Part 2: Mosquito bite reactions & Treating a Bite!

 This is part 2 of the Mosquito Bite blog. In today's blog you'll understand what reactions your body can have after a bite, and how to treat it. All information comes from the Center for Disease Control, so you know this is the most accurate, up to date information. Be safe out there!

(Image: Mosquito. Credit: CDC) 

What happens when a mosquito bites you 

When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a special mouthpart (proboscis) to suck up blood. As the mosquito is feeding, it injects saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in a bump and itching.

Some people have only a mild reaction to a bite or bites. Other people react more strongly, and a large area of swelling, soreness, and redness can occur.

Signs and symptoms: Mosquito bite signs 

• A puffy and reddish bump appearing a few minutes after the bite 
• A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps appearing a day or so after the bite or bites Small blisters instead of hard bumps 
• Dark spots that look like bruises

Severe reactions can occur:

•  In children 
• In adults bitten by mosquito species they haven't been exposed to previously 
• In people with immune system disorders
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  (Image: Mosquito bites can become swollen, red, and itchy. Credit: CDC) 

More severe reactions 

• A large area of swelling and redness 
• Low-grade fever Hives 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mosquito bites can become swollen, red, and itchy.

Infected bite 

Do not scratch bites. They can become infected. An infected bite may appear red, feel warm, or a red streak may spread outward from the bite. See a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

Mosquito-borne germs 

Mosquitoes spread germs (viruses, parasites) through bites that can make you sick. Viruses like West Nile, dengue, Zika Parasites like malaria A mosquito gets infected with a germ when it bites a person or animal that is infected. The infected mosquito can spread germs to other people or animals through bites. Not everyone infected with a mosquito-borne germ gets sick.

Treating a Mosquito Bite or Bites

•  Wash the bite and surrounding area with soap and water. 
• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. 
• Reapply ice pack as needed. 
• Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the mosquito bite. Wait 10 minutes. Wash off the paste. 
• Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching.