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People are affected by mosquito bites in different ways. When mosquitoes feed they will pump saliva which contains blood thinners and proteins into the host as they suck out the blood. The body’s reaction is to unleash histamine to get white blood cells to the bite site to get rid of the proteins. Mosquito bites can last days or hours and depending on a person’s immunity.  This compound, histamine, is behind the inflammation, swelling and itching. A good number of people have become inured to mosquito bites but the majority are still affected and react to the bites. Many have come up with all kinds of remedies to ease the itching.

Clean the bite using surgical spirit. When it dries surgical spirit has a cooling effect which will give you relief from the itching. This should be applied as quickly as possible after being bitten by a mosquito.

Oatmeal bath

This grain has soothing effects that give you relief from allergic reactions, insect bites, dry skin and chicken pox. Add a bit of water to colloidal oatmeal make a paste and smear it on the bite. Use warm water to clean it off after a quarter of an hour. You can also add oatmeal to your bathwater.

Basil rub

Use freshly chopped basil leaves to rub on the bite. This offers immediate relief as basil has compounds that relieve itchy skin. Basil oil can also be applied to mosquito bites to relieve the itching.

Aloe Vera

Cut the aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel on to the mosquito bite to enjoy the plants soothing effects. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cold tea bag

Cool a soaked bag of black tea in the fridge. Lay the cold tea bag on the mosquito bite to relieve swelling and itching. Tea has anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey

Honey has wound healing ability, is antibacterial and an antiseptic. Apply it on the mosquito bite to bring inflammation down and prevent infection. Wear it inside the home because mosquitoes are attracted to the sugars in the honey.

Corticosteroids cream

These creams reduce skin irritation and Inflammation. Don’t use them on your face  and open wounds.

Minced garlic

Garlic has wound healing and antiviral capabilities but it can also increase inflammation and skin irritation if applied raw. For better results mix crushed garlic with coconut oil and apply  to the bite.

Mosquito bites affect some people with more serious effects like including hives, blisters, hives, swollen joints and fever.  You will need to see a doctor if you exhibit one of these symptoms.

There are vaccines for mosquito borne disease like yellow fever If you live in areas where there a lot of mosquitoes.

Prevention of mosquito bites

If you are traveling in mosquito inhabited countries you will need insect repellant. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat, carbon dioxide, body odor and sweat.  When outside dress in long-sleeved shirt, a hat, trousers, and socks and apply insect repellant liberally. When sleeping, do so under a mosquito net.