During the summer, you likely spend more time outdoors. Perhaps you spend a day at the beach, lake, or pool, or maybe you go on a long hike. By spending so much time outside, you increase your exposure to sunlight, insects, and other things that can cause itchy or painful rashes. Sometimes, the cause of the rash may be a mystery, but this article intends to explain the unexpected causes of summer rashes. 

You can easily prevent sunburn by taking the proper precautions. How do you prevent rashes, though? From swimmer’s itch and hot tub rash to polymorphous light eruption, we give you the low-down on common yet surprising causes of rashes during summer. 

Swimmer’s Itch

Swimmer’s itch differs from seabather’s eruption (covered later) because it occurs in areas not covered by swimwear. Microscopic parasites from infected snails that live in the shallow waters of lakes, streams, or the ocean can burrow in the skin. That causes an allergic reaction that looks like tiny red bumps or large welts. The parasites ultimately die in the skin because we are dead-end hosts, but the problem is that these bumps cause intense itching. Relieve the itch by taking an Epsom salt bath or a bath with ground oatmeal. You can also apply baking soda paste to the affected area to soothe the skin.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, or miliaria or prickly heat, occurs when sweat blocks the pores in your skin and starts to build up under the skin. This is a common problem in babies, but it can occur at any age, especially in hot and humid weather. Heat rash usually stings and itches, and you can identify it by small red bumps or clear blisters that break easily. You will see a rash in areas where you sweat more, for example, the armpits, elbows, and groin. Heat rash typically clears on its own, but you can ease itchiness by wearing loose-fitting clothing and cooling off the skin.

Margarita Dermatitis 

Unfortunately, drinking this classic alcoholic beverage that is either frozen or on the rocks will not cause a skin condition. That said, a dribble of citrus juice on the skin, which has been exposed to the sun, can lead to a nasty burn. This burn is known as margarita dermatitis, or phytophotodermatitis. This happens when a photosensitizing compound (furocoumarin) in limes and other citrus fruits, parsley, dill, and celery becomes activated by UVA light. That reaction causes a burning rash that develops within hours. 

It’s possible to develop blisters or red, itchy patches on the skin. Symptoms will be at their worst within two to three days. While the blisters heal, the skin may become darker, which can take months to go away. Just be careful when you handle citrus immediately after being in the sun. 

Polymorphous Light Eruption

If you have a sensitivity to sunlight and expose your skin to UV rays in late spring and early summer, you may break out in itchy, hive-like bumps. This phenomenon is known as polymorphous light eruption (PLE). According to research, PLE affects 10% of the general population. Those affected most likely live in northern versus southern climates. Researchers note that PLE occurs about 75% of the time in females between ages 20 and 40. People with fairer skin are also more susceptible. 

PLE is a hypersensitive reaction to the sun that will typically go away within 10 days. It usually only occurs once each season, when the weather warms up and the skin gets exposed to UV light. It tends to get better over the course of summer, but be careful on beach days or sunny vacations. If you want to relieve the itch, ask your healthcare professional about an anti-itch or antihistamine cream. Severe cases may call for a topical corticosteroid. 

Seabather’s Eruption

If you notice a rash under your swimsuit after a dip in the ocean, you may have seabather’s eruption, or pica-pica (Spanish for “itchy itchy”) or sea lice. This usually occurs when tiny thimble jellyfish and sea anemones get trapped under your swimsuit. They release stinging cells that inject a toxin, which causes an allergic reaction in the skin. You may notice a prickly sensation while swimming, but you’ll notice a reaction within four to 24 hours. It will look like a patch of insect bites or hives under your swimsuit. Make sure to remove your swimsuit and shower immediately after a swim in the ocean. Rinse your suit thoroughly in hot water to remove any remaining organisms, and consider an antihistamine if you notice something. 

Hot Tub Rash

About one to two days after you soak in water contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in the ground and water, you can develop a skin rash: hot tub folliculitis. This skin rash gets its name because it is more common in hot tubs. The reason for that is because hot water breaks down the chlorine that kills bacteria. The rash can also occur after swimming in a contaminated lake or pool. A hot tub rash is characterized by tiny millimeter-sized red bumps that are worse in areas that were covered by the swimsuit. You may notice itchy or tender pimples around hair follicles. The rash usually gets better on its own, but a doctor visit may be necessary if it doesn’t go away within a few days.

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Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been commonly used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and insect bites.

