Are you in need of a detailed deeper understanding of mosquito bites? Below are insights into every aspect of mosquito bites which include scars, itch, swelling, and how to get rid of mosquito bites quickly overnight.
How long does a Mosquito Bite Last
According to a recent study done by US Research Council and Indian Malaria Institute, explains how long a mosquito bite last depending on various factors as detailed below:
As per The Indian Malaria Institute, how long a mosquito bite last actually differs from person to the other. The itching can be around for 25 hours; however, sometimes it can also last for 2 to 3 days/ 3-5 days. An anti-itch cream can help to lessen the irritation or you can use natural mosquito repellent to prevent yourself from its stings and quick mosquito bite relief.
Also as per the research of US Research Council, an individual’s reaction to a mosquito bite may range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the bite and the persons sensitivity to it. For most people the itch will only last for a few minutes, and the bite will go away within a couple of days, but if a person has allergy to mosquito bites, they may suffer from something called skeeter syndrome. Which is a specific allergic reaction which makes the itch and the bite last longer.
It can also cause an infection which can result to fever. Some people may exhibit the symptoms for several weeks, but it is very rare.
Certain activities like rigorous scratching can extend the duration for which the mosquito bite will last. Although it is incredibly tempting, you should refrain from agitating the bite. It will increase its duration.
How long a mosquito bite last, according to the research, it will depend on where the mosquito bit you. Bites on feet and hands will take a longer time to clear, because there is minimal flow of blood to the extremities.
Bites on the core of your body are likely to go away earlier, because active blood flow in this area will quickly clear the foreign substances and help to heal the area faster. They can be particularly annoying if they get you on an ankle or wrist as there is less blood flow close to the bone.
Your body’s individual reaction to mosquito bite will also affect the duration of the bites. When a mosquito bites you, it injects different kinds of nasty substances inside your body. Classic symptoms of a mosquito bite include itching, pain and red bumps.
But every individual’s body is different, and it reacts differently to these foreign matters, and in the same way. It largely depends on how your individual body reacts to the saliva of a particular mosquito species. If a mosquito bites two people, it is likely to cause two different reactions. One person may feel several hours of pain and itching, while other person may not even notice the bite.
How to Get Rid of Mosquito bites [Quickly, Overnight, Instantly]
- Salt
Salt is among the best home remedies for mosquito bites due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Create a paste using a few drops of water and small amounts of table salt. Apply the paste onto the area.
- Another option is to make a paste using garlic salt, seasoning salt and water in equal amounts. Apply this paste onto the affected area. It may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds, but great relief will follow.
- If you live near a beach, go swimming to bathe your skin in the natural salt present in the water.
- Ice
Cold temperature limits the distribution of inflammatory substances to the bite site and numbs the area giving you immediate relief from various symptoms.
- Hold an ice pack or some ice wrapped in a washcloth on the affected area for about ten minutes. This will give you quick relief from the swelling as well as itchiness.
- Alternatively, if ice is not available, hold the affected area under a cool running tap water for a few minutes.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a natural antiseptic agent, which makes it a great remedy for mosquito bites. It will reduce pain, swelling and itching, as well as aid in faster healing.
- Cut the meat portion of an aloe Vera leaf plant to extract the gel. If you do not have an aloe Vera plant, you can use aloe Vera gel readily available in most stores.
- Chill the aloe Vera gel in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Rub it directly onto the affected site.
- Minced Onion
Onion and garlic help reduce swelling and soothe the itching caused by mosquito bites. Moreover, their strong smell repels insects and mosquitoes.
- Apply minced onion or garlic directly on to the affected area.
- Leave it on for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
- Baking soda
Baking soda can effectively stop the itchiness caused by mosquito bites. Being alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the PH of the skin and hence provides relief.
- Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and put the cloth over the affected skin area for ten minutes
- Alternatively, is to make a paste using witch hazel and baking soda. Apply it onto the bite and leave it on for about ten minutes. Then wash the area with lukewarm water.
- Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is the most common antiseptic that can be used to relieve irritation caused by mosquito bites and reduce the chance of developing an infection.
