Problem mosquito bites worries humanity, probably, as long as these insects exist on earth. Observation of little bloodsuckers, their behavior and reproduction has made it possible to establish many facts about their life, which greatly facilitates the search for special protective measures against their influence. Mosquitoes need blood to continue life, that is, proteins and special blood components obtained during a bite are the basis for the laying of insect eggs. Therefore, it is mainly females that bite humans; males are needed only for reproduction.
The peak activity of mosquitoes occurs in the warm seasons of the year, from May to September; this naturally depends on the climate zone.
Most of these insects are found in humid areas, where swamps and rivers are close. Ideal temperature for mosquitoes is within 16 degrees Celsius; at temperatures above 28 degrees there are practically no mosquitoes.
A mosquito bite is accompanied by different reactions of the body, and the symptoms of skin injury depend on the individual characteristics of the body, the state of the immune system, and even on concomitant diseases. It has been established that the following categories of people are most susceptible to mosquito attacks:
- Children. Any child has very thin and delicate skin, which is not difficult to bite through. Children also have a faster metabolism, which creates an aura of attractive odors for mosquitoes.
- People with excessive sweating.
- Overweight people.
- Those who have the first blood group.
After mosquito bites, the most irritation and changes on the skin appear in people with a tendency to allergic reactions. When a female mosquito bites, it releases anticoagulants into the human blood that prevent blood clotting. These substances are capable of triggering a response from the immune system, which causes various changes in the skin.
Consequences of mosquito bites
After mosquito bites, people develop local and general reactions. Local ones include:
- Itching. The bite site itches from several minutes to several days. Itching is more severe in small children and in people with allergic reactions.
- Edema. Swelling usually appears within 24 hours after the bite. The swelling is most pronounced in the face area, that is, where the skin is tender and sensitive.
- Redness covers the area of the bite.
In a child, mosquito bites can result in an infectious skin lesion. This happens due to the fact that the child scratches the area of irritation vigorously and introduces infection into the wounds. If a mosquito bites hard near the eye, the swelling usually spreads to the eyelid and then the eye becomes swollen.
But not always after bites only local reactions are observed. In some cases, and especially with a huge number of mosquito bites on the body, general signs damage to the body. In this case it may be heat, lethargy and drowsiness appear, the child may have hemorrhage at the site of the bite. If you notice that swelling on your face is increasing, it becomes difficult to breathe, profuse sweating and tachycardia appear, then it is possible we're talking about about such a serious allergic manifestation as anaphylactic shock. If such symptoms are recorded, you should immediately take both the child and the adult to the hospital or call emergency help at home.
How to remove skin irritation after mosquito bites
Itching, severe irritation and swelling affect both general well-being and mood. A severe reaction to mosquito bites leads to a poor night's rest and can affect the development of dermatitis. The consequences of insect bites can be eliminated with home remedies and pharmaceutical preparations. The sooner you start treating skin irritation, the more effective the effect will be. Therefore, to avoid the spread of further irritation, it is advisable to use those products that are at hand. Before providing assistance, it is important to determine whether the swelling and itching are caused by a mosquito bite. It can be distinguished by a characteristic point in the center of irritation.
Traditional methods of fighting mosquito bites
To avoid unpleasant consequences After injury to the skin by mosquitoes, you need to try to relieve itching and swelling as quickly as possible. If you remove these symptoms, there will be no scratching, inflammatory reactions or infection. Pharmaceutical drugs are not always at hand, and therefore it is necessary and possible to use various traditional methods. First aid for bites on a child’s body begins with the following measures:
All of the above products are best applied before you start scratching the bite area. If it has already been removed from the skin as a result of scratching upper layer, then when using different ointments and lotions, irritation and pain will occur. To prevent scratching, your child should cut their nails and make sure they don't scratch the mosquito bite.
If you have a huge number of mosquito bites on your body, a warm bath will help you deal with them. You can add a few spoons to the water apple cider vinegar, a small amount of balsam Zvezdochka. Heat destroys histamine (a protein that causes itching and swelling in response to an allergen) and skin irritation goes away.
