No-see-um bites can be painful and itchy, but there are several ways to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. Here are some of the fastest ways to heal no-see-um bites:
-
Wash the bite site with warm water and mild soap as soon as possible to reduce any irritation from the insect’s saliva and minimize the risk of infection.
-
Apply ice or a cold compress on top of the bite to relieve itching and numb the discomfort. You can repeat this several times a day for the first 2 days after you receive the bite.
-
Use over-the-counter products such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or aloe to relieve itching and reduce any reaction.
-
Apply rubbing alcohol to the bites to disinfect the area and reduce the itching. Be careful not to use too much rubbing alcohol as it can further irritate the skin.
-
Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your skin before going outdoors to prevent being bitten.
-
Try a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water to make a paste and rubbing it onto the bite to lessen any discomfort.
-
Apply underarm deodorant, toothpaste, or vinegar to the bite to help ease the itch of no-see-um bites.
It is important to avoid scratching the bites to reduce the risk of infection. If you have a severe allergy or reaction to no-see-um bites, seek medical attention as soon as possible.