Knowing how to get rid of mosquito bites comes in handy when trying to have a great time outdoors. Also, learn more on how to cure mosquito bites using effective home remedies.
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How to get Rid of Mosquito Bites Fast
Mosquito bites are very irritating. They cause persistent itchy bumps that will get you scratching your way into the night. While there are effective ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding from around where we stay, it may not be possible to entirely avoid them.
While it is possible for mosquitoes to transmit diseases, most of the times they are harmless. Mosquito bites may cause mild to severe allergic reactions that may require more than home treatment. This is a rare occurrence. People with allergic reactions to mosquito bites may experience difficulty in breathing, hives and a swollen throat.
Common symptoms of mosquito bites
- Red or pink itchy skin rashes
- Bumps or itchy swellings on the skin
- Bruises around the bite
- Anaphylaxis
- Inflammation of the lymphatic system
While mosquito bites are persistently itchy and annoying, it is always important to remember that they can transmit diseases such as:
- Dengue fever
- Yellow fever
- Malaria
- Encephalitis
- Zika Virus
What to do for Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites can last for a while depending on how your body reacts. The best thing to do is to deal with the bites as soon as they occur. This will help to reduce severity and any other complications in the bite areas.
- Wash the bite with plain and water as soon as possible
- Rub the bite with rubbing alcohol. This will help to dry it out hence calming the itch
- Avoid scratching
What to put on Mosquito Bites
Use an itch calming solution from those listed below. Note that some anti-itch solutions may work best than others. You will somehow get to find which suits your best through trial and error over time.
- Apply topical anti-itch cream such as Benadryl
- Use a mild antiseptic. It will help to relive pain from the bite
- Apply an aspirin paste. DO NOT use if you are allergic to aspirin.
- Apply Ice to relieve the symptoms
If you are allergic to mosquito bites or develop an infection from scratching, consult your doctor immediately.
Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Natural remedies are discoveries that have been made by mosquito bites sufferers over time. They are simple life hacks that will come in handy as they are easily accessible and available. Home remedies for mosquito bites look to alleviate pain and reduce swelling and itching.
Lemon to get rid of Mosquito Bites Overnight
Lemons are stingy. They have citric acid which helps to numb and calm mosquito bites itch. It is also a mild antibacterial that will protect open or bruised bite areas from infection. Lemon juice will also help to lighten and reduce visibility of old scars and marks mosquito bites.
- Use a cotton ball to dab fresh lemon juice over mosquito bites
- Allow it to dry
- Then rinse off with cool water
Lime juice can be used in a similar manner. NOTE that, you SHOULD NOT apply lemon juice on your skin if you plan to spend time outdoors. Lemon makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a disinfectant with strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will soothe bites but also disinfect bruises.
- Spot treat mosquito bites by dabbing a cotton ball in ACV solution
- Hold it over the bite for a few seconds
- Repeat as needed
For bites on larger areas of the body:
- Add ½ a cup of ACV into a warm bath
- Soak in it for at least 10 minutes
ACV will sting a little if you have bites with bruises.
Use Toothpaste to get rid of Mosquito Bites Overnight
Toothpaste has astringent properties that will help reduce swelling in one day. What is the best toothpaste for mosquito bites? According to Dr. Neal Schultz, MD, a New York based dermatologist, toothpastes with mint or menthol create a cooling sensation on affected skin. The nice feeling will distract you from scratching.
Toothpastes with mint can be used as a bug repellent.
Cucumber to Cure Mosquito Bites on Baby
The cooling nature of cucumbers provide itch relief. Use cold cucumber slices to reduce swelling, numb pain and soothe irritation. You can safely use cucumber to get rid of mosquito bites on a toddler.
Ice to get Rid of Mosquito Bites Itch and Bumps
Use ice to numb pain and reduce inflammation after scratching. It is the best way to reduce the size of swollen bite bumps and lumps. Remember that itching will not subside until the bump dies down. You can ice the area with a spoon. Place the spoon in refrigerator then use it to apply gentle pressure on the bites.
Tea Bags for Mosquito Bites on Face
Tea is not only excellent for alleviating bags under eyelids. It is an effective remedy for mosquito and bug bites on sensitive areas such as the face. Green tea especially possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that speed up the healing process.
