Is it something about the chemical make-up of baking soda that causes it to stop itch? Though I know it's also recommended to stop mild itch from dry skin because it's a mild abrasive, I don't see how "drying up" a bug bite would cause it to stop itching.
2007-06-30 18:26:01 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Baking soda is alkaline or basic (meaning a pH greater than 7), and the chemical that causes bug bites to be irritating is an acid (pH less than 7). Putting baking soda on a bite neutralises the acid and so stops the irritation.
2007-06-30 18:31:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Baking Soda For Bug Bites
2016-10-06 12:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irritating substance have low PH level or high acid levels, baking soda neutralizes acids.
2007-07-04 05:23:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is alkaline and also works as a skin protectant. It also works as a agent to detoxify skin without drying it out. Such as it draws impurities out of your skin, if you run a bath with a half cup of baking soda and hot water.
2007-07-01 00:39:25 · answer #4 · answered by Destiny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blergh is right, which is why vinegar also works, anything basic will counter the acidity lessening the itch.
2007-06-30 18:55:07 · answer #5 · answered by SheSpawn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
vinegar is even better
2007-06-30 18:29:40 · answer #6 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