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People aren’t the only ones who love to spend time outdoors when the temperatures rise. Mosquitos, flies, and ticks buzz around and bite as many people as they can. Mosquito bites tend to be small, itchy, and annoying, while bites from ticks can be more serious and increase the risk of Lyme disease. There are some people who get bit by mosquitos and experience large, swollen bumps that take a couple days to disappear. 

The most common way to repel mosquitos is by spraying yourself with DEET, according to a 2018 survey. The reason for this is because DEET spray has the longest lasting effect against these buzzing pests. There are more concerns about the side effects of using DEET, including redness, swelling, skin irritation, and rash. DEET does pose several dangers to the body, even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that you don’t need to worry. 

If you don’t want to coat yourself in harmful chemicals, there are several ways to thwart mosquitos during the summer. One survey found that 36% of people prefer to use natural repellents and tactics to prevent mosquito bites instead of using DEET spray. Learn about effective mosquito-repelling tips below. 

Catnip Oil

People know about catnip for the effect it has on cats, but they don’t know that it is a unique culinary herb and mosquito repellant. Catnip oil is acquired from catnip via steam distillation, but applying it on the skin will not attract cats to you. The process of extracting the oil gets rid of the effect it has on cats. According to the EPA, catnip oil may effectively repel mosquitos for up to seven hours. 

Change Your Light Bulbs

Mosquitos are attracted to light, but not all kinds of it. They tend to buzz towards standard light bulbs. To prevent mosquitos from swarming your house, install some LEDs, sodium lamps, or yellow bug lights. These lights may reduce the number of mosquitos that buzz near entrances to your home. 

Remove Standing Water

If you want to limit the amount of mosquitos in or around your home, make sure that you eliminate all standing water. Getting rid of standing water makes it so mosquitos and other insects cannot breed easily. Clear out gutters to avoid clogs, remove tarps or debris that collect water, and change the water in your birdbath frequently. Additionally, don’t let a kiddie pool sit out overnight without emptying the water the night before. 

Lemon Eucalyptus

A 2014 study found that lemon eucalyptus essential oil offered 100% protection against mosquitos for up to 12 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified lemon eucalyptus essential oil as an EPA-registered repellent. Because of this, it is an active ingredient in many mosquito repellents. 

Buy Some Plants

There are several plants that deter insects like ticks, mosquitos, and flies. Citronella, for example, produces natural oils that help keep mosquitos at bay. Other flowers, including petunias, rosemary, geraniums, floss flowers, sage, marigolds, and chrysanthemums work to effectively repel mosquitos and other insects. You can learn more about that by clicking here. 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil exhibits an array of health benefits. Some people use it to clear up congestion, while others use it to help promote wound healing. Several studies revealed that peppermint oil is a natural insecticide and mosquito repellent. You can mix this peppermint essential oil with other scents, including lemon essential oil, and a carrier oil. Apply the mixture to the skin before you go outside to repel mosquitos. A quick tip about essential oils is to do a small patch test on your arm to see whether you have a reaction to the oil or not.

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Everyone is familiar with the irritating, itchy sensation of a bug bite. The itchiness starts almost immediately after the insect bites. Slapping the bite, scratching around the bite, or applying cold compresses can only provide so much relief. Is there a natural relief ointment or cream that proves effective for relieving itchiness? The anti-itch bug bite sticks in this article may be exactly what you need. 

Even though summer is almost over, bug bite season is not. Insects tend to stick around until the beginning of fall, getting in every last bite possible. All of the fly strips, bug zappers, swatters, citronella sticks, and more cannot seem to win the war against insects. They always find a way past your defenses and get you when you least expect it.

Why You Shouldn’t Scratch A Bug Bite

The last thing you want to do is scratch the bite to the point of bleeding. Scratching a bug bite, especially a mosquito bite, makes the itching worse. Bug bites itch because of inflammation and scratching something that is already inflamed only increases the inflammation. That’s why bug bites itch more after you itch them. If you break the skin as a result of scratching, it can increase the risk of infection, itchiness, and it can make the healing process take longer.

Calendula Flower

Some people refer to calendula as the Swiss Army knife of the forest. It has many healing properties and can help relieve diaper rash, itchy eyes, wounds, dandruff, sunburn, and bug bites. It exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which accelerate the healing process while simultaneously reducing itchiness. 

Beeswax

Beeswax has powerful properties that help to heal and protect the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties help accelerate wound healing and create a protective barrier on the skin. This helps to protect the skin from the environment and can relieve itching in the process. Additionally, beeswax exhibits antibacterial properties, which help to keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of more inflammation or contamination. 

