Posted on 08/15/2014 7:31:00 PM PDT by goodwithagun
We left the beach early Tuesday morning, but my no see um bites are still very present and still very itchy. I accidentally sliced a couple of them off of my legs while shaving. I'm requesting from the best folks I know: How do I stop the itch?
“I accidentally sliced a couple of them off of my legs while shaving.”
Wow! I do hope that you are female! ;-)
No it’s not the same but then again nothing is the same.
There have been threads asking for help and advice like this since I first started visiting sometime in 1998. Some have become classics.
Witch hazel.
Just tried it - no itching for the first time all day. Thanks!
Don’t try to stop the itching, try to stop caring that it itches. Really strong narcotic analgesics would work, the kind they give you when you break a leg. But oh, you are not an adult, so the nanny state won’t let you have any.
Scratch away.
You must’ve missed mine (#40)
Remove all your clothes, smear bacon grease and Benadryl on all bitten areas and run around your house 3 times nakid.
Won’t do a think for the bites but will amuse your neighbors.
Ding, ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. Works for chiggers, sqeeters, anything that make ya itch.
“but my no see um bites are still very present...”
uP here in them mountains we done defang them thar no-see-ums when they is born.
Kerosene and a lighter?
small tube of ichthamol ointment - a dab will draw out splinters, poison from insect bites or stings, has antiseptic properties and helps reduce swelling
It is a black, tarry looking salve which will stain clothes, so always use a band aid or bandage to cover area.
My grandmother always kept a small tube of ichthamol ointment, which she called “black salve” (not the same stuff as an officially named “Black Salve” product that was produced much later). It always worked for me on splinters, bee stings, wasp & hornet stings, ant bites, etc.
I relied on it so much, that when I became a Scout, I always kept a tube of it in my 1st aid kit.
CVS and Walgreens used to have it, but I don’t know if they still do. I’m pretty sure it can be ordered if not on the shelf of your pharmacy. It’s been around a long time and is cheap compared to more modern stuff.
Here’s a link to buy online:
https://www.baar.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=356
Good Luck.
RT
I tried a couple times in the past to grow Aloe, always it turned into a slimy mush and died.
This year I got a plant that had been recently transplanted. Cost me like 5 bucks.
The tv shows I had seen said “let it dry out... to the bone!” so I did.
It’s doing GREAT! Has shoots coming up too!
sueQ
Since Jan 25, 2010
Umm.. thanks for your historical input...
noob.. In case you haven't figured it out in four years, FR is an excellent source of information, not only on irksome issues of national import, sometimes contentious theological discussions, excellent recipes, computer information and help, unusual nuttiness, but also bug bites. I suggest you not think more highly of yourself than you ought...
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) IS an antihistamine. Watch out combining 'em...
I use Benadryl gel (topical) on the bites of the assorted liberals, er, bloodsuckers that fly, hop, and crawl in my corner of the realm... (Deet does not deter 100% of them... ;-)
make a paste of baking soda. apply to cover bites. leave it to dry.
as far as chiggerx just paint bite with nail polish- preferably clear but any will do.
A facebook friend of mine really suffered with these bites last summer, I remember her posting about it. I’m sorry to say I’m not sure she found anything that really helped besides time.
LOL, good answer!
I have to agree with ammonia or a bite stick such as BiteMD.
I read all of the answers and I have one more for you for the future.
If you ever have a bug bite use a dry deodorant( not the gel) like Degree or Suave. Rub it on, and in about 1 minute the itch is gone.
I didn’t believe it at first, but it sure works great. It’s all we use now.
Ok everybody, thanks for the great advice! I rubbed real AC vinegar on the affected areas and that stung like a Hillary Clinton, but it took a lot of the itch away. The bites are much smaller this morning. Tonight I’m going to try Vick’s salve. The bites are mainly on my feet and ankles, so I’ll smear some on and put on a pair of my husband’s hunting socks. We have a local naturopathic and homeopathic doctor (whom we’ve lovingly dubbed our witch doctor) that recommends Vick’s for everything from toe fungus to dandruff. I’ll chime in tomorrow morning with the results. Happy Saturday!
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