Although generally harmless, the effects of a mosquito bite may range from minor itching to fatal illnesses. All mosquito bites are caused by the female members of the species, who feed on human and animal blood to support their egg production. When a mosquito bites, it sucks blood from the skin. During this process, it secretes saliva into the skin, causing pain and inflammation. Thus, it is important to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.

What are the effects of a mosquito bite?
Here are some effects one may notice after a mosquito bite:

• After a few minutes, a puffy, reddish bump appears in the region where the mosquito bit
• A day or so later, a hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps appear
• Small blisters appear instead of bite marks
• One develops dark spots that look like bruises

Among children and people with immune system disorders, more severe symptoms may also appear such as a low-grade fever, a large area of swelling and redness, hives, or swollen lymph nodes.

How is a mosquito bite treated?
Generally, mosquito bites do not need formal treatment. Symptoms of a mosquito bite can be managed at home. Some popular remedies for mosquito bites include:

• Use soap and water to wash the affected area.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and itchiness.
• Make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area to reduce itchiness. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wash it off.
• Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area. It contains salicylic acid, which can help relieve itching and pain.
• Put a drop of unprocessed honey on the mosquito bite. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce itching.

In some cases, however, mosquito bites may endanger one’s health. Mosquitoes can spread germs through their bites, making them carriers for several diseases and infections such as dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, Zika virus, yellow fever, and others. Although not every person who gets a mosquito bite develops these conditions, it is advisable to keep a close eye on one’s symptoms.

How can a mosquito bite be prevented?
There are several ways to prevent mosquito bites, such as:

• Avoid traveling to mosquito-infected areas.
• Use bug sprays or other mosquito-repellent products that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Opt for thick, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats, especially when engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, which is a potent insecticide that can repel and even kill mosquitoes. It can stay on clothes even after multiple washes. For best results, read all the label details and follow the instructions closely. However, do not use a permethrin-based product on the skin.

When outdoors, limit exposure to mosquitoes by:

• Repairing any tears in the tents or window screens.
• Installing mosquito nets, especially over strollers and cribs.
• Using mosquito netting, if sleeping outdoors.
• Using self-care products, such as mosquito repellents to prevent bites.

Reduce mosquitoes around the house by:

• Unclogging roof gutters.
• Changing water in the birdbaths at least once a week.
• Safely disposing of any old tires that may be stashed away in the yard.
• Emptying outdoor flower pots regularly so they do not collect too much water.
• Emptying the children’s wading pools regularly.