Content

• Steps

Mosquito bites are often red, swollen and itchy. The itch is caused by mosquitoes that transmit a small amount of saliva into people's blood when they suck blood. Protein in mosquito saliva causes an allergic reaction and forms the characteristic red, itchy bumps. Fortunately, there are many ways to soothe a mosquito bite with household products or over-the-counter medications. If properly cared for, the mosquito bite will remain just a past discomfort.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Using home remedies

1. 

   Heat up. The heat changes the properties of the protein at a mosquito bite and prevents the swelling from spreading to other areas. This will help relieve itching and make it more comfortable.
   • Dip a spoon in hot water. The water should be very hot, but not to the point of burning the skin.
   • Press the back of the spoon against the mosquito bite and slowly press it down. Leave for 15 seconds to allow the heat to break down the protein. Doing this once is comfortable enough.
   • Be careful not to burn. If the spoon feels too hot, let it cool slightly.

2. 

   
   
   Anesthetize the mosquito bite with an ice bag. The cold helps to reduce swelling and numb the nerves.
   • Ready-to-use bags of frozen corn or beans can be substituted for ice bags. However, remember to wrap the ice pack with a thin towel so that the cold does not come into direct contact with the skin.
   • Hold the ice pack on your skin for 15-20 minutes and then lift it off to warm.

3. 

   
   
   Apply aloe to the mosquito bite. Aloe soothes mosquito bites that are hot and itchy from scratching. Aloe vera is also great for healing, and also has a moisturizing effect on the skin.
   • If you have commercial aloe vera gel, apply it to the mosquito bite and rub it into your skin. Use 100% pure aloe for best results.
   • You can also use fresh home-grown aloe vera. Cut an aloe branch in half and rub the viscous part of the aloe leaves into the skin.

4. 

   
   
   Try essential oils. This method has not been scientifically tested, but folk evidence suggests that essential oils can help soothe itchiness.
   • Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help prevent inflammation while soothing itching, swelling and pain. Try mixing the solution with 1 part tea tree oil and 5 parts water. Place a drop of the solution on a finger or cotton ball and rub it directly into the mosquito bite.
   • Try other essential oils like lavender oil or coconut oil. These two oils are both aromatic and help soothe the uncomfortable itch.

5. 

   Apply acidic juice or vinegar to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This will heal quickly.
   • Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are good options because of their high acidity.
   • Use a sterile cotton ball to apply the juice / vinegar directly to the mosquito bite.

6. 

   Use meat tenderizer to reduce itching. This method helps relieve itching by breaking down the protein in the saliva injected into the skin by the mosquito.
   • Mix a little water with the meat tenderizer, using just enough water to dissolve the dough.
   • Use a sterile cotton ball to rub the mixture over the affected area. Note that the mixture penetrates the correct mosquito bite.
   • You should notice relief from itching within a few seconds.

7. 

   Try honey. Honey has the anti-inflammatory properties and the sticky properties of honey also keep you from scratching.
   • Apply a drop of honey to the mosquito bite and let it sit.
   • Use a bandage to prevent dirt from getting on the honey and getting into the mosquito bite.

8. 

   Use baking soda or toothpaste to drain fluid and toxins from under the skin that cause swelling. This will help relieve itching and heal.
   • Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. First mix baking soda and water in a 2: 1 ratio, then add baking soda if needed until the mixture is moist enough but not liquid. Apply a decent amount to the mosquito bite and let dry. This mixture, when dried, will draw toxins out.
   • Apply toothpaste to the mosquito bite and let it dry completely like using baking soda. Once dry, the toothpaste will come off if touched. The astringent properties of the toothpaste draw fluid out of the skin.

9. 

   Raise the mosquito bite above your heart to prevent swelling. If the mosquito bite is on your arms or legs, raise your arms and legs above your heart to reduce the swelling.
   • Hold this position for about 30 minutes to reduce swelling time.
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Part 2 of 4: Using over-the-counter medications

1. 

