How to Get Rid of Swelling Red Bumps From Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes prefer snacking on sugary nectar but female mosquitoes need blood to hatch their eggs. As she pierces your skin with her needle like mouth, she injects her unique saliva into the injection point to keep the blood from clotting. Red, raised bumps appear as a result of an allergic reaction to her saliva. Some people see relief from swelling and itching after a few hours; others suffer for days. Get rid of the irritating red bumps a little faster by administering good wound care.

Instructions

1. Clean the bite with a warm washcloth. Rub an alcohol swab on the spot to disinfect it. Apply an ice pack to the mosquito bite to relieve the itching and swelling. This is only effective immediately after the bite.

2. Dab on an antihistamine cream to the mosquito bite to reduce the swelling and lessen the itch. Do this every time you shower or the area gets wet.

3. Mix a poultice of baking soda and water. Apply it the paste to the mosquito bite every few hours until you see relief.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage to protect it from infection.

• Take a liquid antihistamine to treat multiple bites. Follow the directions on the medication.

• If your face or throat swells call your doctor as this may be indicative of a serious allergic reaction.

• Avoid scratching the bite as this may cause infection.

References

• Rutgers: FAQs on Mosquitos
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Insect Bites and Stings
• Skeeterbite: How to Treat a Mosquito Bite