How to Treat a Mosquito Bite

Introduction

Avoiding mosquito bites should be your first line of defense, but if the little bloodsuckers bite, you'll need even more defense against itching and infection. Follow these precautions after being bitten by a mosquito to minimize the damage they create.

By: eHow Health Editor

Length: 1:22

Comments: 142

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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.

Step1

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.

Step2

Avoid scratching. Although a mosquito bite should itch for only a few days, continual scratching will increase your discomfort and may prolong the itching.

Step3

Make a paste of baking soda and water, using just enough water to make the paste sticky. Spread the mixture on the bites.

Step4

Rub soap directly on the bite. This is an oft-repeated home remedy for mosquito bites.

Step5

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

Step6

Use calamine lotion or a topical anesthetic containing pramoxine to help relieve pain and itching.

Step7

Purchase 1-percent hydrocortisone cream to alleviate the itching. Follow directions on the package for safe use.

Step8

Use an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce any accompanying swelling or redness.

Step9

Take an anti-histamine like benadryl to help with any swelling or itching.

Step10

Do not rub skin, soak instead of scrubbing, and pat dry instead of rubbing.

Step11

Use aloe vera gel to reduce swelling and itching. Aloe vera also forms a protective layer to reduce possible infection.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 7/9/2006 My niece came over for the summer and went outside for a few seconds and came back in with about 10 bites. I panicked because the bites swelled up a good size and she couldn't stop scratching. I immediately went looking for something to ease that sensation and I found my Gold Bond Medicated powder.I rubbed it on her and it immediately stopped the itching.

Anonymous said

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on 7/1/2006 Rub a piece of sliced lime on the bite area. Something in the acid of the lime takes the itch away and sooths it.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 St. Ives Hydroxy Masque works instantly. I tried almost everything else, but the St. Ives stopped the itching immediately!

Anonymous said

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on 7/11/2006 We use a 5 to 1 water to bleach cocktail in a spray bottle for clean-ups in the kitchen. The bleach water also works to kill the sting in mosquito and fire ant bites.