Mosquito Bites (Itching): Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

Mosquitoes are delicate creatures with small, short lifespans, long legs, and distinctive wings, easily recognizable. Typically appearing during summer nights, they are known for the itchy bumps they leave after biting. These noticeable itchy bumps are allergic reactions caused by a chemical mosquitoes use when they extract blood. The mosquitoes that feed on blood are usually females, as they require the proteins found in human or animal blood for reproduction. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, feed on flower nectar and plant juices. A mosquito bite usually subsides within 24 hours and doesn’t cause serious problems, but it should be monitored for allergic reactions. In endemic regions, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, filariasis, yellow fever, and Zika virus.

What Causes the Itching from Mosquito Bites?

Female mosquitoes need to lay eggs, which requires them to feed on blood. They draw blood from amphibians, reptiles, birds, animals, and humans. Some species of mosquitoes, however, do not require blood to lay eggs. Mosquitoes have a thin proboscis that allows them to easily extract blood from under the skin. To prevent blood clotting, they release saliva into the blood vessel, which stimulates nerve endings in the tissue, causing pain and itching in the affected area. A bite results in swelling, typically 2-10 mm in size. Additionally, mosquito saliva left in the blood vessel is the primary factor in the transmission of certain diseases. The itching effect decreases as the amount of extracted blood increases.

The itching from a mosquito bite heals faster when special gels are applied to the bitten area. Using alcohol-based products, such as perfumes or cologne, on the itchy area can irritate the skin and lead to dark spots. Scratching the bitten area can also cause redness and bleeding, which can open the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Signs of Infection from Mosquito Bites

Although mosquito bites may seem insignificant during the summer, they can cause serious problems. People who travel frequently, live near rivers, have weakened immune systems, or work outdoors are more susceptible to infections. Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and kidney disease may experience more severe signs of infection. Patients exhibiting severe infection symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. The following are symptoms of infection from mosquito bites:

• Red discoloration around the bite
• Dark, bruise-like colors on the bite area
• Small, firm bumps with a central spot appearing within 1-3 minutes
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling with fluid-filled blisters instead of small, firm bumps
• Allergic reactions (hives, throat swelling, fainting, wheezing)

Aside from these symptoms, life-threatening symptoms are rare. In some cases, a severe reaction like anaphylaxis may develop, although this is uncommon. Anaphylaxis symptoms may include throat swelling, skin rash, changes in consciousness, and wheezing, which require close monitoring.

What Helps with Mosquito Bites?

The itching caused by mosquito bites usually subsides within a few days. However, some bites can be intense and impact quality of life. The itching and pain from these bites can be relieved using simple household items. Here are natural remedies for mosquito bites:

• No matter how intense the itching from a mosquito bite is, scratching should be avoided.
• The red, swollen area should be kept clean, which helps speed up healing and reduces the risk of infection.
• A short application of ice can be applied to the bite area.
• Lemon or salt water can be used for a brief compress on the affected area.
• Used tea bags, stored in the refrigerator, can be applied to mosquito bites to reduce itching. The cool tea bags provide a soothing effect.
• A piece of aloe vera leaf can be split open, and the gel-like substance inside can be applied directly to the bite area.
• Crushed garlic mixed with coconut oil, a natural oil, can be applied to the bite. Garlic also helps disinfect the affected area.
• Basil leaves can also help soothe mosquito bite itching and any allergic effects. You can massage raw basil leaves on the bite area to ease the skin.
• Honey, with its antibacterial properties, can be applied to the bite to reduce inflammation.
• Freshly cut onion juice can reduce the pain and damage from a mosquito bite. Be sure to clean the skin thoroughly after applying the onion.
• Thyme leaves applied to the bite area for 10 minutes can help relieve itching.
• Chamomile tea applied to the bite reduces inflammation and speeds up healing.
• Oatmeal mixed with water can be applied as a paste to the bite area. After a while, rinse off and apply a moisturizer.
• Common remedies such as cologne, perfume, or toothpaste on the bite area are not recommended as they irritate the skin and increase complaints and infection risk.

What Helps Mosquito Bites in Babies?

Newborns and young children have weaker immune systems compared to adults. A low immune response can lead to serious problems following a mosquito bite. If mosquito bites cause allergic reactions in children or babies, blood and skin tests can be performed to confirm a diagnosis. Until children and babies develop their immune systems, parents should take necessary precautions. A transparent cover or net can be placed over the bed to protect the baby during sleep. Spraying protective products onto the cover can increase effectiveness. For babies older than two months, mosquito repellent sprays may be used. Long-sleeved clothing and keeping living areas away from standing water, lakes, streams, or greenery are also helpful preventive methods.

After a mosquito bite, a regional swelling larger than 3 cm may form, which may blister after a while. Fever is also common in children. These regional swellings usually heal within 3-10 days. In rare cases, children may experience acute widespread hives, allergic shock, or serum sickness.

Antihistamine creams are generally preferred to reduce itching from mosquito bites in children. However, treatment changes in children with systemic allergic symptoms.

In treatment, it's essential to closely monitor allergic symptoms following a mosquito bite and keep the child or baby away from mosquitoes. For children or babies showing allergic reactions, the following treatments are applied:

• Oral antihistamines should be administered, and if prescribed, corticosteroid creams should be applied in a thin layer to the bite area for the duration recommended by the doctor.
• For children showing systemic reaction symptoms, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor.
• If regional reactions are accompanied by fever, antipyretic medications are also used.
• Antibiotics are not recommended unless there is an infection.

Children with severe allergic reactions are generally affected by mosquito bites until their immune systems improve. After about age five, children typically no longer show allergic symptoms as their immune systems mature.

If you or your child experience severe allergic symptoms from a mosquito bite, consult a healthcare provider for an examination. With your doctor's guidance, you can undergo necessary tests to ensure early diagnosis of any potential conditions.