Although the best defense is to plan ahead and prevent the summer itchies,
everyone stumbles into situations where bites do happen.
If you’ve been bitten by insects (mosquitoes) or mites (fleas and chiggers),
the first line of action is to shower and make sure the small, irritated spots
are clean. Take extra care with fingernails, since most people do scratch.
While bites may be pretty minor, they can become more serious when infected.
Unless the itching is severe, avoid oral antihistamines. These do help cut
down on itching, but they also block the body from taking care of the problem
naturally. Natural histamines target the problem and are involved in the
healing process.
Apply topical creams combining anti-itch medications and anti-bacterials or
dab on some of both types of creams. Calamine lotion is an old favorite, but it
does leave pink blotches on the skin. Benadryl is a good bet and blends better.
For a natural approach, combine baking soda with water and dab. Meat tenderizer
(from the kitchen cabinet) can also help reduce itching.
If the spots are scratched open, treat as with any other type of minor
injury. Wash carefully, apply a cream like Neosporin. Add a band-aid to prevent
further irritation and injury.
If you have red blotches that do not look like typical flea, mosquito, or
chigger bites, then see your family physician. Spider bites or tick bites
(which can leave a bulls eye type mark after the tick has disengaged) can be
much more serious. You should also see your doctor if flea, mosquito, or
chigger bites are infected. Infections can leave scars or cause more serious
health problems.