Summer Skin: The Itches, the Burns, and the Bites

While summertime comes with lots of fun times at the beach, summer nights out in the backyard, and plenty of outdoor time during the day, it also comes with bug bites, bee stings, and sometimes a little sunburn.

There are steps you can take to avoid this from happening, as well as steps you can take once they do occur. And of course, if it is summer, these things more than likely will occur.

Dealing with Bug Bites

Bugs are in their glory during summer. Bees are buzzing and mosquitoes are flickering here, there, and everywhere. Thankfully, there are some creative and natural ways to avoid these critters and treat their bites, as well.

Here are a few great ways to relieve the itch and burn of a mosquito bite:

* Baking soda and water ñ Baking soda has so many uses, from cleaning to bug bites, and is especially wonderful for treating mosquito bites. Just make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the bite, and the itching and burning should ease quite quickly.

* Aloe vera ñ Either the aloe vera juice or the ointment directly from the aloe vera plant should be sufficient to ease the itch associated with a mosquito bite.

* Apple cider vinegar ñ Apple cider vinegar is great for relieving itch almost immediately. Apply directly to irritated area.

Bee stings are never fun, especially for those unfortunate enough to be allergic to them. For those who are not allergic, however, there are some natural ways to treat a bee sting.

* Tea tree oil is excellent to ease the burn and pain as well as any itching associated with a bee sting.

* Aspirin crushed and mixed with water is another wonderful way to ease the pain of a bee sting. It may sound like an old wives' tale, but it really does help.

* Some folks even take a small dose of an antihistamine to relieve the swelling. Of course, do not take anything without checking with your doctor first.

Treatment for Sunburn

The best way to treat sunburn is to never get it in the first place. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes.

* Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of higher then 15 is highly recommended. Also wearing sunscreen a few days, every day, is recommended before a tropical vacation.

* A soak in the tub with baking soda is an excellent way to ease the burn and irritation of sunburn.

* Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for sunburn as it soothes and moisturizes the skin at the same time.

It is important to remember that feeling good in the summer is just as important as looking good in the summer. Take care of your skin, and it will take care of you.