If you enjoy outdoor activities in the dry season, there's a good chance you'll get bitten by mosquitoes-at least once or twice. These bites are sometimes itchy and irritating, but luckily they go away on their own in 2-3 days. While waiting, there are several methods you can follow to reduce irritation and itching so that mosquito bites disappear faster.
Step
Method 1 of 11: Try not to scratch the mosquito bite
Step 1. Scratching mosquito bites can actually trigger infection
Infected bites take longer to disappear so try not to scratch the mosquito bite marks on your skin. These scars may be so itchy that it will be hard for you not to scratch them, but this article provides a variety of tricks to help you deal with the itching! You can also distract from the itching by trying other activities.
If your little one is bitten by a mosquito and can't stop scratching the bite mark on his skin, trim his nails so he can't scratch the bite mark easily
Method 2 of 11: Wash mosquito bites with soap and water
Step 1. Try to clean mosquito bite marks as soon as you see them
Use cold water to reduce swelling and itching. If you get a lot of mosquito bites all over your body, take a cold shower and wash your body with soap.
Method 3 of 11: Apply an ice pack to the mosquito bite
Step 1. Cooling mosquito bites can relieve itching and swelling
Take an ice pack or a bag of ice cubes, wrap it in a towel, and place it on the mosquito-bite area for 10 minutes. This treatment helps relieve itching and reduce swelling so that mosquito bites don't look so annoying or bothersome.
- If you don't have ice at home, use a washcloth dipped in cold water.
- You can try this method several times a day whenever the mosquito bite is swollen or itchy.
Method 4 of 11: Apply calamine lotion to the bite mark
Step 1. You can also use hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream
Simply apply a small amount of the product directly to the bite mark to soothe inflamed skin. Lotions or creams like this are safe to use 3-4 times a day until the bite symptoms subside.
You can buy these products from the nearest pharmacy. Make sure you read the product label and follow the directions on the back of the package
Method 5 of 11: Cover the bite mark with baking soda paste
Step 1. Baking soda can relieve irritation and itching
To make a baking soda paste, mix 3 teaspoons (15 grams) of baking soda with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of water. Apply the paste on the bite, wait 10 minutes, then rinse the skin with cold water.
- Use this paste several times a day until the bite marks disappear.
- This paste can be a great alternative if you don't have or can get calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Method 6 of 11: Apply aloe vera gel on the mosquito bite area
Step 1. Aloe vera can soothe and moisturize inflamed skin
Buy aloe vera gel from the nearest pharmacy and apply it on the bite mark. Leave the gel on the skin until absorbed to reduce skin redness and irritation.
Although very rare, aloe vera gel can trigger skin irritation in some people. If your skin becomes red or develops a rash after using the gel, rinse the skin immediately with cold water
Method 7 of 11: Use a witch hazel product to reduce skin redness
Step 1. Witch hazel contains anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties. Take a small amount of the product on a cotton swab or cotton swab, then dab it on the mosquito bite. You can buy witch hazel extract from most pharmacies.
Studies regarding the effectiveness of witch hazel show mixed results. However, it never hurts to try the product! Witch hazel extract is a natural ingredient that is also a mild astringent
Method 8 of 11: Soak in a mixture of water and Epsom salts
Step 1. Epsom salt can soothe and relieve pain and itching
Fill a soaking tub with cold or room temperature water, then add the Epsom salt according to the directions on the package. Soak for 30 minutes to an hour and make sure the entire area where the mosquito bites it stays in the water.
Studies regarding the effectiveness of Epsom salt against insect bites have shown unclear results. However, it never hurts to try it to see if salt can give positive results
Method 9 of 11: Take an oral antihistamine
Step 1. Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve swelling and itching around the bite area
Visit a pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton. Follow the dosing instructions on the back of the package to relieve bite symptoms and reduce itching.
If you are dealing with mosquito bites in children, talk to your doctor before giving your little one any medication
Method 10 of 11: Relieve itching with firm pressure
Step 1. You can use a small object to relieve itching
If the itching is very annoying, apply a small difference such as a pen or coin cap directly to the mosquito bite. Hold for 10 seconds, then lift. You will feel more relieved, but will need to repeat this treatment as many times as needed.
- You can also press your fingernail on the mosquito bite.
- Usually, mosquito bites are itchy for 3-4 days.
Method 11 of 11: Call your doctor if the bite mark becomes infected
Step 1. Infected bite marks need to be treated with antibiotics
If you think the bite mark is infected, it's time to see a doctor. Usually, bite marks that last longer than 4-5 days require medical attention. Other signs of infection include:
- Reddish skin that extends beyond the initial bite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- happy
- Pus appears on the bite mark
- The bite mark feels warm to the touch
- Fever
