mosquito bite treatments

How To Treat Mosquito Bites

No matter how carefully you apply insect repellent, you’ll probably experience an itchy bite or two this summer. When a red, itchy bump appears on your skin, you want relief as quickly as possible.

When bitten, the first step is to wash the affected area with soap and water. After that, everyone seems to have a different method for relieving the pain and itch. Which method you choose may depend on whether you are home or in the middle of the woods with limited resources.

Antihistamine Cream

The best way to treat a mosquito bite is to use an over the counter antihistamine cream. It will reduce swelling, relieve pain, and allow itchy, blood-clotting, mosquito saliva to exit the wound.

Ice

Ice helps in two ways. Like taking an antihistamine, ice reduces swelling and has the added benefit of numbing the nerves sending “itchy” signals to the brain.

Heat

Holding a hot compress or running hot water over the affected area will overload the nerves in the same way ice does and also opens the pores to allow the itch-causing toxins easier to escape. Best used in conjunction with an antihistamine or other treatment that will reduce swelling.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural and effective antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and disinfectant that can soothe the itch and sting of bites. Simply squeeze the gel from the plant and apply it directly to the bite.

Toothpaste

A dab of toothpaste on the bite will act as an astringent, drawing itchy venom from the wound as it dries. Menthol in the toothpaste will also provide a “cooling” sensation that will occupy the nerves in the same way ice does, relieving discomfort.

Deodorant

Aluminum chloride in bar deodorant will draw moisture and toxins from the bite.

Baking soda

When mixed with a little water and applied as a paste, this household alkaline can help neutralize the pH balance in the bite, providing itch relief.

Aspirin

Not only can your go-to headache medication relieve pain when ingested, but when dissolved in water and turned into a paste, it can calm bites when applied topically.

Wet tea bag

The tannins in a moist black or green tea bag act as an astringent and quickly soothe the itch.

Lemon juice & vinegar

Lemon juice or vinegar can also be soothing, but only if you haven’t scratched the surface skin off the bite and made it bleed. Applying these acidic compounds to broken skin will sting, which can be worse than the itching.

Honey

A natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, honey is a quick pain reliever when applied directly to the bite.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may calm the itch. Simply mix a couple spoonfuls of oatmeal and water into a small cup to create a paste and then apply directly to the bite.

Yogurt

Because yogurt is made with proteins that coat and soothe the skin, the creamy snack makes for a great inflammation reducer.

Fresh basil

Rubbed on the affected area, natural camphor increases blood flow around the bite and breaks down itchy anti-clotting agents in mosquito saliva.

Garlic

A natural antibiotic, fresh garlic rubbed on a mosquito bite is said to knock out the bacteria causing itchiness. Evidence is inconclusive, but some swear by this method.

Complications that can arise from mosquito bites

There are many great ways to treat mosquito bites and overcome their discomfort. However, if symptoms worsen over time or include fever or swelling, this might be an allergic reaction. If this occurs, you should contact a doctor immediately.

For most bite victims, the most likely complication of a mosquito bite is a secondary bacterial infection caused by scratching with dirty fingernails. This is especially true for children, who tend to have heightened skin reactions to mosquito bites, and who are also more likely than adults to have filthy nails.

We can help

If you are tired of dealing with the aftermath of mosquitoes in your yard, give Amco Ranger a call to get a free quote for professional, ongoing defense. Treatments are tailored to your property and are applied by certified, trained technicians. Take back your yard! Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of pests in your home in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Louis, and surrounding communities.

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