Lavender

If you’ve seen a lavender bush, you know that many bugs are attracted to it. More often than not, bees collect pollen from the flowers and bring it back to their hives. Well, as it turns out, lavender is a popular remedy for treating bug bites. The soothing properties are similar to that of chamomile and help to relieve pain or itchiness. Several studies found that it proves most effective for spider bites, fire ant bites, and bee stings. That being said, the notable anti-inflammatory properties work to relieve bug bites from all insects. 

DIY Anti-Itch Bug Bite Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 1/8 cup calendula flowers
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon beeswax

Instructions:

• Pour the oil in a glass canning jar and add the calendula and lavender flowers. Stir a few times to ensure that there are no air bubbles. 
• Screw the top on the jar and place it in a windowsill for about three weeks for a slow infusion. 
• If you want a quicker infusion process, set a heat-safe glass jar with the oil and flowers in a saucepan containing a few inches of water over low heat. 
• Keep an eye on the oil for about two hours and then strain the oil, discarding the flowers. 
• Add the beeswax to a heat-safe glass jar along with 3 tablespoons of the infused oil that you reserved. Place it in a saucepan with a few inches of water in it over low heat. 
• Allow the beeswax to melt and stir well to combine. 
• Remove from the heat carefully and pour into lip balm tubes or tins. Allow the mixture to harden completely before putting on the tops. 
• To use the bug bite sticks, dab the bug bite with them as needed to relieve itchiness. 

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The weather is warmer, which means it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, spending more time outside means exposing the body to pesky mosquitos. Some say that warm weather wouldn’t be what it is without a few mosquito bites! As true or false as that may be, it’s safe to say that mosquito bites are irritating, itchy, and can cause large swelling in certain people.

Unlike bees or wasps that inject venom during a sting, mosquitos inject a proboscis. This looks like a straw that sucks up small amounts of blood. It also releases anti-clotting agents and the immune system releases histamine as a response. That’s why small, itchy bumps develop at the site of the bite. When you get a mosquito bite, the last thing you want to do is constantly itch it. That only worsens the bite and the itching sensation. Instead, use the following home remedies to stop bites from itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great healing agent that may reduce the itchiness associated with mosquito bites. Because baking soda is a natural base, it helps to counteract the acidity of the reaction between the body and mosquito saliva. Neutralizing the reaction can reduce irritation and stop it from itching. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in some water to create a paste and apply it on the bite. 

Raw Honey

Raw honey exhibits natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a popular home remedy. It has been known to accelerate the recovery of small cuts, sore throats, and bruises. Drop a little honey on a mosquito bite to reduce the inflammation. Covering it with honey can also deter the desire to scratch.

Basil

Because of its strong smell, basil works to naturally repel mosquitos. It may not work as a repellent if you’re outside, but it can help ward off mosquitos when placed near windows and doors. The anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce the swelling around bites and stop the itching.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Similar to raw honey, apple cider vinegar is a favorite ingredient among home remedy enthusiasts. If you have an itchy mosquito bite, dab it with a drop of apple cider vinegar. Not only does it act as a natural disinfectant, but it also works to get rid of any itchy or burning sensations. If you need more relief, soak a washcloth in a solution of apple cider vinegar and cold water. Apply that to the bite for a few minutes. 

Cold Compress

Exposing your bite to cold temperature creates a numbing sensation around the area. This works to calm the itching and reduce inflammation from the bite. Try your best to apply an ice pack to the bite as soon as possible after the initial bite. This will combat inflammation as it happens. 

Oatmeal

Take this classic breakfast staple and use it to stop the itching from mosquito bites. Oatmeal works to relieve swelling because it contains anti-irritant compounds. You can make an oatmeal paste by mixing equal parts water and oatmeal in a bowl. Once it forms a paste, spoon some onto a washcloth and hold it on the bite for 10 minutes. Wipe the area clean and you should feel relief. You can also take an oatmeal bath for 20 minutes if you have many mosquito bites and need relief. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for wound healing. It has been known to fight bacteria, which reduces the risk of infection. In fact, tea tree oil is in several over-the-counter anti-itch treatments. Tea tree oil is a natural antihistamine that can help calm the swelling associated with mosquito bites. Additionally, it may also reduce the associated itching. Because it is quite strong, do not apply tea tree oil directly to the skin. Dilute it in a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. 

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Some people get excited about the warmer summer months, while others dread the inevitable presence of mosquitos. If you live in a humid area, you can bank on mosquitos arriving if they haven’t already. Those pesky mosquitos attack some more than others, but nobody should suffer from the red, swollen bites. That’s why we found an all-natural balm that provides relief from itchy bug bites.

