Toothpaste can help relieve the itch of a mosquito bite by acting as an astringent, drawing the venom from the bite as it dries. The menthol in toothpaste also creates a cooling effect similar to ice, which can help ease irritation.
What are the symptoms of a mosquito bite?
When a mosquito bites you, it penetrates your skin with its mouth and releases saliva into your skin as it sucks your blood. This can leave you with swelling, itching, redness, and a bump that typically clears on its own in a couple of days.
Although mosquito bites are not usually dangerous, sometimes they carry viruses and parasites that can cause serious illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue.
Signs that identify a mosquito bite include:
- Puffy and reddish-brown skin over the bite
- Hard, itchy, bump that appears after the bite
- Dark spot after the bump heals
More severe reactions may include:
- Swelling and redness
- Light fever
- Hives
- Swollen lymph nodes
11 home remedies that can help mosquito bites
While most mosquito bites go away on their own, a few home remedies can help ease the discomfort:
- Hydrocortisone cream: Applying over-the-counter creams, lotions, or pastes containing calamine or low-strength hydrocortisone over the bite site can help ease the itch. Adding baking powder can further help heal the bite.
- Cool compress: Applying a cold pack or a cool, moist cloth can help soothe the mosquito bite.
- Oral antihistamine: For severe itching, taking over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and inflammation. Try to avoid scratching the wound.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal has anti-irritant properties and can help relieve itching and swelling. Blend oatmeal with water into a fine paste and apply to the affected area.
- Honey: Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help heal the swelling of a mosquito bite. It can also help you control the urge to scratch since it makes a sticky mess.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help in healing wounds and bug bites.
- Basil: Basil contains a chemical compound called eugenol that helps relieve itchy skin and thus can help treat a mosquito bite.
- Onions: Onion juice can reduce the sting and irritation of a mosquito bite. Onions also have antifungal properties that can prevent infections.
- Thyme: Thyme has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping alleviate the itch around the mosquito bite.
- Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent, and applying it to the skin reduces inflammation, soothes irritation, and speeds up healing.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is a natural remedy for many ailments. When applied to the skin, it can ease skin irritation and promote healing.
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Medically Reviewed on 12/20/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html
WebMD. How to Treat Mosquito Bites. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/mosquito-bites
Cleveland Clinic. Mosquito Bites. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17695-mosquito-bites
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html
WebMD. How to Treat Mosquito Bites. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/mosquito-bites
Cleveland Clinic. Mosquito Bites. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17695-mosquito-bites
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