The RVing season is in full swing. The summer sun is peeking out and the sky is clear. This is the time of the year when nobody likes to stay indoors. However, the more time you spend outdoors (especially if you’re camping in the woods), the more likely you are to get itchy bug bites and poison ivy bumps. Here are five alternative methods to treat those itchy bumps.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an easily available item even if you are RVing. If you have been bitten by an insect, take some toothpaste on your forefinger and apply it to the area. You will have to spread it evenly on the bite and the surrounding area. It is effective for most common insect bites.
Mud
If you apply a mud pack on the itchy area, it can almost instantly kill the itchiness and also reduce irritation. Let it stay for some time and afterward clean the area properly with cold water. Make sure the mud is hygienic. When you are camping amidst nature, getting mud isn’t that tough!
Cinnamon
Do you have some cinnamon with you? Cinnamon has antiseptic properties. Crush a stick of cinnamon and apply the powder to the area of bite. It may take some time to take effect but once it does, the itching, redness and irritation will all subside.
Honey
Honey is a very good natural remedy to give you relief from itchiness and irritation of a bug bite. It can also smooth and moisten your skin. For the full effect, keep the honey on the afflicted area for a little while before washing it off.
Icepack
Sometimes the bites of some insects can be really uncomfortable and the entire area around the bite starts to swell up. If you want instant relief from the pain and irritation and also want to check the inflammation, take some ice out of your freezer and hold it directly on the affected area. It’s better if you can crush it and then apply as the cooling properties take effect faster then. You can otherwise hold an icepack on the area. If a stinger has been lodged into the skin, try to remove it with tweezers (if you don’t have any tweezers try to scratch it out with a credit card edge or a blunt knife or your finger nail) and once it’s out, wash the area with cold water and immediately apply ice. The cold will help prevent inflammation and reduce irritation.
Most of these items are commonly available and can treat common insect bites and bumps. Keep an eye on the severity of the bite. For serious bites, it’s always best to visit a nearby medical professional for treatment.
Happy Itch-free Camping!
