Mosquito bites are something that almost everyone has had to deal with at one point or another. More often than not, any mild symptoms from bites heal in just a few days. To aid in the healing process, there are several actions you can take to treat mosquito bites:
- Thoroughly and carefully wash the bites with soap and warm water.
- To help reduce swelling or itching, apply an ice pack for ten-minute intervals as needed.
- Use anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help with itchiness
- For quick healing, avoid scratching the mosquito bites.
Tips to Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching
Once youโve been bitten by a mosquito, the symptoms can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up. The itching can start almost immediately after a bite. When it first forms, the bite will look like a raised white welt but will reduce to a red bump in a day or so. To alleviate the itching sensation, use ice packs and OTC creams for immediate relief. You may also choose to use anti-inflammatories or antihistamines to help with the various symptoms. Most importantly, resist the temptation to scratch away at the bites. Doing so will lengthen and worsen your symptoms.
4 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
More often than not, you have items right in your home that can help heal your mosquito bites. Always do a skin patch test before proceeding with any of these homemade or natural remedies. A few of the most common homemade remedies include:
- Baking soda and water. Create a paste using 1 tablespoon baking soda and water. Apply it to the mosquito bite, let sit for ten minutes, and wash away.
- Oatmeal. An oatmeal paste created using equal amounts of oatmeal and water can be applied to the skin with a washcloth. You can also try an oatmeal bath by sprinkling a cup of ground oats into a warm-water bath.
- Honey. Used for many at-home treatments, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A small drop on a mosquito bite can reduce inflammation and reduce the desire to scratch.
- Aloe vera. Not just used for sunburns, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the symptoms associated with mosquito bites.
Should I Go to the Doctor For Mosquito Bites?
If you begin to exhibit more severe symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, itโs time to visit your medical professional. More serious symptoms include fevers, rashes, nausea, and allergic reactions. Any of these symptoms could be a sign of a more serious illness.