The ingredients in this balm help to take that irritating itch away from bug bites, while simultaneously accelerating recovery time. The last thing you want in the summer is the persistent itch from a mosquito bite. You may wash the area, apply aloe vera, or use a concoction of lotions and creams to soothe the itch, but seldom do these efforts provide long-term relief. You don’t deserve that; rather, you deserve to be soothed by the following natural ingredients.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most famous essential oils because it has a wide range of health benefits. The antiseptic, anti-itching, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to reducing your risk of bacterial infection. Whether you get bit by mosquitos, bees, fleas, bed bugs, spiders, fire ants, or ticks, tea tree oil is your go-to bug bite relief essential oil. Keep in mind that you should mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it on the skin.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy to help promote a calmer mind and healthier sleep. One of the more unknown abilities of lavender is that it can help relieve the pain and itchiness of bug bites. Unlike most essential oils, lavender essential oil can be applied directly to bug bites. One 2012 study found that lavender essential oil had anti-inflammatory effects at a cellular level. This helps accelerate the healing of spider bites, bee stings, and mosquito bites.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Note that you should not apply peppermint essential oil directly to the skin. Please use a carrier oil with this essential oil. According to a 2013 review, peppermint essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the pain and itchiness of intense bug bites, like the ones from fire ants. Another benefit is that peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect on the skin. Finally, the scent of the oil helps repel insects, which can help you avoid future bug bites.

DIY Bug Bite Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons beeswax, grated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons Shea butter
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• 7 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 3 empty lip balm tubes, or 2 (1 oz.) tins with lids

Instructions:

• Put a 16-ounce mason jar in a medium saucepan and pour about two inches of water into the pot. Turn the flame on to medium heat and allow the water to come to a subtle boil.
• When the water begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the beeswax, coconut oil, and Shea butter to the mason jar. Once these items have liquefied, give the mixture a stir and remove from heat.
• Remove the jar form the water with a potholder or oven mitts and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
• Add the essential oils to the jar and stir to combine.
• Carefully pour the mixture into the lip balm tubes or tins and let it solidify for about an hour and a half. Place caps on and store in a cool, dry place.
• Apply the balm to bug bites to relieve itchiness.

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The arrival of summer means warm weather, potential beach days, hiking, and the arrival of mosquitos. Whether engaging in outdoor cookouts, lounging by a lake, or watching your kids play in the backyard, you need a powerful bug spray to repel mosquitos. It can be difficult to find a natural bug spray that is safe for your skin, but you can easily make your own bug sprays.

What’s Wrong With Commercial Bug Sprays?

You want to avoid bug bites, but you don’t want to douse your body with horrible chemicals like N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). This is the primary chemical in most commercial insect repellents, but it is not very safe for the body. According to Dr. Abou Donia, a pharmacologist at Duke University, DEET is a controversial chemical. She conducted a rat study and gave them regular human doses of DEET. The neurons in the rats’ brains began to die, which caused loss of concentration, muscle control, learning, and memory.

A different study concluded that children have a higher risk of brain damage after being exposed to DEET. Lastly, it’s interesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems that DEET doesn’t present any health concerns to adults or children. Take a gander at DEET’s side effects and then see if you believe that statement.

Do Natural Alternatives Work?

It can be tempting to just use what you are used to, i.e. commercial bug sprays that are readily available in stores. Essential oils make for excellent bug repellents, though, and they pose no threat to your health, unless you are allergic to them of course. DEET can harm the central nervous system, and it may even be an endocrine disruptor, while essential oils are chemical-free and can often improve skin health. The other thing to keep in mind about natural bug spray is that you have to reapply it way more than chemical bug sprays for it to be effective.

Now, keep in mind that all essential oils will not repel mosquitos. There are certain scents that are quite off-putting to mosquitos. When they are annoyed, they tend to avoid you and the smell. The best essential oils that repel mosquitos include:

• Citronella essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Neem essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Basil essential oil
• Bergamot essential oil
• Lemon balm essential oil
• Marigold essential oil

Everyone has different scent preferences, so find the scents that you enjoy and go that route. Lastly, do a small patch test on your arm and wait 24 hours to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction to the oils.

DIY Bug Spray #1

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup witch hazel
• ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 4 ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a measuring cup with a spout. Give the ingredients a quick stir and then pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
• Screw on the top of the bottle, give it a quick shake, and it is ready to use. You can use different essential oils with this recipe as well.