Pharmaceutical preparations for mosquito bites
In pharmacies you can purchase both repellents, that is, those that prevent insect bites, and products to eliminate the consequences of exposure to mosquitoes and other midges. The following drugs effectively relieve itching, swelling, and redness:
- Fenistil gel.
- Psilo is a balm.
- Balm or lotion Zvezdochka.
- Rescue cream.
- Calendula tincture with alcohol.
All of the above products are also applied to the skin, previously washed with water. thin layer. To a small child Pharmacy medications are selected based on his age and the presence of various diseases in his medical history. If mosquito bites cause severe changes in the skin and general signs of deterioration in health, then you need to take an antihistamine. This could be Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil. The dosage is selected taking into account age.
A mosquito bite, manifested by a constantly strong general reaction of intolerance, must be eliminated using special medications. Only a doctor can recommend them after diagnosing and determining the cause of the body’s increased reaction to exposure to insects.
Mosquito bites can be prevented. Various repellent sprays and creams help with this, protection skin clothes, extermination of insects in rooms using special devices. IN additional protection your skin needs it especially when you want to spend time in nature.
When we scratch a mosquito bite, we lightly scratch the skin and the slight pain temporarily numbs the itching. Then the body releases a little painkiller serotonin, and we feel better. But then the bite itches even more, there are more scratches, and in the end we are left with a wound, a scar, or worse, an infection. Therefore, you can't scratch it. Here's what might help.
1. Medical supplies
The civilized way to solve the problem is to go to the pharmacy and buy a medicine that will help with different bites mosquitoes
Pills
We will need allergy pills, especially if the reactions are severe, there are a lot of bites and they itch so much that it is unbearable. Cetirizine-based products work quickly, but be sure to read the instructions and check the contraindications before using them.
Ointments
At the pharmacy, the pharmacist will recommend antihistamine ointments based on dimethindene. If you have already scratched yourself, take ointment with dexpanthenol to help the wounds heal faster.
Patch
Useful in case of nasty reactions, when a mosquito bite swells into a bubble, ready to burst. The patch will cover the irritated area, protect it from dirt and from your nails.
Antiseptic
Alcohol hand sanitizer - quick remedy help with itching. It will reduce inflammation and at the same time disinfect scratches.
Essential oil
Tea tree oil, which dries the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, will also help against mosquito bites.
Aspirin
If you have no contraindications to aspirin, crush the tablet, add a drop of water and make a paste, which should be applied to the bite.
2. Home and folk remedies
It's scary to realize this, but sometimes they work no worse than pharmacy ones. Lifehacker already has something that will help with a mosquito bite, here are more options.
Cold water and ice
The reaction to a bite is often accompanied by swelling, the area swells and hurts. Periodically soak the bite site in cool water or apply ice. This will help reduce redness, remove the bump, and cope with the itching.
Warm water and hot towel
Oddly enough, both cold and heat help with itching. Therefore, a warm shower will help if there are a lot of bites. In the shower, use regular soap and do not touch the washcloth so as not to injure the skin, and apply a warm compress from an ironed towel to very itchy areas.
Soda
Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in a glass warm water and apply this solution with cotton wool to the bite areas. You can make a small cotton compress.
Oatmeal
They will help cereals, which need to be cooked, and not just poured with boiling water. The flakes must be ground into dust in a coffee grinder or blender, mixed with water and made into a thick paste. Apply it to the bite areas and wash off after 10–12 minutes.
Tea brewing
It is most convenient to apply a bag to the bite, which has previously been squeezed out and cooled.
Plantain
Seriously, plantain. Or basil, which is now much easier to find in the kitchen than plantain on the side of the road. The leaf should be washed, chopped or crushed (it works well in a blender), and the green mass should be spread on the bite areas. When you don't have time to do this, crush the leaf in your hand to release a little juice to the surface and apply it to the bite.
3. When there is nothing at hand
If there is no chance of getting to the pharmacy, kitchen or garden bed, and your hand treacherously reaches out to comb everything that itches, try to deceive your receptors.
