Recognizing a mosquito bite
Do you have a big red pimple on your skin that is hard to the touch and itchy? You’ve probably been bitten by a mosquito. These symptoms appear a few minutes or a day or two after the bite, in some cases.
How long does it take for the bite to go away naturally?
A minimal reaction is observed in the majority of individuals with the appearance of small bumps or irritating red pimples during the 20 minutes following the bite. In general, the itching is most intense within 24 to 48 hours. The bite usually fades in three to four days, but complete healing can take up to a week.
Why is mosquito bite itchy?
In summer, no one is spared mosquito bites, especially those of tiger mosquitoes. It’s itchy and itchy! And it’s not pleasant… Curious about why the mosquito bite makes you itch? Be aware that when female mosquitoes bite, they secrete protein-rich saliva that numbs the bitten area and prevents clotting. The immune system reacts to this saliva by causing itching and swelling after a while. It is a natural defense response of the body against this substance not recognized by our skin’s immune system.
Natural creams and remedies to make the bite disappear faster
Creams
Mosquito bites can be relieved by the use of antihistamines that block the action of histamine, which is responsible for itching. In the form of tablets to be swallowed or topical creams to be applied to the skin, they act directly on the bite to relieve it.
The cream containing hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and soothes itching. It can be purchased without a prescription or with a doctor’s prescription, but it is not recommended for children, pregnant women or people with skin infections. It is used with caution and moderation only for short periods of time, following the recommendations of a health care professional.
Natural Remedies
You got stung… The damage is done! Here are some natural remedies to relieve and reduce pain.
Did you know that toothpaste can relieve mosquito bites? It contains menthol and baking soda which have an effective action in soothing itching and irritation, while reducing inflammation.
What if we talk about oats? It is mixed with a little water to form a paste. Apply to the bite for at least 10 minutes to soothe itching and swelling. Clever no!
Thanks to its astringent properties, witch hazel can be used as a buffer or liquid to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
A small amount of honey is enough to reduce swelling, speed healing, and prevent infections.
Cold is known to reduce swelling. So, go for it by applying ice to soothe the itching and cause a constriction of the blood vessels.
You can also use the cut onion trick that you apply over the mosquito bite. The quercetin in onion acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
They don’t just smell good! Essential oils like basil, thyme, peppermint, lavender, clove, geranium, white camphor, and lemongrass have anti-inflammatory properties that calm inflammation, soothe itching, and reduce swelling.
How to use it: Apply a drop of essential oil to the bite and massage gently, without rubbing.
Caution
Essential oils are not recommended for children under 7 years of age and for pregnant women.
It is useful for flavoring our dishes, but not only… It also serves to reduce swelling and soothe itching, thanks to its allicin content. Our instructions: crush a clove of garlic, mix it with essential oil or coconut oil and apply to the bite. Instant relief!
We all know the virtues of aloe vera in cosmetics! It also has beneficial properties to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation and promote healing in the event of a mosquito bite. Always keep this gel on hand as you will need it to make several applications a day.
Things to avoid in the event of a mosquito bite
It is essential to take certain precautions when bitten by a mosquito (the tiger mosquito is the most virulent). To avoid any complications, here are the gestures to be banned:
- Scratching the sting: This gest should be avoided as it can lead to infection.
- Apply heat: If you heat the bite, you may aggravate the inflammation and itching.
How to make the mosquito bite no longer itchy?
Here are some methods to try at home to stop the itching caused by mosquito bites:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications such as Apaisyl gel and Sedermyl can also soothe itching from insect and mosquito bites and rashes.
- Anti-itch pasta: An anti-itch paste is prepared by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the bite for 10 minutes, then rinse. It is possible to reapply if the itching persists.
- Ice packs: Use ice to soothe the inflammatory reaction and relieve itching.
When to worry about a mosquito bite?
Symptoms that require emergency care include:
- Fever or chills
- Red lines starting from the bite
- Increased pain in the area of the sting
- Increased heat to the touch of the bite
- Discharge of yellow pus from the bite
- Red area extending around the bite
- Noticeable swelling beyond what is usually seen after the bite
Tips to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes
Do you want to prevent mosquito bites? Here are the tips we recommend you follow, especially during the beautiful summer days:
- Avoid wooded and grassy areas where mosquitoes are common.
- Be sure to wear covering clothing when you’re outside.
- Avoid colorful clothing and scented products in areas where there is a high presence of mosquitoes. Favor dark colors.
- Use mosquito nets for the windows and bed.
Expert Tip
To prevent mosquito attacks:
- Remove any standing water from flower pots, watering cans or any other container on your terrace or garden, containing rainwater for example, because mosquitoes lay their eggs there.
- Wear loose clothing as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing like leggings.
- Be alert for mosquito bites on the face of some babies and older children, which can cause swelling around the eyes. If necessary, consult a health care professional.
FAQ
How to get rid of mosquito bites faster?
To reduce swelling due to mosquito bites, use an ice pack and apply a calamine lotion or gel. This accelerates the disappearance of inflammation.
Do mosquito bites leave scars?
Are you worried about scars after a mosquito bite? Don’t panic! Just avoid scratching and opening the scabs from the bites, as this can damage the new skin that forms underneath, leading to scarring and infection. In addition, people who develop an allergic reaction to mosquito bites often have blisters, redness, or persistent inflammation, which increases the risk of scarring.
Should you squeeze a mosquito bite?
It is not recommended to squeeze a mosquito bite, as this “can cause additional irritation and the release of more histamines, thus aggravating the itching,” explains the expert. “It’s best to avoid squeezing or scratching mosquito bites. Squeezing the bite area will not remove the mosquito’s saliva from your skin, contrary to what some online information might suggest,” says the expert.
Does scratching mosquito bites make them last longer?
The duration of a mosquito bite differs from person to person. The itching can last a few minutes or a few days depending on the level of irritation. However, the more you scratch, the more they persist.
Why am I so bitten by mosquitoes?
In general, mosquitoes and insects bite, either to defend themselves or to feed on the blood. Mosquitoes are greedy for our blood and the proteins it contains. Even when we leave them alone, they come to annoy us! They detect us by our smell and the substances released by our body, such as lactic acid, uric acid and other products present in perspiration. If you exercise outdoors, you will be more prone to mosquito bites. In addition, people with blood type O are more bitten by mosquitoes than those with blood groups A and B, as researcher and biologist Richard Vadeboncoeur explains.
