Few things are more annoying than coming home from your weekend trip or outdoor happy hour covered in mosquito bites. First order of business: figuring out how to get rid of mosquito bites. While the itching and swelling usually go away after a week (depending on how your immune system handles the bites), the dark spots and scarring left behind from scratching can last far longer.
“Mosquito bites have the potential to cause a local reaction that peaks after 20 to 30 minutes,” says board-certified anesthesiologist and physician Azza Halim, MD. This reaction is triggered by the mosquito’s saliva, which causes our immune system to release histamine and usually manifests as inflammation, itching, discomfort, and visible red bumps. When you can’t resist scratching these bug bites, they can scar, turn into dark spots, or even get infected.
Avoiding bites with bug screens and netting, mosquito repellent, bug spray, and clothing is the easiest way to not deal with any of the above. But when you inevitably get bitten this summer, here’s how to get rid of mosquito bites, according to dermatology experts.
What should I do when I get bitten by a mosquito?
Treat mosquito bites immediately, and the experts say you’ll see a big difference in how fast your bite goes down. Dr. Halim recommends washing any bites first, then applying a cold compress and topical hydrocortisone cream. While it’s a good idea to always keep a tube on hand during the warmer months, you can also turn to home remedies and apply a paste of baking soda and water, or a dab of toothpaste with baking soda. “Don’t scratch the area, as that can stimulate a histamine response cycle as well as increase risk of infection,” she says.
Another easy way to naturally slow inflammation from bites is ice. “If you ice immediately, you can stop inflammation in its tracks,” says dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD. Extreme cold temperatures are key to reducing swelling and itchiness—but in order to keep from further irritating your skin, wrap the ice cubes or an ice pack in a towel.
How to make mosquito bites stop itching
Whenever your insect bites start getting itchy, ice them or apply over-the-counter antihistamine creams or hydrocortisone for anti-inflammatory benefits and relief. You can also use aloe vera gel and OTC oral antihistamines to help with stopping the itch and healing the bites faster.
How can I tell whether I’m allergic to mosquito bites?
“Your body’s immune response to a mosquito bite can vary from mild to allergic to severe reactivity, which determines how much of a red itchy lump results from the bite,” says Dr. Halim.
If your bite is especially large, bruised, or raised into hives and welts, you’re likely allergic. Severe cases can also result in fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your throat. Most allergic reactions can be treated with Benadryl, calamine lotion, and anti-itch creams. “Use an EpiPen if your airway or respiratory symptoms are involved,” says Dr. Halim. And in severe cases, seek medical advice and visit your health care provider immediately.
How long do mosquito bites last?
Most mosquito bites will heal within 10 days, but Dr. Halim says that you can speed that up to five to seven if you’re diligent with care. After washing and cooling your itchy bites immediately, resist the urge to scratch them in the following days.
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