Aloe Vera, a Natural Remedy for Mosquito Bites

A mosquito bite irritation and pain can be disturbing, and it can make one rub the affected area. One such plant which a lot of people find useful is Aloe Vera; it is used in many applications like the cure of skin take care of germs and irritations, even the dryness. However, the question that remains is whether it is effective in treating mosquito-biting ulcers.

Does Aloe Vera help in mosquito bites?

Aloe Vera is one of those plants which has many applications in topical treatment especially mosquito bites. A number of scarring Aloe Vera skin ingredients work to our advantage. Among its components are salicylic acid, collagen and elastin, and even vitamins A, C, and E along with minerals, amino acids, enzymes etc.

In addition, they are quite rich in two components, Glycoproteins, and Polysaccharides. Glycoproteins are antifungal, anti allergy, anti-inflammatory and hence assist in recovery of the skin. The same goes for polysaccharides which improve skin healing action by stimulating the deposition of collagen or elastin around the area of the incision or scar.

Active compounds in Aloe Vera helpful for our skin

Due to its numerous appealing factors, specifically its reputed effectiveness in repairing and promoting skin, noted that Aloe Vera contains more than 75 useful compounds (Vitamins, anti oxidants, dietary fibers, lipids, enzymes, sugars, minerals, hormones, amino acids, and etc.). The best components of Aloe Vera for our skin have been summarized in the table below:

List of Aloe Vera components and their properties:

Sr. No.:	Compounds	Active Components	Beneficial Properties
1.	Vitamins and Anti oxidants	– Vitamins A, C and E (which are Anti oxidants) – Vitamin B12 – Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) – Choline (Vitamin B Complex)	Anti oxidants helps in neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin B, folic acid, Choline helps with skin damage, ageing, skin dryness, acne, etc.
2.	Enzymes	– alkaline phosphatase – amylase – bradykinase – carboxypeptidase – catalase – cellulase – lipase – peroxidase	Bradykinase is helpful against inflammation. Others are helpful in breakdown of sugars and fats.
3.	Minerals	– calcium – chromium – copper – selenium – magnesium – manganese – potassium – sodium – zinc	Minerals helps in proper functioning of enzyme systems and metabolic processes. Few minerals act as anti-oxidants.
4.	Sugars	– monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) – polysaccharides (glucomannans/polymannose) – glycoproteins	Polysaccharides stimulates recovery of the skin and its elastin and collagen synthesis. The glycoproteins have been shown to possess anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
5.	Laxatives	Anthraquinones (Phenolic compounds)	12 phenolic compounds that are laxative in nature. Out of which Aloin and emodin are analgesics, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
6.	Fatty Acids	– cholesterol – campesterol – β-sisosterol – lupeol	They all have anti-inflammatory action, while Lupeol also has anti-septic and analgesic properties.
7.	Hormones	– Auxins – gibberellins	Wound healing and anti inflammatory properties.
8.	Amino Acids	– alanine – arginine – aspartic acid – glutamic acid – glycine – histidine – hydroxyproline – isoleucine – leucine – lysine – methionine – phenylalanine – proline – threonine – tyrosine – valine	It offers seven out of eight essential amino acids and twenty out of twenty-two required amino acids.
9.	Salicylic Acid		It possesses antiseptic, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Relieves itches and discomfort.
10.	Lignin		The compound does not act directly but assists certain other substances in penetrating the skin.
11.	Saponins		Saponins have beneficial effects in both cleansing the skin and having antiseptic properties.

How Aloe Vera is beneficial in healing mosquito bites?

Aloe Vera helps in following ways for mosquito bites:

1. It reduces inflammation

Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory qualities soothe the redness and the swelling presented around mosquito bites. When applied on the skin, the anti-inflammatory characteristics of Aloe Vera gel help in around mosquito bites’ excessive histamine production.

2. It reduces itching

It provides a cooling effect hence offering immediate relief from itch. The compulsive urge to scratch is minimized and helps in avoidance of scar formation from mosquito bites. It is a useful home remedy that has a rapid effect in treatment of over-heating, excessive scratching and irritation.

3. It soothes and relieves irritation

The redness and the irritation around mosquito bites starts to get better since the anti-inflammation properties have a cooling effect.

4. It heals damage skin

The skin regeneration process is faster with the help of Aloe Vera. It helps in healing any skin damage and scratch marks or peeling-off of skin, or nail marks around mosquito bites and promotes healthy skin growth. It helps to repair the skin tissues with increased production of elastin, which provides better tear strength to the new skin tissues.