Click on the bite
Press firmly on the bite site, it will become a little easier. The effect is temporary, you will have to repeat it, but it is better than scratching yourself until you bleed: the bite will heal faster than scratches, and you will not introduce an infection into the wound.
Pat the bite
Instead of scratching, smack the bite area, even hard. This is analogous to combing, only less traumatic - you will deceive the brain, causing slight pain.
An insect as tiny as a mosquito can cause a lot of trouble for a person. It is worth noting that only female mosquitoes are bloodsuckers, which require blood protein to lay eggs. Males are completely harmless creatures, as they feed on the nectar of flowers.
At the moment of the bite, the female mosquito pierces the skin with its proboscis and injects saliva into it, which contains anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting. Human body regards these substances as allergens, which is why the bite site turns red and itches. Today we will look at how to reduce itching using folk remedies against mosquito bites, and what precautions should be taken if you become a victim of the little bloodsuckers.
First aid for a mosquito biteFirst of all, the area should be thoroughly washed with soap to eliminate the risk of germs and dirt penetrating the skin. Allergy sufferers need to take an antihistamine, such as Suprastin or Tavegil.
After this, you can apply lotions against mosquito bites according to folk recipes, which will be discussed below.
Alcohol tincturesAlcohol-based products are good for eliminating itching in the area of a mosquito bite, namely:
- boric alcohol;
- triple cologne;
- valocordin;
- Corvalol;
- propolis tincture.
The best remedy for mosquito bites is calendula tincture. If you don’t find any of these products in your medicine cabinet, you can lubricate the reddened area of skin with “Star” balm or your own saliva.
Medicinal plants- Rue– used in the form of gruel or juice from crushed leaves for a compress. It also helps with wasp and bee stings.
- Veronica officinalis– used in the form of a strong decoction, from which a lotion is made. Effective against bites of poisonous insects and spiders.
- Dandelion– squeeze out the juice from a freshly picked plant and lubricate the wound with it. A bandage is applied on top and changed every three hours.
- Plantain– a fresh leaf is rubbed in the palms of your hands and pasted onto the bite site.
It is effective to apply the onion with a fresh cut to the skin to the site of the bite - onion juice will disinfect the wound and eliminate itching. Garlic works in a similar way - a few cloves should be crushed into a paste and diluted with water (2 teaspoons). Moisten a bandage in the resulting product and apply it to the wound.
Vinegar also helps against mosquito bites - dip a clean cloth or gauze into it and apply a compress to the reddened area for half an hour.
Another effective home remedy for itching is toothpaste (not gel!).
Soda for mosquito bites
- Baking soda – best helper in the fight against discomfort after a mosquito bite. It is used in several ways.
- Soda cake– add a little water to 1 tablespoon of the substance to form a thick paste. A cake is formed from the resulting mass and applied to the itchy area. A wet cloth is placed on top. After three hours the cake is changed.
- Soda lotion– pour a little soda into a bowl, dip a wet bandage into it and wipe the wound with it. The procedure is repeated several times a day.
Soda is completely harmless. It relieves redness and inflammation, the bite site heals quickly and there are no traces left after it. This method is especially suitable for treating mosquito bites in young children.
Other ways to treat bitesImmediately after an insect bite, it is effective to put ice or something cold on the sore spot.
If there are a lot of mosquito bites, a cool bath with the addition of sea salt, lavender or tea tree oils.
Attention! If the bite site quickly swells, which is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in health (dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing), you should call a doctor. These symptoms are usually characterized by the bites of malaria mosquitoes, which are carriers of dangerous infections.
Tormented by mosquitoes? Is your body itching, itching, or swelling? To get rid of these unpleasant symptoms and protect yourself from infected wounds, you need to use ointment against mosquito bites.
"Fenistil gel"
This remedy is characterized by a dual effect - antihistamine and antipruritic. It also relieves irritation and reduces swelling. Tube volume – 30 grams. The average price is 350 rubles.
Fenistil gel is not suitable for children under 1 year of age!
"Strataderm"
The drug is intended for the treatment of streptoderma in children, but can also be used to lubricate mosquito bites. This ointment does not have any contraindications, but it is almost impossible to find it on sale.
