BUG OFF!

BUG OFF!

The summer weather brings with it all manner of bugs that bite. Some hurt more than others but most itch infernally and leave unsightly red bumps on the skin for days if not weeks!

Mozzies and little biting insects are universally unpopular and guaranteed to put a dampener on things, what with their dive-bombing and blood-sucking antics. So whether you’re back-packing through South America, honeymooning in Asia or just barbecuing in your back garden, you need to be prepared!

Scratching a mosquito bite may bring short-lived relief but it also floods the bitten area with histamine causing swelling, the incessant urge to scratch and a risk of damaging the skin’s surface, which could lead to infection.

Keep bugs and biting insects at bay, or if they’ve already struck, banish the urge to scratch, with one of the following bug-fighting essentials:

Balmy Solution

With highly concentrated extract of liquorice root, Bug Balm by Skin Shop is a 100% natural skin balm that helps to soothe and reduce swelling and irritation. Suitable for use on adults and children, it can be used as often as is necessary until the swelling and itching from the bug bite subsides. Bug Balm costs £7.95 for 30g and comes in a handy travel-friendly tin. It is available from Skin Shop www.skinshop.co.uk or call: 01794 527433

 

Go Go Gadget

Zap-It! is a small handheld piezo device. It generates a harmless (no stronger than a gentle pinch) low, electrical impulse when ‘clicked’ against a bite. These ‘zaps’, created by crystals, work to reduce histamine flow and stimulate capillaries into flushing out toxins, thereby stopping the urge to itch and scratch. Zap-It! can be used on up to 1,000 bites (now that would be unlucky) and is available in different colours from selected health stores, pharmacies, garden centres, Asda, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug, and retails from £5.95. Zap-It! is also available online from www.amazon.co.uk

 

Spray Away

Vie Healthcare’s all-natural spray repellent is DEET-free and suitable for all ages, babies included. Active ingredients include menthane and coconut oil. Simply shake gently and spray directly on to skin to help keep biting insects and mosquitoes at bay! The spray comes in a handy travel size, well within the restrictions for hand luggage, and ideal for squeezing into your beach bag or handbag! Each spray costs £7.95 for 100ml and is available from www.amazon.co.uk.

 

Patch It Up

Mosquitan Mosquito Patches use a patented ‘stick and squeeze’ delivery system to help keep mosquitoes at bay. They are also DEET-free and suitable for all ages. Each patch contains a small cushion plaster filled with microcapsules of essential oils. You simply stick and squeeze! Once squeezed patches last for up to six hours and because they do not need to be applied to the skin, they provide a natural anti-mosquito alternative that’s safe to use for the whole family. Mosquitan Mosquito Patches cost £8.95 for 24 patches and are available from www.vie-healthcare.com