How to deal with mosquito bites

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Mosquito bites can be described as bumpy, itchy marks on the skin that can be harmless but sometimes deadly. In most cases, mosquito bites can trigger an itchy lump that turns red. A small part of the population does not have any reaction at all while others experience a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Treatment for mosquito bites

If an adult or child ends up with mosquito bites, there are several measures that must be taken into consideration to manage the itchiness and other accompanying reactions.

• Avoid scratching the bite site. Even though it is difficult to stop the urge to scratch the area, scratching only provides momentary relief and if done too hard, the skin might break. Once the skin is broken, bleeding starts and there is always the risk for infection.

  

• Applying a suitable lotion such as anti-itch varieties that work by relieving the itchiness of mosquito bites. Effective lotions usually contain one or more of diphenhydramine, calamine or hydrocortisone.
• Apply a cold compress on the site of the mosquito bites. An ice pack can reduce the itchiness by constricting the blood vessels in the area that block the flow of blood to and from the bite site. The application should last for only 15 minutes and do not apply the ice pack directly on the skin.
• Homemade paste can be prepared using meat tenderizer that contains papain or baking soda. Combine the powdered tenderizer or baking soda with water to create a paste. The mixture should be applied liberally on the bite site and re-apply often until the itchiness subsides.
• Oral antihistamines can be given for serious cases of allergic reactions to mosquito bites or cases where there are several bites.

How to prevent mosquito bites

There are various measures that can prevent mosquito bites especially when staying outdoors.

• Mosquitoes prefer times during sunrise and sunset the most where they go out and more likely to bite. If possible, avoid going outside during these times.
• Apply repellants to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay. Use one that contains DEET which has been proven to be effective.
• Install screens on the windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out as much as possible
• Wear long sleeves and treat clothing with the right repellant. Permethrin is a repellant that can be applied on clothing but not on the skin.
• Any sources of standing water should be dealt with. Remember that mosquitoes breed in stagnant or standing water, thus these sources should be eliminated to cut down the mosquitoes in the area.