We all look forward to summer approaching. However, with warmer weather comes a higher chance of getting bitten by insects. Insect bites are a staple part of warm weather and while they usually are considered harmless, they can cause complications.

While creams and ointments can help, using natural ingredients for insect bites offer a gentle, soothing alternative to overcome the itch.

How Do Insect Bites Affect the Skin?

There are many different breeds of insects, so the severity of insect bites can vary depending on your location, skin type and genetic predisposition. Generally speaking, insect bites will present as a red bump or itchy lesion at the site where the bite occurred. Common symptoms of insect bites include:

• Skin irritation
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• A bump at the location of bite mark
• Redness
• Itching
• Keloid scarring

The appearance of insect bites may differ as we get older, with children more likely experiencing larger mosquito bite reactions and will tend to reduce in size into adulthood. Insect bites can linger over two to three days before disappearing completely.

The severity of insect bites can differ depending on where you live, the species of insect, have sensitive skin or are anaphylactic. Furthermore, if the skin is broken, it can be easy for bacteria to enter the wound, causing further complications.

Those with allergies (especially in children) or more serious bites, may experience side effects, such as:

• Infection
• Allergic reactions
• Burning sensation

If you are worried you are suffering from an allergic reaction to an insect, it is recommended to visit your GP or healthcare professional for immediate treatment.

The Benefits of Natural Ingredients for Treating Insect Bites

While using ointments and creams can help provide relief from irritation brought on from pesky insect bites, some cosmetic products are known to use chemical ingredients that can penetrate your skin into your bloodstream. Not only can this cause further skin problems, but they also only offer temporary relief for your skin.

With natural ingredients, you can enjoy a soothing, gentler alternative for your skin and help treat insect bites. Natural ingredients can also help target common symptoms of insect bites such as scars and redness, leaving your skin feeling healthier and happier for longer.

4 Natural Ingredients to Treat Insect Bites

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great for soothing inflamed skin and works to calm swelling and redness associated with insect bites. It also has powerful antibacterial properties to help protect the skin and fight against bacteria that may enter through broken skin. Coconut oil also promotes healing through cell regeneration without drying the skin out. This makes it perfect for relieving irritated skin while building up moisture.

Sea Buckthorn

Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, amino and folic acids and Vitamins B1, B2, K, A and E, sea buckthorn is an effective ingredient for treating insect bites. Sea buckthorn soothes itchy skin, protects skin from environmental damage and helps with the appearance of scars as a result of insect bites. It can also work to reduce redness and swelling for those looking to calm the irritation of insect bites.

Camellia Tea Oil

Camellia tea oil is filled with fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It not only works to improve skin elasticity to help reduce the appearance of scars but also works to soothe irritated and broken skin. It is also known to act as a powerful protectant against radical damage, allowing your skin to naturally heal.

Discover Black Chicken Remedies’ Natural Body Balms

With 100% natural, toxin-free ingredients, Black Chicken Remedies offers Australian made natural body balms designed to revitalise and renew your skin. Formulated for all skin types, our multi-purpose body balm provides a natural remedy for treating insect bites, perfect for gently soothing and healing your skin.