How to Heal Mosquito Bites

The itching sensation from a mosquito bite occurs due to your body’s mild allergic response to the saliva mosquitoes inject before biting. Female mosquitoes primarily feed on blood, which is why they spend most of their day feeding on various victims. Male mosquitoes do not bite. While mosquitoes can transmit dangerous viruses, most mosquito bites only result in mild itching.

Wash the bitten area with soap and water immediately after being bitten. This step will remove any mosquito saliva left on your skin, helping to heal the bite and prevent infection.

Apply ice immediately when you notice a mosquito bite. Most mosquito bites are not painful, so you might not even notice them until a few hours later. Using ice is an effective way to alleviate pain and swelling.

Soothe the bitten area with calamine lotion or an over-the-counter insect bite remedy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

Try home remedies to reduce pain and itching.

• Mix a small amount of water with baking soda to create a paste, then apply it to the mosquito bite.
• Use meat tenderizer powder with papain enzyme (such as Spice Cargo) and add a few drops of water to make a paste. Applying this mixture to the bite may help with itching and swelling.
• Crush an aspirin and add a little water to make a paste. Applying aspirin to the skin can help alleviate pain.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or acetaminophen. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided on the label of the medication.

• Try wiping with alcohol wipes. These wipes provide a cooling effect while helping to heal mosquito bites.
• Use citronella, linalool, and geraniol candles when relaxing outdoors. These products are known to repel female mosquitoes. Mosquitoes tend to bite at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
• Prevent mosquito bites by applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin before heading outdoors.
• Crush a Tums tablet and mix it with water to make a paste, then apply it to the bite to soothe itching. Calamine spray is also very effective.
• Do not scratch mosquito bites, as this can cause them to bleed, making the wound worse and take longer to heal. It's best to apply anti-itch cream and cover with a bandage.
• Unscented deodorant sticks can help relieve itching. Apply them to mosquito bites the same way you would under your arms.
• Use rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and apply it to the mosquito bite area.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is commonly known for its beauty benefits. However, it can also help reduce itching and swelling from mosquito bites. You can sprinkle the powder into a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes or mix it with water to apply directly to the bite.
• Honey: Did you know honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties? This is why it is used to treat sore throats and bruises. Apply a small amount of honey to the swollen area, and it will significantly reduce inflammation.
• Aloe Vera: Many people love aloe vera for its many uses: skincare, food, and healing minor wounds. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel is used to treat and reduce redness from mosquito bites. After the gel dries, if the itching persists, you can apply another layer.
• Potatoes: To reduce the redness from mosquito bites, you can try using potatoes. Cut a thin slice and rub it over the bite. After 5 minutes, replace it with another slice until the redness and itching are gone.

• Avoid scratching or picking at mosquito bites, as this can lead to further irritation and may cause scabbing or scarring.
• Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases from one person to another, such as malaria or the West Nile virus. Initial symptoms of West Nile virus infection include fever, headache, body aches, and swollen glands. If you experience any symptoms of a viral infection, it’s important to see a doctor immediately for treatment.