Mosquito bites are common itchy bumps that occur after mosquitoes use the mouth parts to puncture the skin and feed on the blood. These bumps usually clear up on their own in a few days. Rarely mosquito bites cause a large area of soreness, redness, and swelling. This kind of reaction, which is most common in children, is usually known as skeeter syndrome.
Bites from mosquitoes are carrying some parasites or viruses that can cause certain illness. Infected mosquitoes all over the world transmit West Nile virus to people. Some other mosquito-borne infections can include malaria, yellow fever and certain types of brain infection (encephalitis).
Symptoms of Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bite symptoms usually include:
- A swollen, reddish and white bump, which appears a few minutes after the bite;
- An itchy, hard, red-brown bump (or several bumps), appearing a day or two after the bites;
- Small blisters instead of bump, and/or
- Little dark spots that seem like bruises;
Occasionally, a person can experience:
- Hives;
- Low-grade fever;
- A very large swollen and red area, and/or
- Swollen lymph bumps
Children are more prone to develop a serious reaction than are adults because most of the adults have had insect bites through their lives and become anesthetized.
14 Natural Treatments for Mosquito Bites
Home remedies can help you get a mosquito bites relief really fast. Quickly stop the itching and swelling with a safe and cost-efficient home remedy!
All you need to do is use some of the following amazing natural remedies for mosquito bites when you feel the first symptoms:
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has great antiseptic properties, which can help heal mosquito bites and many other bacteria-infected wounds. It also will help ease itchiness and swelling.
Just use a cotton ball to apply tea tree oil to the infected area.
Note: In case you have sensitive skin, don’t use tea tree oil because it can cause skin irritation.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar immediately when you first feel the itchy bite. Apply some directly on the affected place. In case you have many itchy bumps all over your body, you can take a warm bath filled with water and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and can help treat some calm infections and minor wounds, as well as mosquito bites. Just cut a little aloe Vera leaf and take the gel from it. Apply the gel on the itching bump. You will feel instant relief.
- Ice
When you first notice the bitten place an ice cube directly on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. It will help reduce itching and swelling. Cold temperature can lessen inflammation and give you instant relief from the bite.
- Baking Soda and Water
Simply make a thick paste by using ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste generously on the infected place. You will fell a great relief shortly afterwards.
- Onion
Onion has been valued for its medicinal qualities by numerous cultures around the world. A fresh slice of onion can help you get rid of itching, swelling and redness. Just place it on the affected place for a few minutes until the itching completely disappears. Wash the area with some water afterwards.
- Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has incredible soothing properties and will help you provide relief from mosquito bites. Simply apply some lavender oil on a cotton ball and place it on the affected area. In case, you don’t have lavender oil you can use cedar or rosemary oil as well. They can also help you reduce the itchiness and swelling.
Note: In case you have sensitive skin, don’t use tea tree oil because it can cause skin irritation.
- Toothpaste
Try applying a very small amount of toothpaste for quick relief from an insect bite. Allow it to dry and then you can rinse it off.
- Honey
Organic honey has many anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is a traditional remedy for reducing inflammation and healing wounds. A small drop of raw honey on the itchy bite can be the relief you need.
- Salt
Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of salt into a 1 teaspoon of water. Apply it on the bite. Your Health Tubers recommend you to use a finely ground Himalayan salt for better results.
- Lemon
You can use lemon or lime to treat mosquito bite. Just squeeze a very small amount of lemon juice directly on your affected place. Alternatively, you can take a slice of a lemon and rub it directly on the bite.
- Garlic
Garlic contains a potent compound known as allicin that has incredible medical properties. It helps to relieve many health ailments and skin conditions. Just rub a piece of garlic on the bite. You may feel a small amount of some mild burning, but you will feel a great relief afterwards. It is also very useful for treating mosquito bites in children because it cannot cause any caution. Moreover, the garlic smell will help prevent the mosquitos from biting more later.
- Basil
Many studies suggest that this herb contains powerful chemical compounds, as eugenol, which can relieve itchy skin. If you have many mosquito bites, just make a cup of basil tea (boil a cup of water, add a few dried basil leaves in it, and leave it for 10 minutes – you are done), and dip a washcloth into the basil tea. Then, gently rub your affected area. Alternately, use some fresh basil leaves to rub them on the affected place. The smell of basil will also prevent the mosquitos from coming back.
- Alcohol
It is a traditional household antiseptic used to relieve various irritations and infections. Rubbing alcohol on your affected area can help you relieve itching caused by mosquito bite and reduce the chance of developing some infection.
Simply put some alcohol on a cotton ball and then, rub it on the bite. You will soon feel great relief from the itching and swelling. In case, you don’t have alcohol you can use mouthwash, which contains some amount of alcohol.
Other Tips:
- Wash the bite with water as soon as you know it is there.
- You may react to mosquitoes from a different place more than your hometown. There are various species of mosquitos, therefore, you might react to the bites of certain species more than others.
- Dry skin can make you itch even more, so you should apply some moisturizer on your skin.
- If you have bites on the foot you should cover them with a band-aid to avoid infections.
- In summer, use an antihistamine, a bug spray, or wear mosquito repellent bracelet before going out.
- Do not scratch the bite.
- If the insect bites are mostly around your ankles or feet, try putting long socks on.
When to Visit Your Doctor
If your mosquito bites seem to be related to more serious warning symptoms – as a headache, fever, body aches and certain signs of infection – you need to see your doctor.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Keeping your skin covered and using insect repellent when outdoors will help you avoid being bitten. Moreover, you should avoid traveling in certain places of the world, as Africa, South America, and Asia. Plus, you should avoid visiting places where the Zika virus is active. It is, therefore, significant to be aware of some risks before visiting these areas and to get the necessary medications or vaccinations.
Conclusion:
Home remedies can help you treat mosquito bites. However, don’t get discouraged if some remedy doesn’t work right away. Certain remedies might take 2-3 applications before its effect fully kick in. Of course, the best way to protect yourself from itchy bumps is to not get bitten at all! You should keep in mind that these bugs are more active in the evening and at night. In order to fully enjoy a summer evening outdoors, cover your skin, use a basil, or wear mosquito repellent and stay away from standing water to decrease the chance of getting bit.
Do you know some other mosquito bites home treatments? If so, Your Health Tubers would love to hear about them in the comments below, or share this article if you found it helpful!