What To Do If You Have Been Bitten By Mosquitoes In Tampa

What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

So, you’ve found a bug bite on your skin – how do you know if a mosquito is the culprit? Mosquito bites tend to look like puffy, small, raised bumps on your skin. You may notice that the bite is lighter or redder than the skin around it, and most of the time, these bites tend to be isolated instead of in clusters.

While many mosquito bites appear on exposed skin around your arms, legs, or your ankles, they don’t have to be on exposed skin. Mosquitoes are one of the few pests that can bite you through clothing if the fabric is thin and well-fitting.

Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to mosquito bites. While most people have mild swelling and itchiness, some people can have more severe reactions. This is called Skeeter’s Syndrome, and it occurs when someone is allergic to a protein in mosquito saliva.

If someone has Skeeter’s Syndrome, the bite may swell up to an extremely large size, become painful, and the person may even develop a fever. If you suspect you are suffering from Skeeter’s Syndrome, you should always seek medical attention.

How To Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching?

One of the most annoying parts about having a mosquito bite is the itchiness, which can last several days as the bite heals. Not only is it a nuisance, but too much itching could even break the skin and lead to a blister or, in rare cases, a secondary skin infection.

The reason that mosquito bites itch is because mosquitoes inject their saliva when they suck your blood. Your body recognizes this saliva as a foreign substance, and it triggers your immune system – hence the itching.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can counteract this unpleasant side effect, such as:

• Use a lidocaine or benzocaine topical treatment on the bite. These are topical agents that will numb the area, and if you’ve got a lidocaine or benzocaine cream on hand, it could stop the itching while the bite heals.
• Use an antihistamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce inflammation in your body, which may relieve the itchiness and swelling. These can be taken orally or applied topically.
• Apply some aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it may reduce swelling and promote healing in the spot where you’ve been bitten. Other topical creams, such as calamine lotion, may also be helpful in temporarily relieving the itching from mosquito bites.

If you’re using one of these treatments for the first time, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your doctor before using a new topical cream or treatment.