Tube volume – 5, 10, 20 and 50 grams. The average cost is 300 rubles.
First aid after bites from MOSQUITALL
The balm gel contains plant extracts, menthol, d-panthenol and silver ions. These components quickly relieve the effects of mosquito bites and other insects, disinfect wounds and reduce inflammation.
Tube volume – 10 grams. The average cost is 110 rubles.
If, after applying one or another ointment, side effects in the form of difficulty breathing and rapid heartbeat, immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance!
"Rescuer"
What to put on mosquito bites? Try it universal remedy, which is based only on natural medicinal components:
- Oils – olive, sea buckthorn and ghee;
- Calendula extract;
- Vitamins A and E;
- Wax;
- Naftalan oil (refined).
As you can see, there are no antibiotics or hormones in “Rescuer”.
The ointment promotes rapid regeneration of affected areas of the epidermis and prevents the appearance of swelling and blisters. Suitable for pregnant women and children.
Tube volume – 30 grams. The average price is 110 rubles.
“Rescuer” ointment should not be used if you are intolerant to its components!
"Golden Star"
This is another antiseptic universal drug that heals the skin after various injuries, including bites of a variety of insects. Balm "Golden Star" contains exclusively natural ingredients– menthol, camphor, peppermint, as well as clove, cinnamon and eucalyptus oils. The drug is suitable for everyone. The only exceptions are those patients who have individual intolerance to its components.
Tube volume – 5 grams. The average price is 50 rubles.
Advice! This product can be applied both to treat mosquito bites and to prevent them. The rich, pungent smell of “Golden Star” repels bloodsuckers for a long time.
"Komarex"
This gel is successfully used for bites from mosquitoes, mosquitoes, horseflies, midges and even ticks. It heals affected areas of the skin and has a repellent effect. When using this product, be careful not to get it on your mucous membranes!
Tube volume – 40 grams. The average cost is 70 rubles.
On a note! Be very careful when choosing mosquito bite repellents for children. Most of these drugs are not suitable for children with sensitive skin and can lead to serious side effects.
"Komarex" has an anti-inflammatory effect and, at the same time, drives away insects
"Elokom"
This cream is included in the pharmacological group of GCS and has a persistent antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect. The disadvantages of the drug include a fairly large number of contraindications:
- Pregnancy;
- Age up to 2 years;
- Breastfeeding period;
- Intolerance to components;
- Syphilis;
- Bacterial skin infection;
- Tuberculosis.
Tube volume – 15 and 45 grams. The average cost is from 300 to 400 rubles.
Advice! Do not apply the drug very often. Typically, its effect lasts about 3 hours. To know exact dates possible on the packaging.
"Baneotsin"
Baneocin is a synthetic antibiotic that is actively used for insect bites. Available in two forms - cream or powder. The product has no contraindications, so it can be used from birth. According to reviews, unpleasant symptoms disappear after the 2nd application.
Tube volume – 10 grams. The average price is 300 rubles.
"Arnica"
Arnica ointment is a homeopathic preparation created on a natural basis. Its main active ingredient is the arnica montana plant, and additional means Vaseline appears.
The drug is famous for its powerful sedative, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. It also enhances protective forces the body and increases its resistance to allergies and other consequences of mosquito bites.
Unfortunately, Arnica ointment has many contraindications. These include pregnancy, intolerance to certain ingredients, age under 18 years and breastfeeding.
Tube volume – 30 grams. Average price - 170 rubles
Tips to help with mosquito bites:
"Nezulin"
The main feature of the Nezulin cream-gel is the natural repellents included in the composition. In addition, the product has a calming and antihistamine effect, kills bacteria, reduces itching, inflammation and swelling, improves the protective functions of the epidermis and promotes its regeneration. There is no list of contraindications (except for individual sensitivity).
Tube volume – 30 grams. The average cost is 900 rubles.
Advice! Thanks to its non-hormonal base, the gel is suitable for long-term use. But before this, a consultation with a dermatologist is required.
