What to Mosquito Bites Look Like
WouterDepending on the species, the bites can cause itchy red bumps on the skin. The itchiness and swelling is usually temporary. However, some people can have a more serious reaction, including fever and an allergic reaction to the mosquito. Fortunately, most normal bites heal within a few days. Occasionally, the bites can lead to infection or a bacterial infection called cellulitis.
If the bite becomes infected, it can become painful and may spread to other areas. Infected mosquitoes can carry a viral infection, yellow fever, or West Nile Virus.
When you get a mosquito bite, you might notice a small red bump. These are the result of your body’s inflammatory response to the mosquito’s saliva. If your response to the mosquito is more severe, you might have a larger bump.
If you scratch the mosquito bite, it can cause the hole to expand and the bite to become infected. You should see your doctor to receive treatment. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria.
Some of the common symptoms of a mosquito bite include soreness, swelling, itching, and blisters. You might also notice a warm feeling and a slight fever. If the bite is painful, you should take an antihistamine to help reduce the itching.
It’s important to wash the area with soap and water, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, and use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to relieve itching. You may also want to take ibuprofen to reduce the pain.
