How to Take Care Of Mosquito Bites in Harmans, MD
As the weather grows warmer in Harmans, you’re probably looking forward to spending more time outdoors with your friends and family. You might be planning for a barbecue in the backyard or visits to the park as you make the most of the spring season. However, as the weather grows warmer and summer draws nearer, mosquito season will eventually set in. It helps to be prepared and it’s never too early to know how to deal with mosquito bites.
The most important thing to do is not scratch, no matter how intense the itch. It will only make things worse. Scratching will certainly offer some temporary relief, but it will quickly turn to more itches in other areas. For an over-the-counter remedy, use calamine lotion. Here is some information on it:
- Calamine lotion
The bubblegum-colored lotion, made of zinc oxide, is your first line of defense for mildly itchy mosquito bites.
The lotion creates a cooling sensation that temporarily relieves itching and discomfort, says Westley. That means once the lotion wears off (usually after a couple of hours), you’ll probably start to itch again.
You can use it on its own if it’s enough to make you comfortable, but you can also combine it with other treatments, like hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines. Read more at Mens Health…
Mosquito bites will often wear off after a few days, so you won’t need to apply the lotion for too long. If relief and comfort is important to you, this is a good buy.
Another simple way to treat mosquito bites is by using soap and water. Wash the bite with soap and cool water before proceeding. Afterward, apply ice to the bite area.
Ice your bite
There is a reason you are always told to apply ice to an inflamed area: It actually works. “Ice slows the spread of the wheal-and-flare histamine response, and numbs the a-delta nerves that transmit itch,” said Baxter. The body releases histamines in response to a bite (the same compounds that your body releases during any allergic reaction), which make it itchy, red and swollen. Adding an ice pack can help slow this uncomfortable reaction. Read more at The Active Times…
The benefit of using an ice remedy is that it is easily accessible and reliable. Another home remedy you could try is applying honey to the blister. This also works great as a temporary relief.
You don’t need to use all of the above tips. Just go with what works best for you. And while it helps to know how to treat a mosquito bite, wouldn’t you rather learn how to prevent them in the first place if you’re not already a victim?
- Wear long pants and long sleeves while outside.
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellent with DEET, icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to follow the product’s directions. Be careful not to get them in your eyes or any cuts.
- Wear a hat that protects your neck and ears.
- Use mosquito netting if you’re sleeping outdoors.
- Eliminate standing water near your home, such as in gutters or wading pools. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
- Keep the doors and windows of your home closed, and make sure screens don’t have any holes.
- Avoid using heavy perfumes, which may attract mosquitoes
Completely avoiding mosquitoes might not be possible, but preventing their bite is, so stay safe.
Now that you have the tools to handle mosquitoes yourself, the ball is in your court. However, if mosquitos have invaded your home or yard, you need professional intervention. Call Backyard Bug Patrol today for quality mosquito control services.