5. It prevents infection

Aloe Vera has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and therefore it protects damage skin or wounds to catch any infection. It also relieves from any excessive scratching and irritation which can further damage wounds that may attract infections later.

How to use Aloe Vera for mosquito bites?

Aloe Vera can be effectively used for mosquito bites in various ways as below:

1. Using fresh-cut Aloe Vera leaf

• Cut a fresh leaf of Aloe Vera from the plant.
• Slice it in between to open and extract the Aloe Vera gel from inside the leaf.
• Apply the gel directly on the mosquito bite area, no need to wrap or cover.
• Allow 30 minutes and let it dry naturally.
• Reapply 2 to 3 times in a day for faster healing.

2. Using commercially available Aloe Vera gel

• Buy any organic Aloe Vera gel without any chemical additives or fragrances, available in any store or chemist.
• Clean the skin with water and dry it completely.
• Now, apply the gel on the mosquito bite area.
• Leave it for 30 minutes, and rinse it later if required.
• Repeat, 2 to 3 times for faster recovery.

Other effective methods for healing mosquito bites

Besides Aloe Vera there are many other well known and popular natural home remedies for mosquito bites:

1. Cinnamon and honey

Applying honey directly on mosquito bites would also provide an ease from the itching sensation. Still, cinnamon with honey has antimicrobials, fungi, and inflammation that help treat mosquito bite itch and scarring. And most of these can be found and easily purchased in stores or even at home.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is commonly used externally on the skin when it is mixed with water to create a paste. This product makes the skin’s pH levels lower which helps in fighting the desire to scratch the skin. Moreover, it also reduces inflammation and other things that might cause irritation in the skin surface. For most areas the paste should only be left there for around 10 to 15 minutes and then removed this time with heavy doses of water.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is considered to include acetic acid which causes it to possess some antibacterial properties that can help clean and sterilize the mosquito bite site therefore preventing any infections. It goes on to further reduce the feeling of itchiness and burning sensation as it combats the toxins in the salivary fluid, which are injected into the site of biting.

4. Lemon or lime

The citric acid content in lemon can help in relieving itching. But you need to apply freshly cut lemon on the bite. Don’t apply on cuts and bruises. Lemon is effective only when it is applied just after a mosquito bites, and not when you have already scratched the bite.

4. Toothpaste

You can use toothpaste which contains menthol or mint because it can give you a cooling effect and will ease the urge to scratch the bite. Also, it is a good anti-microbial, antiseptic and disinfectant thus precludes further bacterial infestation. A mosquito bite itself, is quite unbearable and one can use the toothpaste fairly effectively to soothe sore, redness, swelling and itching.

5. Oatmeal paste

Gluten present within the oatmeal, which helps in the relief of skin irritation that comes after a mosquito bite. It contains anti-irritant components that assist in the fight against both itching and swelling.

6. Turmeric with rose water

Turmeric is an anti-septic and helps with effective relief from insects and bug bites. The rose water has cooling properties and when a mixture is prepared using turmeric and rose water and applied on skin, it protects from bacteria and infections. It also promotes skin repair and prevent scarring.

6. Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil is an anti-septic and it also prevent infections from excessive scratching. Dilute it with water or any carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply on bite area.

6. Minced or sliced onions

Onions contain high amounts of quercetin which helps to alleviate inflammation and irritations. The onion may be chopped finely or cut into round discs. Such an onion may be applied on the surface of the itching region and left undisturbed for around 20-30 minutes.

7. Ice packs or cold cucumber slices

Ice pack is very beneficial for quick relief from irritation. They provide instant cooling sensation and relief from swelling and itching. As soon as mosquito bites, you need to immediately wash the area with soap and apply ice pack to prevent severe swelling and any further rise in irritation. You can also place cucumber slices which is equally effective in mosquito bites.

Conclusion

Aloe Vera is an natural and very popular medicinal home remedy for mosquitoes bites. It has got number of beneficial compounds that heals, repairs, and promotes healthier skin growth. Fresh Aloe Vera gel is the most beneficial form and must be applied directly on the skin.

There are many skin benefits that Aloe Vera provides us, and therefore you must have Aloe Vera plant handy in your balcony or backyard. It should be used frequently for many other skin issues like sun damage, tanning, dry skin, ageing with wrinkles, pregnancy stretch marks, etc.

As far as treating severe mosquito bites, you must use anti-itch creams and lotions. And if it is very severe, we advise you to consult a physician.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)