Mosquitos bites can be irritating at the least but sometimes may cause greater issues. They are known to be carriers of disease. Oftentimes, a mosquito bite can commonly cause red bumps, itching and just redness, a warm sensation. It may rarely cause what is known as skeeter syndrome which is an inflammatory reaction to mosquito saliva. It is characterized by large red bumps up to 2-10 cm and develops within an hour today of a mosquito bite and is often seen in kids. Read more to find out how to manage them. 

Home remedies for mosquito bites:

• Apply crushed ice to the affected area. The ice can help numb the itch and reduce inflammation. You can also use a cold pack filled with crushed ice for better results. Remember to use a thin cloth as a barrier between the skin and the ice. 

• Oatmeal is surprisingly an efficient home remedy for mosquito bites. The compounds in oatmeal have anti-irritation properties. Simply make a paste out of equal parts oatmeal and water. Apply it to the affected area and wait for 10 minutes before wiping the skin clean. 

• Honey has good anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it helps in relieving symptoms of itching and promotes healing. Apply a good amount to the infected area before wiping it with a wet cloth. 

• Aloe vera is a common house plant. The gel stored in the Aloe leaves has healing properties.it soothes and reduces the redness of mosquito bites. Apply the gel 2-3 times a day over the mosquito bite.

• Baking soda is a useful ingredient in every household for various needs. From baking to healing mosquito bites, its purposes are endless.it soothes the redness & stinging sensation of a mosquito bite. The baking soda healing paste is made by including equal parts water and baking soda. 

• A Basil mixture can be used to treat irritated skin. Simply add two ounces of dried basil leaves to 2 cups of boiling water. Bring it to a boil. Dip a cloth in the basil rub and apply carefully to the mosquito itch. 

• Thyme has antiseptic properties. It can greatly help in soothing the itch. A great option for it is easily available. Mince the thyme leaves finely and apply directly to the affected area. 

• Chamomile tea can be used in several ways other than for relaxing. Use a chamomile tea bag and store it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then directly apply the cold tea bag to the swollen mosquito bite. This reduces inflammation and speeds recovery. Store it for further use. 

• A lemon balm made from boiling lemon leaves and water or finely cut lemon leave act as natural healers to a mosquito bite. The tannin and polyphenols reduce the risk of inflammation and ease the pain. 

• Calamine lotion is easily available over the counter. It helps in soothing effect and reduces redness of bite.

• Tea tree oil is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that helps in the healing of mosquito bites.

• Peppermint oil, due to menthol as a constituent agent soothes the affected site and helps reduce redness when applied to the bite.

What to do when a mosquito bites you?

Mosquito bites are inevitable, especially in a tropical climate. Sometimes one does not realise the bite before it becomes untameable. Some symptoms of a mosquito bite include- a red itchy bump or oftentimes several red bumps which appear sometime after the bite. It can also form dark spots or small blisters upon healing. 

Some things you must and must not do after identifying a mosquito bite include- 

• Do not scratch the bite. 
• If you are allergic to some ingredient, do not use it as a treatment.
• Do not use home remedies if your skin is sensitive or if there are cuts and open wounds.
• Do not self medicate.
• Check with the doctor if symptoms worsen than normal. 
• Consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like fever, joint pain, vomiting and tiredness a few days after a mosquito bite. These may be the signs of a vector-borne infection like malaria, dengue or chikungunya. 

Essentially, mosquito bites can elevate to serious diseases like malaria, chikungunya and dengue. We must stay alert and aware of ways to heal skin problems associated with mosquito bites and take all precautions to stay away from mosquitoes.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situatio