Mosquitoes are among the most annoying flying insects and their bites are associated with many different types of diseases and health conditions. So, if you have a mosquito problem at your home and are looking for some useful tips on how to treat mosquito bites, then this article has all the information you need. Just make sure to read it till the end.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
What Happens When a Mosquito Bites You
Mosquitos sit on you, pierce your skin with their unique mouthpart and suck up your blood. These bites may be very small but they leave visible and itchy red marks and bumps on your skin. The reaction from a mosquito bite also varies from person to person, depending on how sensitive their skin is.
While biting, mosquitos inject their saliva into the skin. The tendency of reaction from a mosquito bite significantly depends on the skin condition and allergy tendency of your body. Some people can also have a strong reaction, such as swelling or soreness from mosquito bites.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
If the mosquito activity in and around your home is peaking, then here are some of the most useful tips on how to prevent mosquito bites.
- First of all, you should do everything you can to keep mosquitos from entering your home. Make sure there is no puddle or any other place with stagnant water. If you have any water storage containers in your home, don’t leave them uncovered.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors, shadows and hues, so it is better for you to wear light-colored clothes, especially after sunset and when you are outdoors. It is one of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites.
- Mosquito repellents may not smell great but applying them is one of the best tips on how to prevent mosquito bites. If you are allergic to spray chemicals and prone to skin irritation, then be careful when using mosquito repellents. Due to the lower concentration of chemicals, they are considered safe for people of different age groups and even toddlers.
- Another great way to avoid mosquito bites is to stay indoors from sunset till sunrise. The nighttime is usually the most preferred feeding time for mosquitoes, so limiting your exposure to these annoying flying creatures will also help you reduce your chances of getting a mosquito bite.
Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Not all mosquito bites are harmful but some of them could lead to serious complications and health issues. Some of the most common diseases that are caused by the biting of mosquitoes include malaria, dengue, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus. The intensity of diseases may also vary from region to region and country to country. So, is there any particular treatment you need if you get bitten by a mosquito. Well, there are many different home remedies for mosquito bites that are simple yet very effective.
Oatmeal
It may be your favorite breakfast, but oatmeal is one of the most effective home remedies that you can use for itchiness and irritation that is caused by mosquitos injecting their saliva into your skin. Owing to the amazing anti-irritant qualities of oatmeal, it is mixed with water to form a paste-like substance. It is then applied onto a soft cloth, which you need to put paste-side down on the infected area for at least 10 minutes.
Honey
There are many amazing health benefits of honey, which makes it one of the most used edible items in the field of medicine. It’s a very sugary and sweet substance that has amazing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. You can apply a very small amount of honey (maybe 1 or 2 drops) where the mosquito has bitten you to reduce the intensity of inflammation as well as the temptation to itch and scratch the infected area.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is another very famous houseplant that is quite popular because of its amazing benefits for the health and well-being of people. The gel that this plant produces has spectacular anti-inflammatory properties. It can not only help you with healing wounds but also treat any bites from bugs and other types of flying insects like mosquitoes. Apply the Aloe Vera gel to the part of your skin that has been irritated and leave it to dry.
Witch Hazel
Known for its amazing astringent qualities, witch hazel is one of the most effective home remedies to treat mosquito bites. Witch hazel is used in the treatment of many different types of wounds as well as minor cuts and skin irritation. If you apply witch hazel to the infected part of the skin, it can significantly reduce inflammation like irritation and burning and speeds up the healing process.
Antihistamine Cream
It is one of the most common home remedies for mosquito bite treatments. You can use Antihistamine medical products, including pharmaceutical drugs that can make you very sleepy. If you don’t want to fall asleep, you can always go for the Antihistamine cream. It would not only soothe the infected or irritated part but also protects you from the potential side effects of using any type of oral antihistamines.
Ice Packs & Cold Compresses
Anything with extremely cold temperatures could be used to reduce inflammation caused by mosquito bites. Also, a sudden drop in temperature numbs the skin. It would provide instant pain relief. Take a cold pack and fill it up with crushed ice. Try to avoid putting ice directly on the infected part of your skin as it could possibly make the situation worse. Always use a washcloth or any available piece of soft fabric to create a barrier between the ice pack and your skin.
Essential Oils
Based on incredibly concentrated steam distilled extracts from different types of plant species, essential oils are available in various forms. Using them is one of the effective tips on how to treat mosquito bites. Some of the most common and popularly used essential oils for the remedy and cure of mosquito bites are Lemon eucalyptus oil, Lavender, Cinnamon oil, Thyme oil, Greek catnip oil, Soybean oil, Citronella, and Tea tree oil.
We hope the information we have shared above will help you in avoiding as well as treating mosquito bites. This way you keep yourself and others around you safe from the harmful diseases, infections, and allergies caused by mosquito bites.
