Getting Rid of Mosquito Bites: Effective Home Remedies for Itch Relief

In the United States, there exist around 200 distinct species of mosquitoes, whose presence becomes more noticeable as the temperature rises. Nobody anticipates the discomfort of itchy red bumps when they put on their summer attire.

As mosquito season escalates, USA TODAY is here to assist you with useful tips and techniques to make your encounters with these pests a bit more bearable. Whether you seek guidance on eliminating breeding mosquitoes in your yard, inquiries about mosquitoes as a species, or have questions about caring for mosquito bites, you've come to the right place.

Alleviating Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites can be bothersome and itchy, but there are methods to find relief using home remedies or over-the-counter creams. It is also advisable to cleanse the bite with warm soapy water, aiding in the elimination of any bacteria. Scratching should be avoided, as it can lead to infections.

Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand offers several ways to soothe and cool the skin while promoting a speedy recovery from mosquito bites:

• Ice cubes
• Cool compresses, like an ice pack or a wet cloth
• Hydrocortisone creams
• Anti-itch lotions
• Oral antihistamines

Another recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control is to mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the bite and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off.

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Characteristics of Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites typically manifest as swollen, reddish, or brown bumps, but they can also appear as miniature blisters or dark, bruise-like spots. The appearance of these bites can occur as soon as a few minutes after being bitten, or they may take up to a day to develop.

Duration of Mosquito Bites

Dr. Houshmand reveals that mosquito bites generally subside within a few hours, but they can persist for several days.

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When to Be Concerned About Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes may be tiny creatures, but it is crucial to take them seriously. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, mosquitoes that carry life-threatening diseases are responsible for approximately 725,000 deaths annually.

The presence of reddish and bumpy marks on your skin could indicate a routine mosquito bite, but it also leaves room for the possibility of other bug bites such as those caused by ticks or spiders. If these marks persist and are accompanied by lasting symptoms, it could mean that you have contracted a mosquito-borne illness.

According to Dr. Houshmand, in an email response to USA TODAY, it is crucial to seek medical assistance if you experience ongoing swelling, redness, or systemic symptoms like fever or chills. Both types of bites have the potential to cause itching, swelling, and redness.

The CDC explains that not everyone who gets bitten by a mosquito carrying a disease will fall ill, although those who do may experience significant swelling or redness, a slight fever, hives, or swollen lymph nodes.

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