If you haven't been able to eliminate all the mosquitoes from your yard, you'll probably notice them swarming, ready to bite, at all times of day--during dusk especially. Mosquito bites seem to be an inevitable part of summer, but their inevitability doesn't reduce how annoying they are. In most cases, mosquito bites produce nothing more but localized swelling and an irritating itch. But in some cases, they can produce an allergic reaction that results in large size irritated areas, or worse. If your mosquito bites seem extreme or unusual in any way, be sure to contact a physician right away for medical treatment.

For the common mosquito bite though, most of us will find it to be little more than an itchy irritation with a small red raised bump. There are great remedies and tricks you can try at home, or with the aid of commercial products, to help curb the itch and get you feeling better in no time. 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.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you are concerned 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=causes

• 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:

1. Applying a topical antihistamine or cortisone ointment to the bite.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mosquito-bites/DS01075/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
2. 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
3. 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
4. A topical ointment containing lidocaine can numb the skin, temporarily eliminating the itch.http://www.mosquitoinfo.info/how-to-treat-mosquito-bites/

While complications are rare, there are some potentially serious complications of mosquito bites.

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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