What's Good for Mosquito Bites (Itching) & How Does It Go Away?
Mosquito Bite Allergy
Mosquito bite allergy, which is more effective especially in people with an allergic nature and low immunity, occurs when the insect inserts a needle under the skin to suck the blood at the area where it stands. Although there are different types of mosquitoes, the feature common to all species is the fact that only female mosquitoes bite. 30 different types of proteins found in the saliva of the mosquito as well as in its sting, activate the body's allergic reaction system. As a result of this reaction, swellings of 2-10 mm in size occur in the bite area which can get red with occasional blisters. The swelling and redness caused by the bites sometimes disappear within 36 hours. This period may be prolonged in people whose immune system is not strong, and an allergic reaction may lead to more serious health problems.
Why Does a Mosquito Bite Itch?
When female mosquitoes begin to pierce the skin, they begin to secrete a protein-laden saliva to numb the area where they will suck blood and to prevent blood from clotting. These secretions, which are tried to be destroyed by the body's immune system, cause itching and swelling after a certain time. Along with the blood-sucking process, the mosquito begins to suck this saliva back as well. It is observed that the itching decreases as the amount of blood sucked by the fly increases. Excessive swelling and itching of mosquito bites are healed more quickly thanks to special gels that can be applied on them. It is important that alcohol-containing substances such as perfume and cologne do not come into contact with the itching area, so that mosquito bites do not turn into spots. However, this type of liquids creates a refreshing effect for a short time with the cooling effect it creates in the area where it is applied.
Mosquito Bite Infection Symptoms
lthough mosquito bites are considered as an insignificant and ordinary situation encountered in every summer season, they can cause serious infections, and they can even lead to consequences that could be fatal. Especially those who travel frequently, people who work outside and individuals with low immunity may be more exposed to infections caused by mosquito bites. The average incubation period after the mosquito bite occurs is between 2-6 days. At the end of this period, symptoms such as diarrhea, joint pain, vomiting, headaches and body rashes may be encountered. People with serious chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease have been shown to experience more serious signs of infection. Among these symptoms, which can be grouped as signs of a neurological disease, symptoms such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, lack of concentration, coma, tremors and paralysis can be listed. In cases where one or more of these symptoms occur, it is necessary to consult a specialist without wasting time.
How Do Mosquito Bites Go Away?
Although applying cologne to the area where the bite causes swelling and redness is one of the commonly known methods, it is better not to apply such substances to the place where mosquitoes and insects bite. Washing the bitten area with water and white soap and then applying oxygenated water, salt water or lemon is effective to relieve itching more quickly and prevent swelling. However, in severe cases, the medications prescribed by the doctor should be used. Gel and cream preparations which are among the most commonly known mosquito bite treatments that you can easily apply at home, can be used as well.
How Long Does a Mosquito Bite Take to Go Away?
Allergic symptoms such as redness and swelling caused by mosquito bites and deformations such as bleeding and bruising disappear on their own within 12-36 hours. Scratching the bumps at the site of mosquito bites can cause scratches on the skin and bleeding. Infection of an open wound by catching a germ can further prolong the healing time. Therefore, no matter how strong the itching sensation is, compressing the bitten area with natural products such as ice, lemon, salt water without scratching, keeping the red and swollen area clean and waiting for it to heal will lead to faster results. Practices of applying substances such as vinegar and toothpaste to the mosquito bite area, which is widely known among the public, is definitely wrong. It is absolutely important for skin health to stay away from such practices.
What Is Good For Mosquito Bites?
- What is good for the itching of mosquito bites? To eliminate this problem and the uncomfortable effect of mosquito bites, you can use simple substances available at home.
- By not throwing away the tea bags after you drink tea and storing them in the refrigerator, you can use them as a cooling and relieving itch relief method for mosquito bites.
- You can tear off a piece of the leaves of the aloe vera plants you grow at home and apply the natural gel inside to the area where the allergic reaction occurs.
- You can apply crushed garlic, which you can dilute with natural oils such as coconut, on the red and itchy area. The antiviral effect of garlic contributes to both disinfecting the area where the fly bites and healing it faster.
- To eliminate the itching and allergic effects of mosquito bites, you can use basil. Rubbing the swollen area with a few basil leaves will provide both a refreshing and relaxing effect.
- You can also turn oatmeal, which is known to have a soothing effect against insect bites, into a mush with a little water and apply it as a mask on the bitten area. After waiting for a while, you can wash it off and apply a suitable moisturizer to your skin.
Fly Bites in Babies
Children and newborn babies do not have sufficiently developed immune systems. That's why, mosquito bites can cause significant health problems. In babies with systemic allergic reactions, blood and skin allergy tests contribute significantly to the diagnosis. However, it cannot be said that these tests clearly detect the allergy. For babies and children who have an intense reaction to mosquito bites, it would be a good practice to conduct a detailed immune system study. It is very important to protect babies from mosquitoes and other insects until their immune system develops. Mosquito nets can be used to cover the top and sides of the bed to provide protection during sleep. Also, there are protective sprays that can be used for babies older than 2 months. Dressing babies with long-sleeved and mosquito-proof clothing is also beneficial for their protection. If there are places such as ponds or green areas around where you live, it could be beneficial to move away from these places or, if possible, to eliminate them.
