Additionally, a few home remedies might be helpful, too. Within a few days, you should feel better. But if you give these a try and your mosquito bites look worse or just won't stop itching, see a healthcare provider for additional treatment, per the American Academy of Dermatology. Use an ice pack, washcloth soaked in ice water, or even a cool bath to relieve your itch, per the University of Michigan Health Library.
Another option is to apply an over-the-counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream according to the label instructions. Look for ointments that contain lidocaine or benzocaine for an additional numbing effect, says Anna Guanche, MD , a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, CA.
But talk to your doctor before using hydrocortisone products on young children as they could cause unwanted effects, per the Mayo Clinic. For speedy relief from lots of must-scratch bites, try a non-drowsy, over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec cetirizine , Allegra fexofenadine , or Claritin loratadine. Dab some rubbing alcohol on bites if you're looking for quick, temporary relief, suggests Dr.
Because it rapidly evaporates, rubbing alcohol could have a short-term cooling effect which may help relieve itchiness. Too much alcohol can be irritating or burn, though, so only use a little. For a time-honored herbal remedy, try applying a cream that contains lemon balm essential oils to bites. Talk to a healthcare provider to make sure it's safe and determine the proper dosage if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child, per the Mount Sinai Health Library.
Here's What Experts Say. While some home remedies for mosquito bites such as honey, oatmeal, and aloe vera could help dial down inflamed skin, they're not nearly as effective in the anti-itch department compared to other mosquito bite treatments, Susan Bard, MD , a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, tells Health.
As such, she wouldn't recommend them. Others like garlic and baking soda could also cause effects you definitely don't want like skin irritation, dryness, and burns, notes Dr. When mosquitoes bite, they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling. And some people may not notice bites at all.
Others may build up a tolerance over time. It may take a little experimentation to see what works best for you and your bite. Most of these remedies can be used as many times as needed to soothe the area. For medications, follow the instructions on the bottle. If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin. Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties.
Read more: Honey for allergies ». Oatmeal has active properties that help soothe insect bites and allergic reactions, chicken pox, and dry skin. You can add oatmeal to a bath or apply it as a mask on your bug bite. Make a paste by adding a little water to colloidal oatmeal and apply to the affected area. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. You can also add honey to your paste for extra benefits. Moisturize with a cream after. Soak a bag of green or black tea and pop it in the fridge to cool it down.
Apply the cold tea bag over the bite to ease the itchiness. Basil has chemical compounds that can relieve itchy skin. You can apply basil oil like a lotion or make your own at home. After the mixture cools, dip a washcloth into the pot and apply it on the affected area. For a more immediate treatment, chop up fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin. Antihistamines help lower the histamine count in your body and reduce inflammation. These are available over the counter and help with itchiness and swelling.
You can take them orally Benadryl or Claritin or apply topically calamine lotion over the affected area. Lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents in over-the-counter creams. They offer temporary relief from itchiness and pain. For extra benefits, look for creams that contain menthol or peppermint. Aloe vera gel is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties for wound healing and calming infections. The cool feeling of the gel may also soothe any itchiness. Keep an aloe vera plant around the house.
You can cut the leaves and apply the gel directly. Doctors recommend corticosteroid creams for itching. These creams are known to help with inflammation for skin irritations, but avoid using them on open wounds or on your face.
These self-care tips may make you more comfortable. There are millions of mosquitoes swarming this summer, sucking blood and leaving itchy, red bumps on the skin. Summer Allen, a Mayo Clinic family physician, says some of the tried-and-true home remedies for treating mosquito bites work well. Calamine lotion, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and even a cold compress can ease the itch.
They can develop a bacterial infection. Although using insect repellent and other prevention tips can reduce your chances of being bit, really, getting at least one skeeter bite this summer is almost inevitable.
You won't need to see your doctor for a mosquito bite, unless you develop a fever or other signs and symptoms that sometimes develop after such bites. If you're having signs and symptoms you think might be related to a mosquito bite, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:. If itching is a problem, an over-the-counter antihistamine Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, others may help.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Doctors can usually identify mosquito bites by sight. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
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