Mosquito Bites: Prevention & Treatment Tips
Summer is almost here, and so are the mosquitoes! Whether you're camping in the woods, enjoying a backyard BBQ, laying by the pool, or just taking an evening stroll, mosquito bites can quickly turn a fun day into an itchy nightmare.
“Mosquito bites happen most often during warmer weather,” explains Mina Abu Gosh MD, internal medicine physician at the PIH Health Lambert Medical Office Building, “They can often create discomfort and even transmit disease, bacteria, and viruses.”
But don’t worry — with the right knowledge, you can prevent most bites and treat the ones that slip through.
Here’s your guide on how to keep mosquitoes at bay and what to do if they manage to find you!
Prevention Is Your Best Defense
-
Use insect repellent: Your best defense against mosquitos is a good insect repellent containing the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply repellents to exposed skin and reapply as directed, especially after sweating or swimming.
-
Cover up: Wearing lightweight, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants can offer great protection for your body. Mosquitos are attracted to dark colors so light colors are key! Don’t forget closed toed shoes and socks if you’re in a heavily wooded or grassy area.
-
Get rid of standing water: Did you know that mosquitos breed in stagnant water? Make sure to eliminate things that can collect rainwater such as empty birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, buckets, or old tires. Even things as small as water bottle caps can be breeding grounds for mosquitos.
-
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn if possible: Mosquitos are the most active during these times of day so try to schedule outdoor activities for midday.
-
Use mosquito nets and screens: If you’re sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened room, a mosquito net can be a lifesaver. Make sure window and door screens are intact to keep bugs out.
What to do if you got bit by a mosquito:
-
Do not scratch: Scratching only increases irritation and the risk of infection. Instead of scratching, gently wash the bite with soap and water to keep it clean.
-
Soothe the itch: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and to numb the area. You can use anti-itch creams with hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. You can also make a soothing mixture with two things that you may have lying around your house, a paste using baking soda with a little water
-
Try Antihistamines: Taking over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) can help reduce the body’s allergic response and ease the itching.
-
Know when to seek medical attention: In rare cases, mosquito bites can transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, or Zika. Seek medical attention if you experience fever, headache, body aches, or a rash after getting bitten— especially after traveling to tropical or subtropical areas.
“While we all do our best to prevent mosquito bites throughout this time of year, knowing what to do if you get bitten is key,” says Dr. Abu Gosh.
