September 2, 2025

Bug Bites and other Outdoor Irritants to the Skin

Bug Bites and other Outdoor Irritants to the Skin

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Camping is a popular and fun summer activity! But camping and other outdoor activities can put you at an increased risk of skin concerns such as mosquito bites and poison Ivy! There is much to talk about so let us get into it, shall we?

Let us start with mosquito bites! Mosquito bites are typically small, red, raised bumps on the skin with mild inflammation and are typically very itchy. While for most people they just have a mild reaction some people can have a more severe reaction to bites. In these cases, symptoms can include those of a typical allergy including hives, swollen throat, and faintness and even wheezing. One reason that these bites are so itchy and can even trigger an allergic response is because when a mosquito bites you some of their salvia enters your blood stream. Your body sees this foreign material just like it would any allergen that it needs to attack and thus your body releases histamine. This release of histamine is responsible for your symptoms! Something else to take note of is that some mosquitos can carry certain infections. If bitten by one of these mosquitoes, you can get infected with the bacteria or virus they are carrying. Symptoms that indicate you may have an infection from a mosquito bite can include fever, headache, body aches, rashes, nausea, eye irritation, and fatigue! Certain places have higher rates of infections carried by mosquitoes. Be careful if you travel or visit these places. (1)

While bed bugs and even flea bites may resemble mosquito bites, they are different. Please see the attached picture for a side-by-side comparison of the 3 bites. (2)

The next skin concern is poison ivy. Certain plants can trigger an irritating and often extremely itchy skin rash. These plants include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Signs that you may have come into contact with one of these plants include a skin rash that is swollen, red and may have blisters. The rash may develop within hours-days of contact depending on your sensitivity. One common misconception about poison ivy is that it can spread from one part of your body to another part. While this may appear to be true it is more complicated. What is actually happening is new rashes are developing. Remember some rashes will develop faster than others. So, for example, 3 hours after contacting you may have a rash develop on your left hand but then an hour later it may develop on your left foot. Both were exposed at the same time it just took longer for your foot to show the rash. Another question we get about poison ivy is if the rash itself is contagious. Poison Ivy is actually caused by oil that plants produce. So now if you accidentally touch the rash, you will not get poison ivy. However, if you get the oil on your skin, you can develop the rash associated with poison ivy. Please see the attached pictures so you know how the 3 plants you need to watch out for actually look like as well as what the rash may look like! (3, 4)

What can you do?

Ice is great for all sorts of skin inflammation including mosquito bites and poison ivy!
Eliminate any poison ivy or standing water where mosquitos may live.
Wear clothes that cover you to protect you from poison ivy, mosquitoes and any other bugs that may be outside!
Wash anything (including your body) that may have come into contact with poison ivy.
Avoid scratching the itchy spots and keep your skin clean. (1-5)
Quercetin is a fantastic natural antihistamine! This makes it very helpful for bug bites. In my experience it is also helpful for reducing the itchy skin of poison ivy! (6) Quercetin can be used as a pill, or you can mix it in calamine lotion for a topical application. You can also add it to an oatmeal bath which is helpful for both bug bites and poison ivy. Overall studies have found that quercetin can help reduce the inflammation associated with itchy skin. (7) See Invite’s Quercetin and Respiratory formulas!
Green tea has been found to help reduce inflammation and itch when used on the skin. (8) Feel free to mix Green Tea Tx into calamine lotion or even apply directly to the skin for a homemade anti-itch cream!
Omega 3s are amazing for our skin! Studies have found that they can reduce inflammation such as occurs in mosquito bites and poison ivy. (9) See Invite’s Fish Oil and Krill Oil!
Bromelain can also help with poison ivy and mosquito bites as studies have shown it can reduce histamine and allergies! (10) See Invite’s Bromelain formula!
Vitamin C is natures antihistamine! (11) This makes it great for mosquito bites and poison ivy! Check out Invite’s new Vitality Plus gummies and beadlet capsules! (The gummies are great for kids!)
DGL – not just for stomach acid! DGL is a natural antihistamine. (11) Feel free to dissolve a few MinAcid chewable tablets in an oatmeal bath to help reduce skin inflammation.
Osteolube is full of natural anti-inflammatory nutrients! Check out my blog on this great topic!