Mosquitos pierce human skin with their mouths and feed off the blood of humans. In addition, they deposit saliva into human skin that invokes a response from the human immune system, according to MayoClinic.com. Mosquito bites cause redness, swelling and itching in the area of the bite that may show up two days after a bite, states MayoClinic.com. Mosquitos may also transmit serious diseases, such as West Nile virus, malaria and dengue fever. Prompt treatment can control symptoms and reduce complications associated with mosquito bites.
Ice
Applying an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetable to the mosquito bites can ease symptoms, states MayoClinic.com. Ice numbs the skin around the bite, which may reduce the urge to scratch. Ice should be applied over a paper towel or thin towel for 20 minutes, then, removed for 20 minutes to prevent frostbite. This procedure can be repeated as often as possible until symptoms subside. Avoid using heat because heat may increase redness, swelling and itching around mosquito bites.
Paste
Applying a paste to the mosquito bites may ease itching and speed recovery. MayoClinic.com states that 1 tsp. of water and 1 tsp. of dry meat tenderizer should be applied to bite areas several times per day until symptoms subside. This remedy may ease itching and reduce scratching, which can prevent further bacterial infections in the skin.
1% Hydrocortisone Cream
MayoClinic.com recommends the use of over-the-counter (OTC) 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to remedy mosquito bites. Hydrocortisone cream can reduce itching, redness and swelling associated with mosquito bites, states Drugs.com. This cream reduces the response of the immune system, which results in a reduction of symptoms. Use of hydrocortisone cream can prevent scratching of mosquito bites, which can prevent a bacterial infection of the skin (cellulitis), states MayoClinic.com. This medication should be used as often as directed on the medication label.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an oral antihistamine mediation that may be used to reduce symptoms associated with mosquito bites. This medication works by reducing histamine, a chemical signal, which causes swelling, redness and itching in response to a mosquito bite. Thus, blocking histamine can result in the reduction of these symptoms. Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness, which may impair the operation of heavy machinery or impair driving.
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