If you love outdoor activities in the summer, there's a good chance you'll get bitten by a mosquito at least a couple of times. While these stings can cause itching and irritation, the good news is that they heal on their own in 2 to 3 days. In the meantime, there are a few methods you can try to relieve irritation and itching so that the mosquito bites heal sooner.
Steps
Method 1 of 11: Try not to scratch yourself
Step 1. Scratching a mosquito bite can cause an infection
An infected wheal takes a lot longer to heal, so try your best to avoid scratching. It won't be easy, because the itch will be quite strong, but there are several tricks to combat it! You can also forget about itching by distracting yourself with other activities.
If your child can't stop scratching, cut his nails so he doesn't get hurt
Method 2 of 11: Wash the sting with soap and water
Step 1. Try to do this as soon as you notice the sting
Use cold water to relieve swelling and itching. If you have a lot of wheals all over your body, take a cold shower and wash yourself with a mild soap.
Method 3 of 11: Hold an ice pack over the sting
Step 1. Applying ice to the mosquito bite relieves itching and swelling
Wrap the ice with a kitchen towel and apply it to the affected area for about 10 minutes. This will reduce itching and swelling, so the wheal will appear less irritated.
- If you don't have ice, use a cold towel.
- You can repeat the treatment a couple of times a day, when the sting is swollen or itchy a lot.
Method 4 of 11: Apply calamine lotion to the sting
Step 1. You can also use a hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream
Apply a small drop of one of the suggested products directly to the sting to soothe the inflamed skin. You can safely repeat the treatment 3-4 times a day, until the symptoms disappear.
Buy these products at the pharmacy. Make sure you read the label and follow the instructions on the package
Method 5 of 11: Cover the sting with a baking soda paste
Step 1. Baking soda can help soothe irritation and itching
To make a paste based on this substance, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply the paste to the sting, wait 10 minutes, then wash off with cold water.
- Repeat the application a couple of times a day, until the discomfort disappears.
- This is a great alternative if you don't have calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on hand.
Method 6 of 11: Smear aloe vera on the sting
Step 1. Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes inflamed skin
Get a gel that contains this substance at your local pharmacy and apply it gently on the mosquito bite. Leave it on your skin until it is absorbed to reduce redness and irritation.
It doesn't happen very often, but aloe vera can irritate some people's skin. If the affected area becomes red or irritated after applying the gel, wash off immediately with cold water
Method 7 of 11: Reduce redness with witch hazel
Step 1. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe itching
Spray a small amount of liquid onto a cotton pad or swab and gently apply it to the bite. You can buy witch hazel extract at many drugstores.
Studies on the effectiveness of witch hazel have yielded mixed results. However, don't take any risks to try it! It is a natural and gentle astringent
Method 8 of 11: Try soaking in Epsom salts
Step 1. Epsom salts can relieve both pain and itching
Fill a bathtub with cold or room temperature water and add the Epsom salts as directed on the package. Stay in the water for 30 minutes or 1 hour, always leaving the affected area submerged.
Some studies on the effectiveness of Epsom salts in treating insect bites are unclear. However, you are in no danger of trying this remedy and checking if it produces good results
Method 9 of 11: Take an oral antihistamine
Step 1. An over-the-counter antihistamine can relieve swelling and itching in the bite area
Head to your local pharmacy and get an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Zirtec or Fexallegra. Follow the dosage directions on the package to relieve symptoms and reduce itching.
If you want to treat a small child who has been bitten by a mosquito, consult your pediatrician before giving him medication
Method 10 of 11: Relieves itching with strong pressure
Step 1. You can use a small object to get some relief
If itching becomes difficult to control, press a small object, such as a pen cap or a dime, directly onto the sting. Hold it still for 10 seconds, then remove it. You should feel some relief, but you can repeat the treatment as many times as you like.
- You can also press your nail against the sting.
- Many mosquito bites itch for 3-4 days.
Method 11 of 11: Call the doctor if the sting becomes infected
Step 1. Infected stings must be treated with antibiotics
If you think your wound may be infected, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. In general, stings that remain for more than 4-5 days require medical intervention. Other symptoms of an infection include:
- Redness that extends beyond the area of the sting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills;
- Pus;
- Warm skin to the touch;
- Fever.