- Put a small amount of alcohol on a cotton ball and rub it onto the affected skin area. Initially it may sting a little, but you will soon feel relief from itching and swelling. If you do not have rubbing alcohol, you can use mouthwash that contains a high amount of alcohol or vodka.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has good antiseptic properties that can help treat bacterial-infected wounds like acne and mosquito bites. It also will help reduce swelling and itchiness.
Simply use a cotton ball to apply some tea tree oil to the affected area. If you have sensitive skin, do not use tea tree oil as it can cause skin irritation. You can try other essential oils like lavender or cedar oil.
- Toothpaste
Toothpaste can help minimize itchiness caused by mosquito bites. Simply dab some toothpaste onto the affected area.
- For faster and better results, use peppermint toothpaste as it has anti-inflammatory properties, or a toothpaste including ingredients such as baking soda and menthol. It is advisable not to use gel-based toothpaste.
- Aspirin
Aspirin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively control swelling caused by mosquito bites.
- Grind a regular aspirin into powder form. Add a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for a few hours. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Another option is to wet the affected skin and rub an aspirin over the bite.
How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites scars
The following are home remedies to help get rid of mosquito bite scars:
- Coconut Butter
Coconut butter works well like a charm and is also the highly recommended remedy for all kind of scars or surgical scars, rub coconut daily. You will see the scars fading away and with time disappear.
- Use organic cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works excellently on mosquito bites. There are two ways to apply on the mosquito bites. You can apply it either in liquid form or in paste form. For liquid form mix it with water, soak it in cotton ball and apply on the affected area.
For paste form mix it with corn flour. Apply it on the bites, allow it to dry and wash it off. You will get instant relief from itching and it will also help in reducing hives.
- Use clay with vinegar
Mix a paste of clay with few drops of vinegar. Dab it on the bite scars. Allow it dry for some time then wash it off. Apply it till it disappears. After sometime you will notice the mosquito bites scars are gone.
- Use honey
Honey has natural ingredients that make it to have healing properties. It is very effective in getting rid of mosquito bite scars.
- To use honey as a remedy, dab a small drop of honey on the affected scars,
- Allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Then rinse with distilled water.
- Repeat this process 2 times a day until the scars heal.
- Lemon juice
- Lemon has natural ingredients that make it effective in healing mosquito bite scars.
- To use lemon juice:
- Cut a lemon fruit into two equal halves.
- Rub the juicy part on the affected area or you can also apply lemon juice on it and allow it to dry for sometime or you can also make a paste of lemon juice along with basil leaves and use it as a paste for the bites.
- Clear nail polish
- Clear nail polish also works effectively for mosquito bite scars.
- Just apply it on the affected area.
- Leave it to sit for 6 minutes till dry.
- Peel it off after 6 minutes.
- Reapply it 2 to 3 times a day until the scars are gone.
- Tenderize powder
- Mix one tablespoon of water and tenderizer powder and apply it on the affected area.
- If you don’t have tenderizer powder at you home then you can use pineapple or papaya pulp as substitute.
How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites itch
According to Mayo Clinic Doctors, Journal of American Mosquito Control Association, and DR. Alan Green, who is pediatrician and a prolific Health writer, give a lot of suggestions for soothing the discomfort of an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite which Some can be described as common-sense and some medical.
Among the suggestions being fronted are as follow:
- Apply OTC Hydro-cortisone cream. The cream contains corticosteroids which will help counteract the effects of histamine and help reduce the itchiness and inflammation. This would some relief from the mosquito bite itch. An anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen will also help.
- Don’t scratch the bite. Scratching your bite irritates your skin further and could lead to infection. Give it a light washing with soap and cool water.
- Try calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide and works as a soothing agent. You might also try calandry, which contains both calamine and an analgesic to help relieve the sting.
- Use a cold compress or ice packs. Histamines dilate the blood vessels, filling the affected area with excess blood. Cold causes the vessels to constrict, so that the amount of blood is reduced around the blood.