DIY Bug Spray #2

Ingredients:

• 30 drops geranium essential oil
• 30 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 tablespoon isopropyl alcohol
• ½ cup witch hazel
• ½ cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils and the isopropyl alcohol to a glass spray bottle and shake well to combine.
• Pour the witch hazel and water into the spray bottle and shake well.
• Before each use, give it a good shake and then spray.

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Winter is cold and flu season, but people with allergies don’t get a break from congestion as spring arrives. Those who look forward to the classic “April showers, May flowers” sentiment clearly do not have allergies. About 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and many of them head to the doctor to obtain prescribed pharmaceuticals like antihistamines or acetaminophens, which can actually aggravate allergy symptoms. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies to help you beat spring allergies this season.

You don’t want to be the person with itchy eyes and congested sinuses during spring. After all, you just made it through winter, which is filled with sniffling and sore throats. There’s no reason to relive that, but these symptoms can be difficult to avoid when you have to deal with pollen. In addition to dust and mold, pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergens. While pollen is technically harmless, a hypersensitive immune system can often mistake it for a foreign invader and release histamine as a response. As people with allergies know, this can cause hives or itchy skin, or sinus congestion and itchy eyes.

There’s no two ways about it: allergies are no fun, but you may not need medications to control your symptoms. Many natural remedies can help control symptoms and keep your allergies under control. Experiment with the following natural remedies and see which ones work best at managing your symptoms.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

We constantly advocate how beneficial apple cider vinegar is for overall health. Not only does it help to balance pH levels in the body, but it can also provide a little energy boost, especially when you drink it in water mixed with lemon juice. When you notice the first sign of an allergy attack, put one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in your Neti Pot solution and perform a sinus flush to help ward off congestion.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Europeans in medieval times used stinging nettle as a diuretic to help relieve fluid retention (edema) and occasional joint pain. Many studies have concluded that stinging nettle can effectively improve joint pain, urinary problems, hay fever, and insect bites, but new research has shown it controls histamines. More and more medical professionals recommend that people with allergies take stinging nettle before hay fever season.

Clear Those Sinuses

If you don’t want to have a case of the sniffles throughout the spring months, it’s time to clear those sinuses with some nasal irrigation. We know that sounds utterly enchanting (wink wink), but nasal rinsing helps to flush out allergens and built up mucus. The use of a Neti Pot originated in the Ayurvedic tradition hundreds of years ago, and people have been benefiting from sinus rinses ever since. Neti Pots have now become more mainstream for preventing upper respiratory conditions and seasonal allergies. When you make a Neti Pot solution, do not use tap water because the chlorine and fluoride can aggravate the sinuses. Opt for distilled water and mix it with sea salt. Exact solution ratios will vary, but the common ratio is 8 ounces of distilled water with ½ teaspoon of sea salt.

Eat An Alkaline And Anti-Inflammatory Diet

When you supply the body with nutrient-dense foods, your systems and organs can function optimally. Since allergies create inflammatory responses, it is beneficial for you to consume anti-inflammatory and alkaline foods. Some of the best foods to help you beat allergies include:

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, arugula, romaine lettuce, watercress, and chard all contain a diverse mix of enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that assist with reducing inflammation and promoting natural detoxification.

Probiotics

If the bad bacteria in your gut microbiome outnumber the good bacteria, you most likely have decreased immune response. Strengthen the immune system by consuming probiotic foods like kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, miso, and natto.

Garlic

Did you know that garlic is considered a natural antibiotic? Well, it is, and it has the ability to ward off infections, viruses, and allergies. For garlic to have the best effect, consume it raw by blending one clove into your smoothie or juicing it with other fruits and vegetables. A clove a day may keep the allergy medication away because it offers immense immune support.

Lemons

While some people like to deny it, lemons and limes help to establish an alkaline body. They do contain citric acid, but they have an alkalizing effect after ingestion. Lemons are extremely rich in immune-boosting antioxidants like vitamin C, which has been known to ward off infections and detox impurities from the body. Add lemons to your water throughout the day, freshly squeeze them in your salad dressings, drink lemon tea, and find other ways to consume lemons every day.

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Summer is all about having fun in the sun, but time spent outdoors means that you are exposed to all sorts of creepy crawlies and buzzing insects. Bugs shouldn’t discourage you from being outside, but you should be on the lookout for certain pests because they can carry disease or make you ill after they bite you.