   Take antihistamines to reduce your body's allergic response. When a mosquito bites, an amount of mosquito saliva is injected into the skin. Anticoagulants in mosquito saliva prevent blood from clotting as they suck blood. Itching is caused by the body's autoimmune response to the anticoagulant.
   • Rub antihistamine cream over the mosquito bite according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   • The oral Zyrtec histamine has also been shown to help suppress the itch caused by mosquito bites.

2. 

   Try hydrocortisone cream. Apply it to red, itchy skin. You should feel better after a few minutes.
   • 1% hydrocortisone cream can be purchased without a prescription.
   • This is a steroid cream, so consult your doctor before giving it to children.

3. 

   Apply calamine cream. This will help drain the fluid that has accumulated around the mosquito bite and reduce swelling.
   • Reapply if necessary, but do not apply more times than directed by the manufacturer. Calamine cream will dry out the sting, including chemicals in the mosquito's saliva that cause itching.

4. 

   Use pain relievers if needed. Usually, it's not necessary to take pain relievers when you are bitten by a mosquito, but if your skin is scratched by scratching it may cause stinging and pain.
   • In this case you can use a topical anesthetic to ease the pain. Xylocaine 2% cream works well.
   • If the topical cream does not relieve your discomfort, you can take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, usually the bite of a mosquito bite is not painful, so check with your doctor if it hurts.
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Part 3 of 4: Know when to see a doctor

1. 

   Seek medical attention if you become sick after a mosquito bite. Some mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases and can pass viruses or parasites into the human body through their saliva. Seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
   • Fever
   • Headache
   • Dizziness
   • Muscle and joint pain
   • Vomit

2. 

   Tell your doctor if you get bitten by a mosquito while traveling. This will help your doctor determine if you have mosquito-borne diseases.
   • Malaria and yellow fever are mostly prevalent in the tropics.
   • West Nile virus and mosquito-borne encephalitis virus are circulating in the United States. Dengue fever is quite rare but also occurs in the southern United States.

3. 

   Contact your doctor immediately if you have a generalized allergy. This is a rare response to mosquito bites, so it should be addressed quickly when it occurs. Symptoms include:
   • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
   • Difficulty swallowing
   • Dizziness
   • Vomit
   • Heart beat fast
   • A rash or rash that spreads outside the sting
   • Itching or swelling in areas other than the sting
   • Your doctor may prescribe glucocorticoid oral medications to prevent a wide range of allergic reactions.

4. 

   Watch for painful swelling. Sometimes people bitten by mosquitoes have allergic reactions to the protein in mosquito saliva. This reaction causes itchy redness and swelling, also known as "skeeter syndrome".
   • You are more likely to develop skeeter syndrome if you are regularly bitten by mosquitoes because your body becomes sensitive to mosquito saliva.
   • There is no test to check for skeeter syndrome. If your skin is painful, itchy, and red, you need to see your doctor.
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Part 4 of 4: Avoid mosquito bites

1. 

   Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt to reduce open skin that is prone to mosquito bites. This way you won't be an attractive target for mosquitoes. While mosquitoes can bite through clothing, wearing long clothing can significantly reduce mosquito bites.

2. 

   Use insect repellent on exposed skin and on clothing. The most effective mosquito repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethylmeta-toluamide) are widely available.
   • Protect your eyes when applying medication to your face.
   • Do not inhale mosquito repellent.
   • Do not apply repellent to open wounds. Medicines will cause pain.
   • Consult your doctor before taking an insect repellent if you are pregnant.
   • Consult your doctor before giving it to an infant.
   • Bathe or wash off the repellant when it is no longer needed.
   • Do not use DEET insect repellent if you carry an insulin pump or any other important plastic device, as it can melt plastic.

3. 

   Sleep with a mosquito net if your window doesn't have a mosquito net. This way you won't get bitten by mosquitoes while you sleep.
   • Check the curtain and fix any holes. Place the mosquito net under the mattress to prevent it from leaking and allowing mosquitoes to fly in.

4. 

   Use Permethrin mosquito repellent on clothing, curtains, and tents. This medication is still effective after many washings.
   • Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or before spraying on baby clothes.

5. 

   Do not leave standing water near the house. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so clearing out standing water will reduce the number of mosquitoes.
   • Change the pet's water bowl often.
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