The sun is good for us - the caterpillar is not
We're enjoying the sun again, and that means good protection. A gentle mineral sunscreen is essential (read more about that here). But these days, something else comes with the season: the oak processionary caterpillar.
Those tiny stinging hairs stick to your skin, your clothes and even your garden furniture - and the itch they cause can last for days. Luckily there's a lot you can do at home.
Three golden tips against caterpillar itch
1. Lift the hairs off with tape
Take a roll of regular sticky tape and press it gently onto the affected area. Pull it off slowly - this removes the microscopic stinging hairs before they sink deeper into your skin. Repeat a few times with a fresh piece of tape each time.
2. Scrub gently
A mild body scrub helps loosen any remaining hairs. Do this in the shower, using slow circular motions. Don't rub too hard - you don't want to irritate the skin further.
3. Apply aloe vera gel generously
This is the real golden tip. Aloe vera cools, soothes and has centuries-proven healing properties for irritated skin. Apply liberally, let it sink in and repeat as often as needed. No greasy layer, no scent - just cooling relief.
What does NOT help
- Scratching - however tempting. You only push the hairs deeper.
- A hot shower - it opens your pores and worsens the itch.
- A thick layer of body lotion without first using tape and scrub - the hairs get trapped under the cream.
Worth keeping at home
Aloe vera gel is one of those products you wish you had stocked sooner. Not just for caterpillar itch - also after a day in the sun, after shaving or for other small irritations.
Source and further reading: Golden tip against caterpillar itch - Botanical Beauty