Ticks, mosquitos, and other stinging insects can cause paranoia about your time spent outdoors. You may even start itching for no reason! There’s no need to freak out about anything because there are ways that you can keep yourself protected. First off, familiarize yourself with the specific insects that occupy your area. Many irritants or allergens can simulate a bug bite, so make sure you can identify the bites of kissing bugs, ticks, wasps, or mosquitos.

Ticks

Belonging to the arachnid family, ticks are found in various places across the United States. They have been known to carry the Powassan virus and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted from a single bite. Different ticks can carry different germs or viruses, depending on region in which you live. Protect yourself by wearing long pants and long sleeves, even though if it’s hot outside. When you return from your outdoor activity, especially if you were hiking, inspect your body, even your scalp, for ticks and remove them immediately. Make sure that you remove the entire tick because you don’t want to leave the head attached.

Mosquitos

Summer without mosquitos just wouldn’t be a normal summer, much to many peoples’ dismay. There are over 3,000 varieties of mosquitos around the world, and their bites are always itchy. Some people are allergic to mosquitos and small, inflamed bites can turn into large welts that take days to reduce. Mosquitos can carry malaria, Zika, West Nile virus, or Japanese encephalitis, but the disease that mosquitos carry will depend on the region they occupy. A lot of mosquito bites can occasionally result in low-grade fever or fatigue. Take preventative measures by applying this DIY Mosquito Repellent, or light these candles around your home to keep mosquitos away.

Stinging Insects

Mosquitos and ticks bite, while wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets sting, especially during the late summer months. These insects typically steer clear of humans and build their nests away from the heavy foot traffic, but know that they will happily visit you when a picnic is in progress. They are checking out the spread and they really enjoy sweet fruit, so keep your food covered to prevent stinging bugs from buzzing around your picnic. You will only get stung if these bugs feel threatened, but a random sting can occur. If you have severe allergies to any of these bugs, take the right precautions if you are spending time outside.

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs are common in Central and South America, but they have been identified in 28 states across the United States. Don’t be fooled by the sweet name; these bugs love to bite sleeping humans around the eyes and mouth, and their excrement can be quite dangerous. They are capable of transmitting the parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi through their feces. Contracting this parasite has been associated with a heart illness known as Chagas disease.

Fleas

Remember the bubonic plague that swept through Europe, Africa, and Asia in the Middle Ages, killing about 50 million people as a result? Fleas were responsible, and they can still carry it because an estimated 650 cases from around the world are reported each year. Treatment options have dramatically decreased the risk of death to a mere 10%. Fleas, specifically cat fleas, can harbor pathogens that can lead to a Bartonella infection. Cat scratch fever is a real thing, not just an amazing song by Ted Nugent. When bitten by fleas, people commonly become itchy, annoyed, and can develop allergies.

One more thing to remember is to check your pets, provided you have them, for different insects upon returning home. Ticks or fleas can easily latch onto your pets and make their way into your house. Take time to inspect your pets so that your home remains a safe zone.

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It is almost summertime and that means that people are about to have some fun in the sun. We encourage being outside, but we also encourage you to take care of your skin. Sunburns and summer go together like two peas in a pod. Don’t let a sunburn get you down; rather, accelerate the healing process with the natural sunburn relief gel in this post.

Sometimes the sun can take its toll on the body, despite preventative measures. After getting burned, the skin becomes hot, itchy, and quite sensitive. While many people reach for creams, gels, or lotions that contain aloe vera, we prefer going to straight to the source for the maximum benefits.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has long since been used to help remedy a variety of skin conditions. Primarily used for topical application, aloe vera works to reduce sunburn symptoms and promote healthier skin. The gel from the aloe plant is safe to apply to the skin, provided the person is not allergic to the plant. Homemade preparations can be made from 100% pure aloe gel, which is used in the recipe below.

Essential Oils

This recipe utilizes lavender and peppermint essential oils. Lavender essential oil is commonly used to aid the healing process of bug bites, stretch marks, itching, and more. When it comes to sunburns, lavender helps the skin heal faster than aloe vera does. Peppermint essential oil helps to cool the skin down, which stops the burning sensation.

Together, the aloe vera, lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil help to soothe the skin, moisturize, reduce the likelihood of peeling, and offer an instant cooling effect. If you use this after sun gel, let us know how you like it.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Put 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel in a small glas jar.
• Add the lavender essential oil to the jar, followed by the peppermint essential oil.
• Stir the mixture until the oils are mixed in with the aloe. It should look a little cloudy.
• Seal the lid and store in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect. Apply to the sunburn every few hours, or whenever you experience pain.

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