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.
Article Contents
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
While mosquito bites are persistently itchy and annoying, it is always important to remember that they can transmit diseases such as:
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.
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.
If you are allergic to mosquito bites or develop an infection from scratching, consult your doctor immediately.
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.
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.
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.
ACV is a disinfectant with strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will soothe bites but also disinfect bruises.
For bites on larger areas of the body:
ACV will sting a little if you have bites with bruises.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Rub alcohol or nail polish remover to the area. This will help to remove the remnants of mosquito saliva and prevent it from spreading.
It is an effective disinfectant that also works as an insect repellant.
Use Epsom salts to relieve itching from insect bites. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve inflammation and hasten healing.
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.
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.
Mosquitoes seem to not like the smell of peppermint.
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.
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.
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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