Why Do Mosquito Bites Turn Purple?

Getting a mosquito bite is not something that you would want to happen. The saliva injected into your body by the mosquito causes an inflammatory reaction. The skin gets red and swollen and it becomes itchy. Symptoms tend to fade after a few days.

The mosquito can also transmit diseases, such as malaria. This type of infection can lead to life-threatening inflammation of the brain. The symptoms are similar to that of a flu, and they include muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and confusion. The symptoms may be worse if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions.

The swelling around the bite is caused by blood pooling underneath the skin. It can be treated with cold compresses, ice packs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Oral antihistamines can help reduce the itching. If the bite is severe, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

If you see any signs of an infection after a mosquito bite, you should go to the doctor. A doctor can prescribe topical medication that can be applied every four hours. Using a cool compress to relieve the itching can also help.

Infected mosquito bites can appear as red, puffy bumps or as multiple bumps. Depending on the size of the bite, it can be as small as a ping pong ball, or as large as a mandarin orange.

Bed bug bites and flea bites can also cause purple bruising. These are not dangerous, but they do cause a rash and an upset stomach.