- Take antihistamine. Antihistamine OTC medication like benadry will prevent histamine from biding receptors at the blood vessels. The vessels in the bite area return to normal, and swelling and itching dissipates. Please note that you can take antihistamine before going outside to minimize your allergic reaction to mosquito bite.
- Dab on some baking soda paste. For some reason, Mayo Clinic doctors and many of home remedy advocates, suggest adding a bit of water to regular baking soda, then applying the paste to the mosquito bite. Use of baking soda helps to relieve the itch.
- Use homeopathic treatment. The suggestions range from rubbing the bite with inside of a banana peel to dabbing on toothpaste to covering the bite with mad. Dr. Alan Green, pediatrician and prolific writer, suggest that some natural anti-inflammatory remedies such evening primrose oil may also help reduce the swelling and itching associated with mosquito bites.
How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bite Swelling
According to the study of US Research Council on Tropical diseases and insect bite related diseases, found that mosquito release a certain chemical that can be harmful to your brain cells, causing behavioral changes and harmful interactions. Also part of the research showed that 25% DEET IS easily absorbed through one’s skin and gets inside the bloodstream directly. The deadly effects of chemical diethyl-meta-polyamide, used in DEET include; genetic mutation, reproductive defects and disorders in central nervous system.
Below are 9 natural mosquito repellents to get rid of mosquito bite swelling quickly..,
- Autan insect Repellant
Autan insect repellant is non-greasy and non-sticky formula. It contains some exclusive and active ingredients to repel mosquitoes. There are no chemicals added. It is in a spray form so that you can use it whenever you step out.
- Neem oil
According to a recent study done at Duke University, pure neem oil has proved more effective over DEET. Different scientist from Indian Malaria Institute, Journal of American Mosquito Control Association confirmed the outcomes
- Ultrathin insect repellent
This repellent is 99% natural and has been clinically tested at harshest environments. It promises a maximum of 25 hours protection. Moreover, it is sweet and splash resistant. Thus, allowing you to work with any outdoor activity.
- Jungle Formula Designed for sensitive skin
This product offers protection from mosquitoes for a maximum of 6 to 8 hours, which depends on the how long the mosquito bite last. This may differ a bit for each person. It is an alcoholic-free spray and contains natural jojoba extracts. Therefore, it is very mild when applied on skin.
- Garlic oil
The natural Therapeutic oil can solve your mosquito bite issue in a day. All you need to do is to apply 3-5 times on the affected area. Also, eating plenty of raw garlic has proved to keep mosquitoes away from you. Thus, it serves as a natural mosquito repellent.
- Lavender oil
The essential oil not only has a great smell but also is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is best when diluted with carrier oil such as apricot kernel, coconut oil or sweet almond. If you find pure soy oil, then it can be a great option because it keeps a mosquito at bay.
- Catnip
This can scare those annoying mosquitoes within minutes with catnip. According to the research done in Iowa state university on how to get rid of mosquito bite swelling, they have found that the kind of essential ingredients found in catnip is ten times effective than the usual DEET in keeping those mosquitoes away. The best thing –it is 99% natural.
- Citronella
This is a widely known and one of the best natural mosquito repellents. It uses organic oils with fragrance. You can get them at any health store. It might not be as good as catnip but is still a great option than DEET.
- Lemon Eucalyptus oil
Lemon Eucalyptus oil is claimed to be one of the best mosquito repellents in the market. It is the only thing to be suggested by CDCC [center for disease control]. One of the active ingredients in lemon eucalyptus oil is cineole. It has many insect repellent and antiseptic properties.
It is far better than DEET and almost sold at all stores in North America. Even though there are many brands, it is advisable to go with natural lemon Eucalyptus.
Further references
- https://www.megacatch.com/mosquito-faqs/mosquito-bites.html
- How to get rid of mosquito bites https://www.mosquitobiteremedies.org/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquito-bite-scars/
- Mosquito bites https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310
- How to tell if you are allergic to mosquito bites. https://www.terminix.com/blog/education/allergic-to-mosquito-bite
1 Comment