How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are something most people have dealt with at one time or another. If treated correctly, they can heal in just three or four days. To help mosquito bites, take the following actions:

1. Thoroughly wash the bites with soap and warm water.
2. To help reduce swelling or itching, apply an ice pack for ten-minute intervals.
3. Use anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help with itchiness
4. For quick healing, avoid scratching the mosquito bites.

How to Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching

After being bitten by a mosquito, symptoms can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up. Typically, the itching starts rather quickly. At first, the bite will look like a raised white welt but will reduce to a red bump in a day or so. To alleviate the itching sensation, use ice packs and OTC creams for immediate relief. You may also choose to use anti-inflammatories or antihistamines to help with the Most importantly, resist the temptation to scratch away at the bites. Doing so will lengthen and worsen your symptoms.

Best Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Thankfully, there are many things you likely have in your home that can help treat mosquito bites. Always do a skin patch test before proceeding with any of these homemade or natural remedies. A few of the most common homemade remedies include:

1. Baking soda & water. Create a paste using 1 tablespoon baking soda and water. Apply to the mosquito bite, let sit for ten minutes, and wash off.
2. Oatmeal. An oatmeal paste created using equal amounts of oatmeal and water can be applied to the skin with a washcloth. You can also try an oatmeal bath by sprinkling a cup of ground oats into a warm-water bath.
3. Honey. Used for many at-home treatments, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A small drop on a mosquito bite can reduce inflammation and reduce the desire to scratch.
4. Aloe vera. Not just used for sunburns, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the symptoms from mosquito bites.

When to See a Doctor for Mosquito Bites

If you start to come down with more severe symptoms, it’s time to visit your medical professional. More serious symptoms include fevers, rashes, nausea, and allergic reactions. Thankfully, most mosquito bites can typically heal right at home in less than a week.