All it takes is a female mosquito to stuck her sharp, thin proboscis into a person's skin and start sucking the blood. If have been bitten by a mosquito, you will be left with red, itchy, and swollen bump. This is a reaction to the insect's saliva which contains proteins that provoke your immune system to respond. The swelling usually goes away before the itching subsides.
Although bites from mosquitoes rarely cause allergic reactions, it still warrants precaution. Mosquitoes are known harbingers of viruses, parasites, and diseases which can cause severe illness. Infected insects in various parts of the world can transmit different mosquito-borne diseases, including Wes Nile Virus, Dengue, and Malaria.
Risk Factors And Complications
To avoid suffering from any of the mosquito-borne diseases, you have to know how these insects select their victims. Mosquitoes evaluate their victim's scent, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in the victim's sweat. Children are more vulnerable to insect bites because they are more likely exposed to areas where mosquitoes prefer to dwell. In addition, they usually smell sweet because of what they eat or what they wear. And since adults have had suffered from bites throughout their lives, they are less vulnerable to severe reaction as compared to the young ones.
Bites from these insects must be prevented because they can carry mosquito-borne diseases which can potentially be fatal. These insects obtain a virus by biting an infected individual or animal. If the infected mosquito bites you, it will transfer the virus, disease, or parasite to you through its saliva. The most common mosquito-borne diseases are:
If bitten by this insect, the first thing you need to do is to clean the bite area. Address any reaction as soon as you notice that you've been bitten. You can clean it using a mild soap and warm water. Pat it dry and avoid itching or scratching the area. If you scratch or bite the area, you will run the risk of introducing bacteria and dirt; thus infecting the bite. If the bite is too itchy, you may need to apply certain medical treatments or remedies.
Baking Soda And Water: You can combine two parts of baking soda and one part water. Mix them together until it becomes sticky. Apply it directly onto the bite area. This dries up the bite area and relieves you from itching. It also prevents swelling. Remember to wash this solution once the itching starts to subside.
Aloe Vera Gel: This is a natural mosquito bite treatment. The gel is naturally cool; thus, its coolness eases the symptoms and provides a protective layer after you apply it onto your skin. This will lower the risk of infection.
Calamine Lotion: This is a tropical anesthetic that can alleviate the itching and swelling of a mosquito bite.
Ibuprofen and Benadryl: These are anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce swelling of the bites. If you want to use Benadryl, you must first consult your doctor.
Although bites from mosquitoes rarely cause allergic reactions, it still warrants precaution. Mosquitoes are known harbingers of viruses, parasites, and diseases which can cause severe illness. Infected insects in various parts of the world can transmit different mosquito-borne diseases, including Wes Nile Virus, Dengue, and Malaria.
Risk Factors And Complications
To avoid suffering from any of the mosquito-borne diseases, you have to know how these insects select their victims. Mosquitoes evaluate their victim's scent, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in the victim's sweat. Children are more vulnerable to insect bites because they are more likely exposed to areas where mosquitoes prefer to dwell. In addition, they usually smell sweet because of what they eat or what they wear. And since adults have had suffered from bites throughout their lives, they are less vulnerable to severe reaction as compared to the young ones.
Bites from these insects must be prevented because they can carry mosquito-borne diseases which can potentially be fatal. These insects obtain a virus by biting an infected individual or animal. If the infected mosquito bites you, it will transfer the virus, disease, or parasite to you through its saliva. The most common mosquito-borne diseases are:
- West Nile Virus which is very common in the United States
- Dengue Fever which is more common in tropical countries, but it has also been reported in certain areas in the U.S
- Yellow Fever and Malaria are also more common in tropical regions
If bitten by this insect, the first thing you need to do is to clean the bite area. Address any reaction as soon as you notice that you've been bitten. You can clean it using a mild soap and warm water. Pat it dry and avoid itching or scratching the area. If you scratch or bite the area, you will run the risk of introducing bacteria and dirt; thus infecting the bite. If the bite is too itchy, you may need to apply certain medical treatments or remedies.
Baking Soda And Water: You can combine two parts of baking soda and one part water. Mix them together until it becomes sticky. Apply it directly onto the bite area. This dries up the bite area and relieves you from itching. It also prevents swelling. Remember to wash this solution once the itching starts to subside.
Aloe Vera Gel: This is a natural mosquito bite treatment. The gel is naturally cool; thus, its coolness eases the symptoms and provides a protective layer after you apply it onto your skin. This will lower the risk of infection.
Calamine Lotion: This is a tropical anesthetic that can alleviate the itching and swelling of a mosquito bite.
Ibuprofen and Benadryl: These are anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce swelling of the bites. If you want to use Benadryl, you must first consult your doctor.