How to Treat a Mosquito Bite

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How to Treat a Mosquito Bite

 

by Staff Expert

 

Article Rating:

Difficulty: Easy

Avoiding mosquito bites should be your first line of defense, but if the

little bloodsuckers bite, you'll need some defense against itching and

infection.

Instructions

Step 1:Wash the infected area with soap and water as soon as you recognize

that you've been bitten. Try to keep the site clean and dry until the

irritation abates.

Step 2:Avoid scratching. Although a mosquito bite should itch for only a few

days, continual scratching will increase your discomfort and may prolong the

itching.

Step 3:Make a paste of baking soda and water, using just enough water to

make the paste sticky. Spread the mixture on the bites.

Step 4:Rub soap directly on the bite. This is an oft-repeated home remedy

for mosquito bites.

Step 5:Apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a washcloth to the bite area.

Step 6:Use calamine lotion or a topical anesthetic containing pramoxine to

help relieve pain and itching.

Step 7:Purchase 1-percent hydrocortisone cream to alleviate the itching.

Follow directions on the package for safe use.

Step 8:Use an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce

any accompanying swelling or redness.

Step 9:Take an anti-histamine like benadryl to help with any swelling or

itching.

Step 10:Do not rub skin, soak instead of scrubbing, and pat dry instead of

rubbing.

Step 11:Use aloe vera gel to reduce swelling and itching, aloe vera also

forms a protective layer, to reduce possible infection.

 

Tips & Warnings

See " Avoid Mosquito Bites, " under Related eHows, for information on

methods

that will protect you from bites.

If you are traveling to a foreign country - especially the tropics - you may

be in danger of contracting malaria from a mosquito bite. See " Malaria -

General Information, " under Related Sites, for facts you need to know

about

this illness.

If your mosquito bite becomes red and swollen and if the area around the

bite feels warm to the touch, your bite may be infected. Apply an antibiotic

cream or ointment. If symptoms do not clear up, consult your doctor.

In rare cases, you may contract encephalitis from a mosquito bite. If, 5 to

15 days after a mosquito bite, you experience severe headaches, fever,

nausea and vomiting, disorientation, chills and/or muscle aches and pain,

see your doctor immediately.

If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you

contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for

professional medical advice or treatment.

 

Overall Things You'll Need

Hydrocortisone Creams

Calamine Lotions

Ibuprofen

Baking Soda

Antibacterial Soaps

Ice packs

Hydrogen Peroxides