A light drizzle offers the much-needed respite from the sweltering summer heat. But it also brings with it a dreaded guest, ever ready to suck our blood—mosquitoes
These party poopers can easily turn a fun night into a nightmare, with their constant buzzing and the ability to bite in areas that are hard to scratch.
So, this week’s piece is going to be your ultimate guide on how to soothe mosquito bites and prevent scars.
Why do they exist?
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water—think puddles, clogged gutters. And here’s the kicker: only female mosquitoes bite. They feed on our blood to produce eggs, while the male ones only need plant nectar.
Why do mosquito bites cause itching?
When a mosquito bites you, it injects its salvia into your skin that triggers an allergic reaction in your body. To fight that allergen, your immune system sends histamine to that area, which causes itching and results in those red bumps.
The more you scratch a mosquito bite, the more itching you are going to get, increasing the risk of scars.
So, even when we all know that it’s hard to resist scratching an itch, I would still advise you against it. But there are other ways you can get relief from a mosquito bite.
A quick fix
The key is to act fast before the itching drives you crazy.
Ice it all the way
Yes, it’s that simple. Get an ice cube or a cold spoon, whichever is more convenient. Now hold it pressed against the mosquito bite area for 30 seconds. This will numb that area and reduce itching. Depending on how bad the itching is, you can repeat this process.
Aloe or Lacto Calamine
Trust me folks, aloe vera can do wonders when it comes to soothing your skin. So I would suggest that you slap some aloe gel on the bite area and wait for it to do its job.
Another effective fix is our trusted pink bottle that’s seen us through some long monsoons. I’m talking about the Lacto Calamine lotion. This trusted friend will dry out the bite bump and soothe irritation.
Baking soda
Home remedies are always the more preferred way to treat anything from common cold to upset stomach. Now to get relief from a mosquito bite, take one 1 tbsp of baking soda and add a few drops of water to it until it becomes a paste.
Now apply this to the bite area and wait for 10 mins before washing it off. You will observe that the itching has instantly vanished.
Also read: Your lips need SPF too. There’s a risk of long-term damage
What not to do to avoid scars
Always keep your nails short
Long nails look great. I’m a fan of them too. But you need to understand that with long nails come deeper scratches. And with deeper scratches you’re bound to end up with deeper scars.
So, it is always wise to keep your nails short. And if you can’t do that, at least resist scratching and instead opt for the remedies mentioned above.
Anti-itch creams
Just like Lacto Calamine lotion, there are other creams that can be your trusted saviour in a mosquito bite situation. Hydrocortisone cream is one of them. You can apply it gently to the affected area to get relief from itching and redness. A mixture of oatmeal and some water is another way you can keep the itching at bay.
Go with antihistamines
If you’re allergic or extra sensitive to mosquito bites, popping an antihistamine like Allegra, which contains fexofenadine, can help you.
My favourite natural remedies
These are some easy-peasy ways that can offer great results without much hassle.
Basil leaves: You can boil dried basil leaves and cool them before rubbing on the mosquito bite. One can also rub fresh basil, which works equally well in reducing itching and swelling.
Honey: Applying a dab of honey around the inflammation area will work wonders in calming the situation down.
Also read: Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence. Here’s how you can protect it
How do you avoid bites?
– Incense sticks are your weapon against the notorious mosquitoes. These handy little things should be your summer essentials.
– Another way to safeguard yourself is by wearing long sleeves and avoiding shorts, especially during your evening walks in the park.
– If you’re asthmatic or allergy prone, including flax seeds in your diet can help reduce irritation.
Apart from itching, if you notice extreme pain, swelling, dizziness or fever, then visit a doctor because it could be a sign of some other complication. And, if you have autoimmune diseases, then mosquito bites can trigger unnecessary flare-ups, so be extra careful.
Mosquito bites don’t have to ruin your summer, so go enjoy whatever’s left of the season—with the right mosquito repellent.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)