I Got Bit by a Mosquito - Now What?

OK, it happens, especially at dawn and dusk, you got bit by a mosquito. It’s easy to recognize that you have been bitten as you most likely will have:

• A puffy and reddish bump,
• A hard, itchy bump or several bumps that can appear a day or so after the bite(s) – some itching is not only an annoyance but continued scratching can result in fection,
• Small blisters, and
• Dark spots that resemble bruises.

For those that have “Skeeter Syndrome” the side-effects and impacts are more severe, and may include:

• A large amount of swelling, more than a ‘normal’ bite,
• Pain,
• Inflammation,
• Fever, and
• Anaphylaxis in rare cases

Treatment of Mosquito Bites

After you have been bitten, do not scratch, even though you may want to. To take care of the bites, below are some remedies to try that include both Over the Counter treatments and some home remedies:

Over the Counter Treatments

• Antihistamines - The use of antihistamines is very effective. They act by blocking the effects of histamine and relieving the itching. The effects of antihistamines begin quickly and take effect within an hour of use.

• Corticosteroids – They are often convenient and effective against itching. They also reduce the effects of swelling. If used in the morning and evening, the itching typically decreases in two to three days.

Home Remedies (Just a few)

• Soap & Water – Wash the area on/around the bite.

• Vinegar – You can make a compress using a cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the bite and surrounding area.

• Oatmeal Paste and Baking Soda Paste – Mix oatmeal and water to create a paste and apply to the bite. Same for making a Baking Soda paste.

• Crushed Ice – Apply a crushed ice compress to the bite and surrounding area to reduce inflammation.

• Aloe Vera – Apply aloe vera to the bite, it’s natural healing properties will help ease the bite.

• Witch Hazel - You can make a compress using a cloth dipped in witch hazel and apply it to the bite and surrounding area.

Rather than treating mosquito bites, how about preventing them – that would be so nice. Contact Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay at 813.502.0505 or tampabay@mosquitosquad.com to learn how Mosquito Squad can help you ‘Fight the Bite’.