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If you haven't been able to eliminate all the mosquitoes from your yard, you'll probably experience a few mosquito bites this summer. If you'd like to know the best ways to eliminate the itching and swelling mosquito bites cause, read on! This page will teach you how to treat mosquito bites.
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First Aid for Insect Bites : How to Treat a Mosquito Bite
This video features a fire fighter discussing first aid for mosquito bites. Some of the untraditional approaches he mentions include using common household products such as stick deodorant, toothpaste, or hemorrhoid cream to relive the itch and swelling of mosquito bites. He also warns against itching and scratching the bites, as that could lead to a secondary infection.
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Step 1: About Mosquito Bites
The allergic reaction most people experience when bit by a mosquito is a reaction to a protein in the mosquito's saliva that is left behind when the female mosquito's mouth pierces your skin. Most people's immune systems react to the presence of this protein by releasing histamine, which causes swelling and itching at the location of the bite.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=causesStep 2: How to Treat Mosquito Bites
- Mosquito bite treatment focuses on eliminating the symptoms caused by the allergic reaction. Immediate first aid should entail washing the bite, and applying ice to minimize the localized reaction, if possible.http://www.mosquitoinfo.info/how-to-treat-mosquito-bites/ Don't scratch the bite, as that will cause more histamine to be released, increasing the itching, and may also break the skin, creating the possibility of infection. Ways to treat the itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites include:
- Applying a topical antihistamine or cortisone ointment to the bite.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
- Calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water may also help to soothe your skin.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
- If you have several mosquito bites, or are experiencing severe itching, you may find relief from an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, or loratadine.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
- A topical ointment containing lidocaine can numb the skin, temporarily eliminating the itch.http://www.mosquitoinfo.info/how-to-treat-mosquito-bites/
Step 3: Mosquito Bite Complications
While complications are rare, there are some potentially serious complications of mosquito bites.- Some people have a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites. If you experience wheezing, dizziness, hives , or shortness of breath after a mosquito bite, seek immediate medical attention.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=complications
- Infected mosquito bites should be treated as any other skin infection. Keep the area clean, treat with a topical antibiotic, and seek medical attention if the infection doesn't get better in a day or two.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=complications
- Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. If you experience a high fever or severe headache within 15 days of a mosquito bite.http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/symptoms.htm
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