Mosquito bites can be itchy, painful and annoying. Below are several ways to relieve the symptoms of mosquito bites.
There are natural home remedies to stop the itch using items that are already in your kitchen as well as lists of the best types of topical medicines to use on mosquito bites.
You will also find information on treating mosquito bites that have become infected and what to do for allergies to mosquito bites.
Topical Benadryl
The best treatment to keep mosquito bites from itching is topical Benadryl. The medicine in it works to block histamines, which are what causes the itch.
Benadryl comes in cream, spray, or gel form. The spray is the least recommended form because it often doesn't cover the full surface area, but the spray will still work. The cream and the gel will start relieving the itch within minutes of application.
Be careful not to use the oral and the topical form of Benadryl at the same time unless directed by a doctor.
Did you know?
Female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite humans. They need the iron and other stuff in blood to make eggs.
Other Topical Medicines for Itching
Other topical medicines can also be good to relieve the itch caused by mosquito bites.
These types of medicines are good to use on insect bites:
calamine lotion
pramoxine spray or gel like Caladryl
hydrocortisone creams
Natural Remedies
There are dozens of natural remedies for mosquito bites. You may want to try these instead of using topical medicine or in addition to medicine. A lot of these treatments are things you probably already have in the house.
Some work better than others. The effectiveness of the remedies will also vary from person to person.
Here are some of the most reliable natural mosquito bite remedies and itch and pain relievers:
Place a banana peel (inside of the peel) on the bite. It will help reduce the itching and swelling.
Coat the bite with toothpaste (peppermint flavored works best) for itch relief.
Make a paste with baking soda and water and cover the bite with it to cut down on itching.
Put a slice of an onion on the bite. Let it sit on the bite for several minutes till the itching subsides. Then gently wash the area.
Aloe vera juice or gel can be applied to the bite to stop the itching. Aloe vera is also good for helping bites heal.
A few drops of honey can also soothe mosquito bites.
Hold an ice pack on the bite for about 20 minutes. This remedy is especially good for bites that are big and swollen.
Letting a tea bag sit on the bite for several minutes can also reduce swelling.
Don't Scratch!
Scratching bites can irritate them causing them to actually itch more. Scratching can also cause the bites to become infected and is more likely to cause the bites to leave scars.
Mosquito Bite Allergies and Infections
If a bite looks infected or if you have a mosquito bite allergy, try taking antihistamines the first day or two after you are bitten. It will often eliminate some of the itching, swelling, and other side effects. Just be cautious if you are also using a topical histamine blocker so that you don't overdose on antihistamines.
Mosquito bites have been known to trigger asthma attacks in people who have mosquito allergies. If you have asthma and seem to be sensitive to mosquito bites, you may want to carry an inhaler with you if you are going to be somewhere prone to mosquitoes.
Very rarely people have had severe anaphylaxis from mosquito bites. If someone starts having trouble breathing and throat swelling or hives and rash after being bitten, seek emergency help immediately.
If a bite becomes very oozy, full of pus, swollen, warm to the touch, or turns a strange color (dark red or black color or possibly even yellow in the center), it may be infected. The bite may have to be drained to clear out the pus and infection in it. If the infection becomes severe enough, you may even need to see a doctor for treatment.
Treat infected bites by keeping them clean using soap and water. Wash it with hydrogen peroxide several times daily as well. Just pour a bit of it over the bite and allow it to sit there for a couple of minutes. Then pat it dry rather than rubbing it. For swelling you can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes periodically through the day. Apply a topical ant-itch cream or gel to stop itching.