate the skin. It is he who can cause severe itching, swelling and soreness not only at the site of contact, but also around, and with an allergenic mood of the body, it can lead to severe reactions that require emergency care in some cases.

In addition to local symptoms, there may be general symptoms such as fever, nausea and/or vomiting, severe headache, or swollen lymph nodes. In this case, after first aid, you should immediately consult a doctor.

There is also a delayed reaction to insect bites, developing 6-12 hours after the bite, and sometimes 1-2 weeks after it. It is manifested by malaise, headache, rash on the body, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.

What to do if you get bitten by insects?

Regardless of which insect has bitten your child, make sure that the baby does not scratch the bite. Do not let your child scratch the itchy area, as this can not only increase the itching, but also contribute to the penetration of the infection (if the integrity of the skin is broken).

Prevent scratching of arms and legs by wearing long-sleeved, long-legged clothing. If the bite is on the foot or ankle, put socks on the child.

Treat the sting with corticosteroid ointment. Corticosteroid creams and topical ointments are designed to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

If a tick has stuck to the skin of a child, it is not advisable to remove it from the wound yourself. It is better to immediately go to the hospital or the nearest emergency room.

Even if the tick bite was of short duration, the risk of contracting tick infections cannot be ruled out. A tick can be a source of a fairly large number of diseases, so after removing a tick, save it for testing for tick-borne infections (tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne borreliosis, if possible, for other infections), this can usually be done in an infectious diseases hospital. The tick should be placed in a small glass bottle along with a piece of cotton wool slightly moistened with water. Be sure to close the bottle with a tight cap and store it in the refrigerator. For microscopic diagnosis, the tick must be delivered to the laboratory alive. Even individual fragments of the tick are suitable for PCR diagnostics.

Prevention

To prevent bites, it is also necessary to use special sprays and ointments that repel insects when leaving the city for nature – repellents. How to use repellents correctly?

There are general rules for using these products:

– The label must have a sign that the drug is hypoallergenic and approved for use in children.
– Allergy sufferers are not recommended to use aerosols, as additional allergic provocations from the bronchopulmonary system are possible. It is better to apply, not even creams, but “sticks”.
– It is not recommended to smear large areas of the skin with these products, it is better to spread them on clothes (it can be treated abundantly), and treat the skin only in open areas.