How to use
- Steep a few tea bags in boiling water for 5-10 minutes
- Allow them to cool
- Apply the liquid on the mosquito bites using a clean cloth or cotton wool
- Alternatively, you can brew a pot of normal or green tea
- Pour it into a bath of lukewarm water
- Soak in it for relief
Nail Polish
Covering insect bite with nail polish is another effective way of getting rid of them. It calms the itch and gets rid of the redness. It seals off the bite area so that air cannot get into it. This works the same as a scotch tape. While there is no scientific proof to support that this works, many people swear by it. Use clear nail polish.
Alcohol
Rub alcohol or nail polish remover to the area. This will help to remove the remnants of mosquito saliva and prevent it from spreading.
Baking Soda to get rid of Mosquito Bites
It is an effective disinfectant that also works as an insect repellant.
- Add a tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl of warm water
- Use a clean cotton swab to apply the solution onto the bite
- You can sprinkle it on exposed areas of your body to repel mosquitoes and bugs
How to Treat Mosquito Bites
Epsom salt for mosquito bites
Use Epsom salts to relieve itching from insect bites. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve inflammation and hasten healing.
- Make a paste by mixing a teaspoon of Epsom salt and a cup of hot water. Allow it to dissolve and cool down. Clean the affected area of skin and pat dry before applying the paste.
- Add two cups of Epsom salts to a bath tub of warm water. Soak in it for at least 12 minutes.
- Mix water with Epsom salt to make a solution. Soak a clean wash cloth in it and use it to make compresses on mosquito bites.
Calamine Lotion for mosquito bites
This is the best home remedy for skin irritating conditions such as bug bites, insect stings and plants such as poison ivy. It contains zinc oxide which is a pruritic meant to reduce itching.
Calamine lotion helps to soothe the skin. Calamine lotion is inexpensive and can be easily purchased over the counter.
- Apply the lotion to the bites using a Q-tip then allow it to dry completely
- Use mild soap and warm water to wash it off
- Re-apply as needed
How to Cure Mosquito Bites -Completely
How to get Rid of Mosquito Bites Itch with Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is good for mosquito bites as it has astringent properties. It is widely used for medicinal purposes on bruises, sores and swellings. Wipe the mosquito bites with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel. It will control itching and reduce swelling.
Peppermint
Mosquitoes seem to not like the smell of peppermint.
- Crush the leaves and rub the paste onto your skin to ward of mosquitoes.
- Make a natural mosquito spay using herbs such as peppermint, spearmint and lemon grass. Use as needed.
Neem Oil
This is both a preventive and curative measure for mosquito and other bug bites. It is a natural mosquito repellent that has been proven to be 100% effective. You can use neem directly on the skin to repel mosquitoes when you are outdoors. Another option is to burn it incense or adding to kerosene lamps.
Why do mosquito Bites Itch?
Female mosquito needs nutrients and proteins from blood to produce eggs. The female species have piercing mouth parts (Proboscis) which they use to extract blood. While drawing blood from a host, they inject their saliva into the skin. The mosquito’s saliva acts as an anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting while she is feeding.
The body’s immune system recognizes the mosquitoes as a foreign substance and reacts by releasing antihistamines. It is not the mosquito bite that causes the itch but rather the histamine reaction. The immune reaction also causes blood vessels to dilate creating a raised bite around the bite.
Note that not all people develop itching as a reaction to mosquito bites. Other people develop tolerance over time and may not realize at all that they have been bitten.
*Male mosquitoes only feed on water and nectar thus harmless.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Insect repellant
- Get rid of standing water in gutters, buckets, old tires and other containers where mosquitoes can breed
- Change or empty fountains, pools and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential habitats
- Keep water in a swimming pool clean, treated and circulating
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors
- Close doors and windows early
- Sleep under treated mosquito nets
- Wear dark colors- they are less attracted to them
- Cover baby’s crib, carrier and stroller with netting
- Use scented candles
Sources and References
Epa.gov: Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Cdc.gov: Avoid Mosquitoes
Healthline.com: Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatments
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