Mosquitoes are capable of biting animals and people to extract blood. These bites are produced by female mosquitoes, since male mosquitoes do not have this natural need. And you may wonder why female mosquitoes bite, well, the reason is related to the reproductive phase, that is, they need blood with proteins and other components that favor the production of eggs.
Mosquito bites, like those of other insects, produce inflammation in the form of red bumps. This form varies according to the reaction of each person's body to a certain sting.
Why do mosquito bites become inflamed?
Swollen mosquito bites are caused by a mild allergic reaction of the body along with contact with the insect's saliva . Your body releases histamine to fight insect bites, especially the coagulants secreted by a mosquito.
The histamine released to combat the bite of the tiger mosquito or any other insect causes inflammation in the affected area. The itching you feel in the moments after a sting is due to your body's reaction to this secretion: the blood vessels in the area swell, the nerves are irritated and, consequently, you feel the itching. There are mild reactions to stings in some people, but others suffer more severe in the form of redness, pain and inflammation.
How long does a mosquito bite last?
As stated above, the female mosquitoes are the ones that bite to produce the eggs. These use a special mouth part, called a proboscis, to penetrate the person's skin and suck blood.
In this way, the mosquito can feed by injecting saliva into the skin and producing the bite in the body of an individual. The initial redness from the bite fades within a few hours, giving way to a more uncomfortable lump. The sting bump, called a papule, appears within 2 to 6 hours after the sting and lasts 1 to 2 days on average . In certain cases, the papule takes longer to disappear, taking several days or weeks. To prevent this time from increasing, it is essential that you do not scratch the area affected by the sting by relieving it with ice or washing it with soap and water.
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What to do to reduce the inflammation of a bite
You can reduce the inflammation of a bite through some simple treatments and tips, we show you below:
- Soap and water: Washing the area affected by a mosquito bite with soap and water helps relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
- Placing an ice pack to reduce inflammation is effective if it is done for 10 minutes. After this time, check the condition of the bite and, if you feel more discomfort, put an ice pack on the area again for 10 more minutes.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist and take an antihistamine that helps relieve itching and inflammation.
- Don't scratch the bite to prevent the swelling from growing.
What to apply for mosquito bite
There are different home remedies for mosquito bites that are easy to prepare and apply. Opt for one of the following remedies whenever you need to treat the inflammation of an insect bite:
Sodium bicarbonate
Mixing baking soda with water is a good natural remedy for treating a bite. A tablespoon of baking soda and a little water will be enough to create a paste, you must apply it to the bite area and wait 10 minutes for it to take effect. Finally, you must rinse it.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has many natural properties that help fight skin damage such as burns or insect bites. In addition, it is an excellent natural antiseptic that helps reduce itching, swelling and pain.
Toothpaste
Many toothpastes include menthol in their composition. It is an organic compound that is found in mint plants and that, applied to the inflammation of a mosquito bite, helps to reduce it and relieve the area.
Honey
Honey has been used for many years as a home remedy to combat different pains such as throat pain, pain caused by inflammation or cough. It contains several properties that make it a natural antibiotic, thus helping to treat the sting.
Antihistamine cream
Over-the-counter antihistamine creams are not a home remedy, but they do help relieve a mosquito bite. Follow the product instructions (on the label) at all times to apply it correctly.
