Whether you are having an afternoon BBQ with friends, or enjoying a day of fishing, mosquito bites are always a nasty surprise. Here are some tips on how to treat them.
Avoiding the bite
There are a few ways to keep mosquitos away. Mosquitos usually strike around dusk or dawn, however, some are active during all hours. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten.
Here are 3 ways that can help avoid the bite:
- Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing as mosquitos can bite through tight clothes, such as jeans
- Repel – use insect repellent and make sure to follow the instructions
- Clean up – stop mosquitos breeding in the water pooling in empty containers and pot plants around your home.
Symptoms of a bite
Some of the most common symptoms of a mosquito bite include:
- A raised and reddish bump appearing a few minutes after the bite
- A hard, itchy bump, appearing a day or so after the bite
- Small blisters instead of hard bumps
- Dark spots that look similar to bruises.
Some people may experience more severe reactions, including:
- Low-grade fever
- Hives
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A large area of swelling and redness.
Treating the bite
If you find yourself with a nasty mosquito bite, here are a few steps to take that can help soothe it and quicken the recovery:
- Wash the area with a non-irritating soap and water
- Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce itching and swelling
- Use a mix of baking soda and water paste to reduce itching
- Use an antihistamine cream to relieve the itch.
Seeking medical treatment
Some mosquito bites can lead to more severe complications, such as infections and diseases.
It is important not to scratch mosquito bites, as bad bacteria may enter the skin’s surface. An infected bite may appear red and feel warm. If your symptoms worsen, home doctor experts at House Call Doctor recommend visiting a local GP or healthcare professional.
Mosquitos also carry the risk of passing on diseases to humans. Viruses such as The Dengue Fever and the Ross River Fever are examples of mosquito-borne diseases.
So remember, the best way to avoid a mosquito bites is to cover-up, repel and clean-up.
