Bug bites can be very painful and irritating to the skin; that is why essential oil for bug bites has become a widely used treatment formula these days. These oils seem to be finding new uses by the day because of their therapeutic effect on the body and the mental state of users. They are derived from plants, and their organic healing and soothing agents effectively reduce skin redness, itching and inflammation.
When a bug strikes, it deposits toxins into the site, which can be very itchy. The more you scratch the area, the worse the feeling, and the skin may break and metamorphose into a sore. But with essential oils, you don’t have to scratch all day. Rather, the oil will reduce the itching and help the site heal very quickly.
Here are some important things to note about essential oils
- If you have allergies of any kind, essential oils are not for you
- People who have asthma should stay away from essential oils because they may trigger an attack
- Using undiluted essential oils is risky, which is why it is recommended that you mix them with a carrier oil
- Essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin itchiness caused by bug bites
- Essential oils have antimicrobial agents that may limit the risk of infection outbreak
The best essential oils for bug bites
The good thing about essential oils is that they are of different types, so this broadens your options. If a particular oil is not suitable for you, you can always choose a different one. All this is to let you know that you may not identify one that is best for you on the first try. But if you try them all, finding the right one will only be a matter of time.
With that being said, here are some of the best essential oils you can mix with any carrier oil of your choice to apply to a bug bite spot.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is why it has a mild peppery and soothing effect on the skin. For those with stinging, itching or burning sensations, this oil can be an effective cure. Fire ants and wasps are common examples of poisonous insects whose bites can irritate the skin for a long time.
But if you apply peppermint oil, the menthol will suit the spot by diluting the impact on your skin. Secondly, it is a known fact that it has antimicrobial properties that prevent infection spread, but it is not ideal for broken skin and application over sore sites.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is another perfect example of essential oil. This oil is one of the mildest oils we have in use today. Many believe it works as an antihistamine agent to reduce allergies and itching. Tea Tree Oil reduces skin inflammation and itchiness and is also an antimicrobial.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another excellent oil if you are suffering from the after-effects of a bug bite. It soothes the skin and reduces the pain and burning sensation caused by insect bites.
Lemon Grass oil
Lemon Grass has been in use for God knows how long now. This age-old remedy has many uses, one of which reduces itchiness. The compound in the oil reduces skin swelling
Camphor oil
Camphor oil may probably be the least popular oil of the lot, but it is just as effective. It has a pleasant aroma and also a calming sensation. Once applied to a bite spot, it will help it, but camphor has its risks as well. Applying it on bites, they have a burning rather than an itchy sensation is ill-advised.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is one of the most therapeutic oils in use today. The healing properties of chamomile make it a useful resource against bug bites. It prevents allergies and has anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it is effective against itching and burning stings and bites.
Witch hazel
Have you used witch hazel before? If you haven’t, you should try it out. This oil is derived from the Hamamelis Virginiana plant. This organic compound in this plant fights off bacteria and helps sores heal faster if used to clean the skin openings. Many don’t consider it an essential oil because it is in water form, but the good part is that you don’t need to mix it with a carrier oil before you use it.
How do I use essential oils?
If you have never used essential oils, this is a very good question to ask. There are different ways to use essential oils for different purposes. We review the different types of application methods below.
Direct Application
This is the most common method if you want to use it on your skin. You only need to drop an ounce or two on the skin or site of interest and rub until it is absorbed. This is the required method for dealing with big bites.
Spraying
Spraying is another option, but you will have to dilute it with water and carrier oil before you use it. Failure to do so will lead to negative reactions like eye and skin irritation. Spraying undiluted essential oils on a bite spot will trigger a reaction. So make sure you mix it up by adding an ounce of water and 3 drops of carrier oil to 2-3 drops of the essential oil. Then you shake vigorously for the content to mix well before you apply.
Ointment
Many skin care products contain essential oils. If you don’t want to buy OTC products, you can make yours. Mixing essential oil with coconut or jojoba oil is a wise choice. If you don’t have any of these carrier oils, you can mix them with cream before applying.
Bathing
If you notice that the itching has spread to different parts of your body and is causing you discomfort, you can add a few drops of carrier and essential oils into your bathwater.
When urgent medical attention is needed
Although essential oils for bug bites work quite well, they are not recommended when the effects of such bites become serious. In worst cases, essential oils may have little or no effect or even worsen the situation.
If you recently suffered a bug bite, but the oils you are applying on the site don’t seem to be working, you will need to see a doctor. This is because there is a difference between a remedy and a cure. Essential oils are remedies not cure and for terrible bites that have led to bacteria growth or even a sore, what you need is a cure.
Furthermore, some essential oils are very sensitive and may cause the user even more discomfort. So when should you see a doctor?
Allergic attacks
If you start experiencing allergies after the bite or after you use the oil, you should see a doctor immediately. Allergies linked to the use of essential oils may cause difficulty breathing, skin hives or an asthma attack in those with asthma conditions.
Bitten by a venomous insect
Applying essential oils on the skin may make it worse if you were bitten by a venomous insect like a scorpion or certain spider species like a tarantula. For this, you will need to see a doctor.
Oils you should never use for bug bites
Many people assume that all oils are essential oils or that all essential oils are good for bug bites, but this is far from the truth. There are many essential oils you should avoid for treating bug bites or healing broken skin. They are
- Bay Laurel
- Cassia
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Benzoin
- Fennel
- Clove
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Fir needle
- Sage
- Tagetes
- Thyme
- Spruce
Also important to note is that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should seek a doctor’s advice before using essential oils.
Secondary treatment solutions
If you notice that your skin is highly sensitive, so using essential oils is not an option for you, or you don’t have access to any, there are other treatment options you can go for. We recommend
- Applying calamine lotion
- Adding oatmeal to your bath water
- An anti-itch hydrocortisone cream
- An over the counter antihistamine cream
If none of these solutions work, you may need to see a doctor.
Common mistakes to take note of
Here are common mistakes to take note of should you decide to use an essential oil
Some oils are sun-sensitive
There are certain oils like lemon Grass oils that are sun-sensitive and should be avoided. If you apply them to the skin and that spot is exposed to the sun, it could cause blisters, burns, or even skin redness. Before you use any oil, ensure it is not sun-sensitive.
Diffuse in ventilated spaces
If you must diffuse the essential oil, make sure the room is well ventilated; otherwise, the air in the room may be compromised, and this may lead to breathing difficulty.
Always store your oils properly
If you fail to store your oils properly, the quality may be compromised. The best way to store them is inside a dark-colored bottle made of glass, not light-colored plastic bottles or bottles made with any other material.
Conclusion
Essential oils for bug bites are very effective remedies for addressing itchiness, skin inflammation, and certain allergies, but they should be used in moderation. If you are allergic to certain odors or minerals, you should avoid using essential oils at all. For more serious bite effects, consulting a doctor is advised.
