How to Treat Mosquito Bites

What Happens When a Mosquito Bites?

Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and animals using a needle-like mouthpart projection, injecting its saliva into the bite site. This saliva is what causes a reaction in humans and animals, leading to itchy, red bumps and irritation.

Mosquito Bite Reactions

Normal

Though everyone's body responds to stimuli differently, no matter where they come from, mosquito bites tend to follow a general trend. First, a circular, puffy, red bump will appear mere minutes after the bite occurs. Then, the itching sensation follows shortly after. The skin around the bite may turn red, and multiple reddish-brown bumps may appear within the day or so following the incident. Mild blisters or dark spots are generally still within the "normal" category of reactions.

Abnormal

Severe reactions to mosquito bites are most often experienced by children, adults with immune system disorders, or the elderly. "Severe" symptoms likely include a noticeably large area of swelling and redness, low-grade fever, hives, and swollen lymph nodes. 

Infection

In the worst of cases, mosquito bites can become infected. This happens most times as a result of excessive scratching–as fingernails carry many germs and can break the skin, transferring bacteria. Signs of infection include serious redness, warmth to the touch, or a red streak spreading outward from the bite.

Bite Treatment

If you are among the majority of the population that has a "normal" reaction to mosquito bites, the bite will typically disappear within three to ten days. However, if you find that your mosquito bite is hanging around for an oddly extensive period of time or if you have symptoms beyond typical itchiness, you may have an allergy to mosquitoes–or a reaction called Skeeter Syndrome. 

Beyond the aggravating itch, mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases and their bites can easily become infected if scratched or improperly cared for. From our professionals at Mosquito Squad, here are a few remedies to enhance the healing process after you are bitten by a mosquito.

Itch Remedies

First and foremost, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Follow your wash with an ice cube applied to the bite area to reduce swelling and redness. Then, choose one of the following tried-and-true itch remedies to regain some comfort.

You can concoct mama's classic topical anti-itch paste from a combination of baking soda and water, or you can apply pure aloe vera (ideally straight from the plant). Raw honey and crushed garlic are a powerhouse combination against mosquito bite itching as well. Toothpaste is a simple, easily accessible, effective anti-itch remedy.

Each of these remedies are most effective when applied at least twice per day. The more frequently you treat your bite, the quicker it will reduce in size and eventually heal. It is important to keep an eye on the size of your bite and take note of any changes to color, surrounding skin, or size of the puffy bite site to avoid infection. Physiological symptoms occurring beyond skin reactions can be indicators of a larger problem, such as the contraction of a mosquito-borne illness.

Over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine creams are fantastic anti-itch options as well. After Bite, Benadryl Gel, and Zax's Original Bug Bite & Anti-Itch Cream are all bug bite staples to minimize discomfort if you do get bitten.

Hartford Mosquito Squad for Effective Mosquito Control

Avoid mosquito bites and other pest attacks altogether by contacting Mosquito Squad and signing up for our Hartfield area mosquito control services today.