Mosquito bites: home remedies, how long it lasts, what to do if you have an allergy… We tell you everything!

One of the bad things about summer (which are few) is that insects are more present in our lives. With the heat, the cockroaches come out and walk around our houses (and the streets), there are more wasps hanging around our flowers and the mosquitoes chase us by “attacking” us with their bites. And precisely from the mosquito bites We talk to you in this article, because they are annoying and, in some cases, they can create significant discomfort and even allergic reactions.

There are several options to try to repel these small insects that, through their bites, can transmit diseases to us. For example, there are homemade repellents, with which you can prevent these insects from sneaking into your house. We also know the smells that mosquitoes hate the most and that can also be powerful repellents. But if you still haven’t been able to avoid the mosquito bitehere we tell you everything you need to know.

How to know if it is a mosquito bite

Unfortunately, it’s not just mosquitoes that bite. There are other insects that can also do it, such as bees, wasps, spiders… Therefore, it is important to know what the bites are like. If you have been bitten by a mosquito, within a few seconds it will appear on the area a white and reddish lump. After a day, that lump or lumps they will turn reddish brown and it will sting you.

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Home remedies for mosquito bites

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that the first thing you should do when you see that you have been bitten by a mosquito is wash the area with soap and water. But then you can apply the following home remedies to reduce inflammation and itching.

An ice pack. You must apply it for 10 minutes. You can reapply it as many times as you think necessary until the inflammation goes down and the itching goes away.Baking soda and water. Another option is to opt for a product that we use a lot in cleaning: baking soda. This mixture can help reduce the itch response. You must mix a tablespoon of baking soda with the appropriate amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the bite and let it sit for 10 minutes. Once this time has passed you can rinse.Oatmeal. You can do the same thing you did with baking soda with oatmeal powder, which you can find in pharmacies. Mix it in water until it becomes a paste, apply it for 10 minutes and clean the area. If you have a lot of bites, you can even take an oatmeal bath.Aloe vera. The gel contained in this plant also helps calm the effects of mosquito bites. You can apply it as many times as necessary.Basil. Basil contains eugenol, which helps relieve itching. If you have a plant at home, it is as easy as taking a leaf and rubbing it over the area. If you have dry leaves, put them in a cup of boiling water and make an infusion. Let it cool and apply it with the tip of a tissue.Thyme. Thyme not only relieves the itch, but also prevents possible infections if you scratch it. And it is applied the same as basil: if it is fresh, directly on the bite. If not, you can make an infusion and when it cools, you can put it on.Chamomile. It will help you relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Put a chamomile sachet in a glass of water in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then squeeze the water out of the bag and put it on the bite for about 10 minutes. If you want, keep the bag in the refrigerator in case you want to use it again later.

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Other remedies

If you prefer, in pharmacies you can also find creams and applicators anti-itch or antihistamines. If you opt for this type of product, remember to carefully read the instructions for use on the label.

You can also buy at a herbal store. witch hazel water. Cleans, reduces inflammation and accelerates the healing of cuts and any skin irritation, including bites. It should be applied with a moist cotton swab. And if you want, lemon balm oil relieves inflammation, reduces the risk of infection and speeds healing.

How long does a mosquito bite last?

A mosquito bite usually lasts between 3 and 5 days, in which you may experience itching and inflammation, and the skin will appear red. Sometimes the swelling can last up to 7 days.

What to do if a mosquito bite becomes infected

If you scratch the mosquito bite it may end up becoming infected. You will know if it is infected because it looks redder and a red stripe appears on the bite and around it. The best thing you can do in these cases is Go to the doctor to evaluate and decide the best treatment to end the infection. There are antibiotic creams that can work very well, but they require a prescription.

What to do if a mosquito bite causes me an allergy

In these cases, and if the allergy is significant, it is most advisable to Go to the doctor. If it is mild and the bite area is limited, you can always resort to a antihistamine for itching and corticosteroid cream. If your doctor has prescribed them or they have helped you at the pharmacy, much better.

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