Getting outdoors this summer is great, except for those pesky mosquitoes! DoctorsCare has some home remedies that might help
Why mosquitoes bite
Mosquitoes are like vampires; the female needs a blood meal to produce eggs.
- Male mosquitoes do not bite people or animals.
- When the female mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin to suck up blood.
- At it feeds on your blood, it injects saliva.
- Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in a bump and itching.
Symptoms
Mosquito bite signs include:
- A swollen and reddish bump appearing a few minutes after the bite.
- A hard itchy, reddish-brown bump appearing a day or two after the bite.
- Small blisters instead of hard bumps.
- Dark spots that look like bruises.
Treatment
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching.
- Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which helps reduce the itching.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and just enough water to create a paste
- Apply the paste to the mosquito bite
- Wait 10 minutes
- Wash off the paste
- Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching.
- Follow the product label instructions
Prevention
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- CDC recommendations for controlling mosquitos outside your home.
- Use CDC recommended repellents.
Some mosquito bites can become infected and cause complications to worsen. If this happens, seek medical attention. If you suffer a medical situation that requires immediate care but is not life-threatening, DoctorsCare is here to help.At DoctorsCare, our providers are specifically trained in Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine. Visit one of our two conveniently located offices in Clarksville. We accept walk-in patients of all ages during all hours of operation. No appointment is necessary! Walk in, feel better!