There is no denying how miserable a mosquito bite can make you. The itching can drive you crazy and it seems like anytime you get a new bite, they all start itching again. Scratching the bite can give you scars. It is important to stop yourself from scratching. There can be complications if you scratch your bug bite and it becomes infected. If you see signs of redness, streaking, swelling or the area is hot to the touch, you need to see a doctor immediately. There are steps you can take to relieve the itchiness and prevent scarring.
1. Over the Counter Medications
There are a number of ways that you can stop the itchiness with over-the-counter medications. You can take an antihistamine like Benadryl or another allergy medicine to reduce the itchiness. Another option is to apply calamine lotion or use a topical cream or numbing agent like lidocaine. Another option is to use a mild over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.
2. Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths are a great way to relieve itchiness. This is a good option if you have several mosquito bites. You will need to purchase colloidal oatmeal and add it to your bath water. Oatmeal baths can help with a variety of skin issues including dry skin and eczema. This may provide temporary relief of your itching.
3. Honey
Honey is a traditional treatment. It has healing powers that can help with inflammation and itchiness. Using honey is as easy as applying it to the itchy area. This method usually works best if you are planning on staying at home with it on. Honey will attract other insects, and so it is important to completely wash it off before you go outside again.
4. Tea Bags
You can quickly relieve the itching by applying tea bags to the bite. You will need to boil the tea bag and then refrigerate it until it is cold. This is a great solution that is easy to implement. The cold tea bag can also help to deal with any swelling associated with the bug bite.
5. Cover It Up
Applying a bandage on the bug bite will help you to stop scratching. While this may not immediately stop the itching, it can prevent you from scratching the bite open, which can lead to infection. This is a great solution for a young child who may not realize they should not be scratching. Kids love bandages and so it is a great idea to have several fun ones on hand to deal with it.
Stop Bites Before You Get Them
The best way to stop itching from mosquito bites is to avoid being bitten altogether. DEET is an effective mosquito repellent. You may also try citronella candles or bug lights to keep mosquitoes away. However, if you truly want to stop getting bitten by mosquitoes, you should have your yard professionally treated for mosquitoes. The professionals at Mosquito Tek can help you stop worrying about mosquitoes in your yard or your home. Contact Mosquito Tek today to learn more.
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