How to get rid of mosquito bite scars home remedies

This article was medically reviewed by Shonda Hawkins, M.S.N., a nurse practitioner and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.

A speck of black floats past your face or a wispy buzz sounds in your ear. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can detect the presence of mosquitoes before they’ve had a chance to bite. But in most cases, you don’t notice them until one or two (or five) have feasted on your ankles and elbows, causing itchy, red welts to rise up on your skin.

But, why do mosquito bites itch so badly? “As part of the feeding process, all blood-feeding organisms introduce saliva into the wound,” explains Jonathan Day, Ph.D., a mosquito researcher and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida.

Proteins in a mosquito’s saliva prevent your blood vessels from clotting, Day says, which allows the mosquito to extract your blood more quickly and efficiently. Once the mosquito has finished its meal and departed, its salivary proteins stay behind. “Your immune system sees those proteins as a foreign substance, and immediately attacks them with histamine,” Day says.

Histamine is an immune chemical your cells release in response to the presence of an injury, allergens, or other irritants. And it’s this histamine that produces the itching and swelling some people experience following a mosquito bite, Day explains.

He says “some people” because, surprisingly, not everyone experiences an itchy reaction to mosquito bites. “For most people, the first time they’re bitten by a type of mosquito, they get that reaction,” Day explains. “But as you’re bitten more, most people cease to have a reaction.” Basically, your immune system learns that a particular type of mosquito’s bite is not a threat, and so it stops freaking out every time that species of blood-sucker bites you, he says.

But this isn’t true for all people, Day adds. Some of us never stop experiencing that itch. Also, if you travel to a new place with new types of mosquitoes that your immune system hasn’t been exposed to before, you’re likely to get an itchy, inflamed reaction to a bite.

Mosquito bites often result in a small bump that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Home remedies include applying ice, honey, or aloe vera to reduce irritation. Methods of prevention include using mosquito repellent and covering exposed skin.

In some parts of the world, mosquitoes can carry diseases. In the United States, it is unlikely that a mosquito bite will cause a disease. However, more disease-carrying mosquitoes are spreading to the U.S. due to factors, such as climate change. This means that the climate in some areas of the U.S. has become a suitable environment for some mosquitoes to live.

Female mosquitoes bite animals and humans to drink tiny amounts of their blood, which they need to produce their eggs. The itch that develops occurs because mosquitoes leave a small amount of saliva behind, and a person’s immune system responds by triggering inflammation in the area. This often causes an itchy, uncomfortable bump to develop.

Home remedies can help reduce the itchiness and discomfort of a mosquito bite. In this article, we examine six treatments that could bring quick relief.

1. Ice

Cold temperatures slow the rate of inflammation.

Applying an ice pack to the area as soon after a bite as possible will reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin, wrap it in a cloth or towel first.

2. Antihistamines

Share on PinterestApplying a topical antihistamine to a bite may help treat itching.

One study suggested that some antihistamines might be aneffective treatmentfor mosquito bites.

Histamine is a chemical that the body releases as part of the inflammatory response to a mosquito bite.

It is histamine that causes itching, and antihistamines help to prevent histamine from taking effect.

People can take antihistamines in pill form, but other options include topical creams that a person can apply directly to the bite.

3. Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical medication that can reduce inflammation and itching. Hydrocortisone is available over the counter and on prescription but may not be suitable for everyone. Children, pregnant women, or those with skin infections should not use hydrocortisone cream.

People should use these creams in moderation and only over short periods, or for as long as a doctor recommends in the case of prescription hydrocortisone.

4. Concentrated heat

Concentrated forms of heat might be useful for treating mosquito bites. One studyfrom 2011in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology looked at the effectiveness of a device that emits concentrated heat. In most cases, the device was able to reduce the discomfort resulting from insect bites within 10 minutes of its application.

The study took place at beaches and bathing lakes in Germany. It is important to note, however, that of the 146 people in the study, only 33 had mosquito bites, with the majority having wasp stings.

5. Aloe vera

There is some evidence that aloe vera can treat skin conditions, including psoriasis. It has a wide range of potential uses and people usually apply the gel to the skin to relieve burns, frostbite, and cold sores.

Someresearch on ratsshowed that Aloe littoralis, which is a close relative to aloe vera, might have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The scientists concluded that A. littoralis might help reduce the inflammation from mosquito bites and applying a gel may soothe the area, too.

6. Honey

Honey may have properties that make it useful for healing wounds. Applying honey to a bite may help reduce inflammation and prevent infection, and in a similar way to aloe, applying it to the skin may also help soothe the area.

When to see a doctor

Share on PinterestA person should see a doctor if a bite lasts longer than a week or shows signs of infection.

Sometimes, mosquito bites and other insect stings can cause allergic reactions. This can lead to an anaphylactic shock in extreme cases.

Anyone who experiences any of the following symptoms will require immediate medical attention:

• breathing problems
• hives or swelling
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness

It is also possible for mosquito bites to cause an infection. If the bite lasts longer than a week or causes significant discomfort, consult a doctor.

Prevention and takeaway

Although it is difficult to avoid mosquito bites completely, people can reduce their chances of being bitten by:

• using insect repellent
• covering exposed skin as much as possible
• using mosquito nets at night
• installing mosquito screens on windows and doors
• being aware of visiting places with a high density of mosquitoes or other insects

Avoiding all mosquito bites can be difficult. However, home remedies can help reduce itchiness or irritation and provide comfort until a bite fully heals.

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