Clean the bite with soap and water, apply an anti-itch cream or cold compress, and resist the urge to scratch. Most mosquito bites heal on their own within a few days without any complications.
It’s bad enough to be bitten by a mosquito. But it’s worse to worry about whether your health is at risk.
For the immediate bite, wash the area with soap and water. This removes any residual saliva left behind by the mosquito and reduces the odds of a secondary infection. Then apply a cold compress or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream with hydrocortisone or calamine. You can also take an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), if the itching is really bad.
The most important thing is to avoid scratching. There’s no denying this is easier said than done, but it’s important all the same. Scratching breaks the skin and opens the door to bacterial infection.
For most people, the swelling and itching will go away within 3–7 days. Sometimes kids react more strongly, with more swelling around the bite. This is generally a normal immune response and not a cause for alarm, though it can be uncomfortable for them.
Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, severe headache, body aches, or confusion in the days following a bite. While uncommon, these could be signs of a mosquito-borne illness such as West Nile virus. If you end up having West Nile virus, early medical evaluation can make a big difference in your health and well-being.
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