Itchy bites

An itchy bite? Your very first instinct should be cold: a cool cloth placed on it, right away, and already it feels more soothing. Next, clean it with soap and water, try your best not to scratch, and dab on a little lavender. These are my simple steps to help you forget about that bump quickly.

Why does it itch so much

When a mosquito bites you, it leaves a little of its saliva under your skin, and that is what causes that little red bump and that urge to scratch. Most of the time, it is nothing serious: your body is reacting, doing its job, and it goes away on its own in a day or two. The real problem is us: we scratch, it feels good for two seconds, and then it starts up even worse. The bump gets irritated, lingers, and sometimes the skin gets damaged. So the first secret is to leave it alone.

Granny's simple steps

Nothing complicated, just a bit of order and a little patience.

• Cold, right away. A cool cloth, an ice cube wrapped in a cloth (never directly on the skin) left on for a few minutes. This helps soothe the itch and ease the swelling.
• Clean it. Gently wash the bite with soap and water.
• A touch of lavender. Gently dab a little lavender onto the bump, over a small area, never near the eyes. Its fresh scent helps make it feel less itchy.
• A cool compress. A well-cooled chamomile infusion, a soaked cotton pad left on for five minutes, and the skin is gently comforted.
• Keep your hands busy. Especially with children: keep nails short, apply a little cold, and distract them so they do not scratch.

The plants Granny uses

Three plants from my garden are all I need for summer bites.

Lavender, first of all, for its fresh scent that soothes the bump and relaxes you at the same time. Chamomile, as a cold compress, to comfort sensitive skin, especially for children. And peppermint, whose natural freshness gives that lovely cooling sensation that makes you forget the itch. Together, these three make a wonderful little summer kit.

A recipe to try

My cool compress is as simple as can be. Pour 25 cl of simmering water over a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers, let it infuse for ten minutes, then let it cool down completely (putting it in the fridge is even better). Soak a cotton pad and place it on the bite for five minutes. Repeat during the day whenever it starts to itch again.

When to consult your doctor

A bite is usually harmless. But there are times when you must not wait. If after a bite you notice swelling of the face, lips, or throat, if you have trouble breathing, if you feel unwell or dizzy, do not wait a single second: call emergency services right away. These are signs of an allergic reaction, and at that point, it is no longer a matter for my herbal teas.

You should also show a doctor any bump that grows very large, or a warm redness that spreads, accompanied by a fever. And if you have removed a tick, keep a close eye on it in the following days: a redness that expands in a circle around the bite deserves a professional opinion. Common sense first, always.

Granny answers your questions

Why shouldn't I scratch?

Because scratching relieves it for just a moment, but it irritates the skin, makes the bump last longer, and sometimes damages it. Cool it down instead, and keep your hands busy elsewhere. For a child, short nails and a little cold are what help best.

Cold or hot?

Cold, almost always. A cool cloth, an ice cube in a cloth: it helps soothe the itch and eases the swelling a bit.

How long does it take to go away?

Often a day or two if you do not scratch it. If the bump grows very large and becomes hot, it is no longer a simple bite: go show it to a doctor.

Read also

• My three summer plants: lavender, chamomile, and peppermint.
• To travel well-equipped: my holiday plant kit.