How Long Do Mosquito Bites Itch?
WouterDepending on your immune system’s reaction, your mosquito bites itch for varying periods of time. For some people, a bite will last for a few minutes and for others it will last several days. Itching can be especially uncomfortable when the bites are warm or hot. If you are experiencing a prolonged period of itching, contact your healthcare provider.
There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and natural remedies for easing the itching associated with mosquito bites. However, the best way to treat an itchy bug bite is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
You can also soothe the itch using topical creams, such as aloe vera, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Honey is another natural remedy that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can also use a cool compress to help alleviate the itching. It is also important to not scratch the bite. This can cause infection and further damage to the skin.
When you get bitten by a mosquito, your body releases a chemical called histamine. This helps your immune system fight the foreign substance. Histamine causes inflammation and swelling, which leads to the itchiness.
A number of different substances can trigger an allergic reaction when injected into the skin by different types of mosquitoes. You should consult your physician if you experience symptoms that may be caused by a mosquito bite.
Your doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine to relieve the fever and other itching symptoms. You can also use a topical steroid cream to alleviate the itch.
