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How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Everyone deals with mosquito bites at some point. They can be extremely irritating, but in the vast majority of cases, they’re not dangerous. As long as you resist the urge to scratch your bites, they will most likely heal in three to four days. Here’s what we recommend doing to treat mosquito bites: 

  1. Wash bites with soap and warm water as soon as you notice them.
  2. Apply an ice pack if needed to help reduce itching and swelling.
  3. If itching is difficult to resist, try anti-inflammatory creams, antihistamines, and over-the-counter hydrocortisone.

Professional mosquito control treatments are a great way to reduce mosquito populations on your property and reduce the chances of bites.

Adult treating mosquito bites on child's leg

How to Make Mosquito Bites Stop Itching

Bites can appear anywhere from a few minutes to a day afterward. At first, the bite will resemble a raised white welt; it will reduce to a red bump in a day or so. To alleviate the immediate itching, apply an ice pack and over-the-counter ointment. 

Anti-inflammatories or antihistamines can reduce severe symptoms. Again, resist the temptation to scratch. Doing so will worsen symptoms and put you at risk of developing an infection.

What are Some Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites?

There are many home remedies you can try to help treat mosquito bites:

  1. Baking soda and water: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of water to create a paste. Apply it to the bite. Let it sit on your skin for ten minutes and wash away.
  2. Oatmeal: It’s not just for chickenpox. You can also use oatmeal to alleviate severe mosquito bites. Mix a little bit with water to create a paste and apply it to the skin with a washcloth. You can also try an oatmeal bath by adding a cup of oats to a warm bath.
  3. Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A small drop on a mosquito bite can reduce inflammation and the desire to scratch.
  4. Aloe vera: Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe symptoms associated with mosquito bites.

Always do a skin patch test before proceeding with any of these remedies. Apply it to a small area of your skin and monitor it. This is to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

When to See a Doctor for Mosquito Bites?

If you start feeling sick with fever, rash, nausea, or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Fortunately, this type of reaction is rare.

How To Treat Mosquito Bites in Central Tennessee

Serving Central Tennessee

Murfreesboro, TN | Smyrna, TN | Christiana, TN | La Vergne, TN | Brentwood, TN | Franklin, TN | Lebanon, TN | Mt. Juliet, TN | Nolensville, TN | Woodbury, TN | College Grove, TN | Rockvale, TN | Hermitage, TN | Liberty, TN | Spring Hill, TN | Thompsons Station, TN