Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling. And some people may not notice bites at all. Others may build up a tolerance over time.
It may take a little experimentation to see what works best for you and your bite. Most of these remedies can be used as many times as needed to soothe the area. For medications, follow the instructions on the bottle.
If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin. Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties.
Read more: Honey for allergies ». Oatmeal has active properties that help soothe insect bites and allergic reactions, chicken pox, and dry skin. You can add oatmeal to a bath or apply it as a mask on your bug bite. Make a paste by adding a little water to colloidal oatmeal and apply to the affected area. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. You can also add honey to your paste for extra benefits. Moisturize with a cream after. Soak a bag of green or black tea and pop it in the fridge to cool it down.
Apply the cold tea bag over the bite to ease the itchiness. Basil has chemical compounds that can relieve itchy skin. You can apply basil oil like a lotion or make your own at home. After the mixture cools, dip a washcloth into the pot and apply it on the affected area.
For a more immediate treatment, chop up fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin. Antihistamines help lower the histamine count in your body and reduce inflammation. These are available over the counter and help with itchiness and swelling. You can take them orally Benadryl or Claritin or apply topically calamine lotion over the affected area. Lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents in over-the-counter creams. Within a few days, you should feel better. But if you give these a try and your mosquito bites look worse or just won't stop itching, see a healthcare provider for additional treatment, per the American Academy of Dermatology.
Use an ice pack, washcloth soaked in ice water, or even a cool bath to relieve your itch, per the University of Michigan Health Library. Another option is to apply an over-the-counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream according to the label instructions.
Look for ointments that contain lidocaine or benzocaine for an additional numbing effect, says Anna Guanche, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, CA. But talk to your doctor before using hydrocortisone products on young children as they could cause unwanted effects, per the Mayo Clinic. For speedy relief from lots of must-scratch bites, try a non-drowsy, over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec cetirizine , Allegra fexofenadine , or Claritin loratadine.
Dab some rubbing alcohol on bites if you're looking for quick, temporary relief, suggests Dr. Because it rapidly evaporates, rubbing alcohol could have a short-term cooling effect which may help relieve itchiness.
Too much alcohol can be irritating or burn, though, so only use a little. For a time-honored herbal remedy, try applying a cream that contains lemon balm essential oils to bites. Talk to a healthcare provider to make sure it's safe and determine the proper dosage if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child, per the Mount Sinai Health Library.
While home fixes for mosquito bites allow you to avoid toxic pesticides, mosquito bites can be risky, too. Children are more susceptible to large and pesky mosquito bites than adults, and while most bites are harmless, some people have a severe, even life-threatening allergic reaction. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC for more information on preventive measures you can take before traveling.
The best way to prevent mosquito bites naturally is to avoid the bugs themselves and know your own risk. Mosquitoes seem to be especially attracted to larger people and pregnant women. They are also attracted to sweet-smelling lotions and perfumes. Know that some mosquito breeds prefer dawn and dusk, while others love the hottest times of the day.
If you can, try to sleep in an air-conditioned area versus an open-air room , or consider putting mosquito netting around beds.
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Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Credit: Getty Images. Anti-itch cream for a mosquito bite. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
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