How long do mosquito bites last

A mosquito is attracted by our carbon dioxide emissions as we sleep and also by the scent of the blood coursing through our blood vessels. Unlike the bite of the bed bug which you won’t discern until the parasite has already had its blood meal, the mosquito bite is immediately felt and causes an painful pinch as it breaks skin. This is because the mosquito doesn’t release a dulling agent to act like temporary anesthesia. Instead it releases its saliva which contains an anti-coagulant that prompts the itching you feel.

Mosquito bites

The mosquito bite can last up to a week. The first two days the bite is probably itchy which tapers out leaving a red swelling on the site of the bite. After two more days of the swelling the bite site will become blue or purple looking like a bruising as it heals itself. Often the bites of a mosquito look like you are breaking up in hives. They are characterized by one large swelling or several smaller ones as he mosquito was probably looking for a capillary.

You will notice these bites occur on the face, hands and other exposed parts of the body. This includes areas which you may leave uncovered during the night if you lose coverage of the duvet. This is the only reason you may find a mosquito bite on you back or chest.

What to expect with a mosquito bite

You will see several bumps raised on your skin and they will be extremely itchy. The itching is because of your body’s immune system‘s response to the protein in the saliva. It causes the human body to release histamines which cause the nerves around the site to become itchy. The best way to mitigate the itchiness is to use calamine lotion to soothe the area.

Some of the complications that arise from a mosquito bite include

Impetigo

This is the local bacterial infection we are all used to because of scratching or picking at the bite site. The open sore caused by too much itching can get pus but it is only confined to the bite site.

Cellulitis

This is the bacterial infection that spreads around the bite site. It is characterized by redness and swelling in the skin surrounding the bite and the area is very painful to touch.

Lymphangitis

This is also known as sepsis and it is characterized by a red line that goes up the limb. It is a dangerous type of infection that can actually result in death if left untreated. This is because the infection contaminates thevictim’s blood.