• Eczema
• Hives
• Infections

How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites

Are mosquito bites driving you crazy with constant itching and irritation? 

Whether you’re dealing with bites at home or preparing for travel, we’ll share tips on how to prevent mosquito bites and relieve discomfort. 

In this article, you’ll also learn when it’s time to see a doctor and how to stay protected from more serious health risks associated with mosquito bites.

What are Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito bites – medically known as papular urticaria – are red, itchy bumps that form when a mosquito bites your skin. 

Female mosquitoes are the ones responsible for biting, as they need blood to nourish their eggs. When they “bite,” they insert their proboscis — a needle-like mouthpart — into the skin and secrete anti-clotting proteins to keep the blood flowing. 

These proteins are foreign to the human body, triggering an immune response. Immune cells, known as mast cells release histamine, which causes the characteristic itching and swelling. 

Papular urticaria is more common in children or adults who are not regularly exposed to mosquitoes, as they have not yet undergone the desensitization process where the immune system learns to tolerate mosquito proteins. 

This process can take months or years and fades if you leave mosquito-prone areas for a prolonged time. 

Mosquitoes are responsible for the majority of bug bites worldwide.

How Do Female Mosquitoes Find and Bite Humans?

Female mosquitoes, unlike males, are drawn to humans by the carbon dioxide we exhale, which they can detect from over 30 feet away. 

Once they get closer, they use body odors, sweat, and body heat to find exposed skin. 

Mosquito season generally runs from summer to fall, when female mosquitoes are more active and seek blood to lay their eggs.

Understanding the breeding, life cycle, and biting patterns of mosquitoes is essential not only to prevent their annoying bites but also to guard against the diseases they spread. 

Female mosquitoes can spread dangerous illnesses so it's important to reduce exposure during mosquito season.

How do you know that a mosquito has bitten you?

It can be tricky to tell whether you're dealing with flea bites or mosquito bites — especially if you have pets. But knowing what's bitten you will make it easier to control these pests. 

Mosquitoes typically bite exposed skin and thrive in warm climates near open water sources like puddles, lakes, ponds, and even pools. 

In contrast, fleas usually bite where clothing fits snugly — like your ankle cuff —  and their bites often appear in clusters. 

Fleas are more commonly found in homes with pets or livestock.

Symptoms of mosquito bites

Mosquito or flea bites usually result in mild symptoms that are easy to treat at home. Here are some common signs:

• Red, itchy bumps

• Swelling around the bite

• Warmth or mild discomfort

However, in rare cases, bites can trigger more serious allergic reactions. Watch for the following extreme symptoms:

• Hives  

• Swelling in the throat  

• Faintness  

• Wheezing  

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Immediate Steps After Being Bitten

To get quick relief from mosquito bites, it's essential to take immediate action. Simple remedies can help soothe itching, reduce swelling, and prevent infection. 

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Wash the bite area with clean soap and water  

• Avoid scratching the bite to prevent further irritation  

• Use an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and irritation  

• Avoid using topical antihistamines as they may worsen irritation  

• If you're in a malaria area, consult your healthcare provider for additional guidance  

These steps can help manage the discomfort while also ensuring proper bite relief and protection from potential complications.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Dealing with itchy mosquito bites can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are effective methods for treating mosquito bites and finding relief.

When a mosquito bites, the itching and swelling can be uncomfortable, but quick treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. 

Listed below are simple and effective ways to treat mosquito bites and get fast relief from the itching and discomfort.

Hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream is a mild steroid medication that helps reduce inflammation and itching at the site of a mosquito bite. 

It is available over the counter and is often used for conditions like eczema and poison ivy exposure as well. 

There are different forms and strengths of hydrocortisone, including creams, gels, lotions, ointments, and foams. 

If a stronger steroid is needed, such as betamethasone, your doctor can prescribe it if 1% hydrocortisone does not provide adequate relief. 

Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your situation.

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion has anti-itch and soothing properties that help relieve discomfort. Part of its soothing effect comes from its ability to evaporate on the skin. 

As it evaporates from the rash or bite area, it draws heat away from the site of swelling, creating a cooling sensation and providing relief from itching and irritation.

Antihistamines

Only systemic (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) antihistamines, which work throughout the body, help to relieve itching from mosquito bites. 

Nonsedating antihistamines are the most effective for reducing itching, as they counteract the immune reaction triggered by the bite. 

Some examples include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.

Anti-inflammatories 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with some mosquito bites. 

They work by blocking the body's production of chemicals that cause inflammation. 

Typical examples include ibuprofen and diclofenac. However, it's important to use them as directed, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Home remedies

If you're looking for quick and easy relief from mosquito bites, several home remedies can help soothe itching and irritation.

• Aloe vera applied directly to the bite

• Using cold compress like an ice pack on the affected area

• Baking soda and water paste applied for 10 minutes

• Using fragrance-free moisturizers

• Washing the area with soap and water

How Can You Prevent Mosquito Bites?

Preventing mosquito bites is essential, especially in areas where mosquitoes carry diseases. By taking a few key precautions, you can reduce your risk of getting bitten:

• Use insect repellent that is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants, ensuring they fit loosely for comfort.

• Treat clothing with permethrin — a synthetic chemical used as an insect repellent applied to clothing and gear — for added protection.

• Follow travel safety guidelines, including getting travel vaccinations and prophylactic medications as recommended. Some of these may need to be started two to three weeks before travel and continued for up to a month after returning.

• Use mosquito nets for added protection while sleeping.

• Eliminate or close open sources of water where mosquitoes breed.

• Ensure your windows and doors are equipped with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

What are the Health Risks of Mosquito Bites?

Health risks from mosquito bites depend on the species of mosquito and can vary by region. However, all mosquito bites have the potential to become infected, especially if scratched. 

Beyond infection, mosquitoes are carriers of serious diseases, making them dangerous contributors to global health risks.

Some of these include:

• Malaria: A life-threatening disease caused by the female Anopheles mosquito, malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In 2022, there were 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths reported.

Symptoms include fatigue, chills, headache, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and seizures. Both preventive and curative treatments are available, particularly in developed nations.

• Yellow fever: A virus spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The disease gets its name from the jaundice it often causes. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available to prevent yellow fever.

• West Nile virus (WNV): Spread by mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus. Around 80% of infected people show no symptoms, but about 1 in 150 may develop severe illness, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain (meningitis). 

Common symptoms include headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, high fever, confusion, coma, and potentially death.

• Zika virus: Spread by the Aedes mosquito, the Zika virus poses a particular risk to pregnant women as it can cause birth defects like microcephaly in newborns. Other symptoms include mild fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available for Zika.

When Should You See a Doctor for Mosquito Bites?

While most bites are harmless, you should consult a healthcare professional in certain cases. Be sure to see your doctor in the following cases: 

• Before traveling, consult your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations or medications for your destination.  

• If you develop worrisome symptoms after travel, always mention your travel history.  

• If you are immunocompromised, such as living with HIV, mosquito bites may cause severe reactions like papular pruritic eruption.  

• Severe itching or pain that doesn't respond to OTC treatments.  

• Signs of an infected mosquito bite.  

• If you're unsure about the cause of persistent rashes.

Where Can You Learn More About Finding Relief for Itchy Mosquito Bites?

Are you concerned about pesky mosquito bites during the summer or your next trip? LifeMD can help.  

Whether you need to get vaccinated before traveling, pain relief for insect bites, or advice on managing skin irritation, speak to one of the doctors via a telehealth consult. If stronger medication is required, we may be able to provide the necessary prescription. 

Make your appointment today to take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now

Text

Call