"Floresan"
A popular cream-balm against mosquito bites, which has no contraindications and is suitable for victims of all categories. It acts gently and quickly, treats the source of inflammation, and eliminates severe itching.
Tube volume – 30 grams. The average price is 150 rubles.
"Bepanten"
A well-known external remedy that heals and moisturizes the skin, as well as relieving inflammation. Release form: gel, ointment and cream for nursing and infants. Therapeutic effect achieved thanks to the active substance dexpanthenol. Results are visible after the first application. Contraindications are limited only to individual intolerance to the components.
Tube volume – 30 and 50 grams. The average cost is 400 and 600 rubles, respectively.
"Bepanten" is indicated even for nursing mothers and babies from the first days of life
Advice! Never use expired creams, ointments or gels.
"Hydrocortisone"
This is a hormonal drug based on the active substance of the same name. It is thanks to the presence of hydrocortisone that the ointment relieves swelling, redness and itching. It should only be applied to cleansed skin. Although the product is sold without a prescription, it still requires special caution. Contraindications to its use are pregnancy, sensitivity to certain components and open wounds caused by bacteria, viruses or infections.
Tube volume – 10 grams. The average price is 50 rubles.
On a note! Hydrocortisone is intended not only to relieve allergies to insect bites, but also to treat many skin diseases.
"Uniderm"
Excellent ointment after a mosquito bite. Helps reduce itching and swelling, as well as rapid healing of wounds. Due to side effects, it requires prior consultation with a dermatologist.
Tube volume – 30 grams. The average price is 150 rubles.
"Akriderm"
A delicate drug that is intended for both children and adults. This medicine is most often used for dermatitis and various skin injuries. It relieves itching, eliminates swelling, and reduces the appearance of rashes. Ideal for treating mosquito and bedbug bites.
Tube volume – 30 grams. The average price is 450 rubles.
"Panthenol"
Medicinal creams, ointments or gels based on panthenol are produced by many pharmacological companies. It quickly relieves itching, heals wounds and restores the epidermis.
In order not to overpay for a brand, choose the most cheap option. In this case, you will only pay for the active component.
Tube volume – 50 grams. The average cost is 100 rubles. Combined products based on panthenol will cost much more - from 300 to 500 rubles for the same volume.
"Gardex" and "Taiga"
Children's creams against mosquito bites are represented by the brands “Taiga” and “Gardex”. These are delicate preparations that allow you to quickly relieve itching and protect yourself from subsequent insect attacks.
Tube volume – 40 and 60 grams. The average cost is 40-50 rubles.
"Advantan"
A common antipruritic and anti-inflammatory drug intended for external application. Widely used to treat various diseases of the epidermis, including mosquito bites. Available in the form of cream and ointment. The composition of both options is the same, and the main active ingredient is methylprednisolone acetonate.
Tube volume – 15 grams. The average cost of a gel is 550 rubles, an ointment is from 300 to 400 rubles.
All external agents used for mosquito bites have a local effect and can only resist local manifestations allergies. If the body’s reaction is complex, take an antihistamine.
"Soventol"
The active substance of this ointment is bamipin lactate, intended for the treatment of insect bites, burns of different nature(thermal, UV and jellyfish), as well as frostbite. Bamipin does not enter the bloodstream and therefore has a small set of contraindications - pregnancy, breast-feeding and age up to 12 years. But most importantly, the drug is strictly prohibited for people suffering from propylene glycol intolerance.
Apply this antihistamine antipruritic ointment in a thin layer to all bites - the skin must first be cleansed. It is important not to wash it off!
Tube volume – 20 grams. The average price is 150 rubles.
"Psilo-balm"
A fairly effective ointment against mosquito bites, which contains diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine). Exactly this active substance is responsible for eliminating swelling, redness, itching and inflammation. The drug has a mild effect, but is not suitable for allergy sufferers, expectant mothers and infants under one year old.
Tube volume – 20 grams. The average price is 200 rubles.
"Elidel"
A very strong cream. Quickly relieves inflammation and itching. Treatment takes place in courses. Contraindications include age under 3 months and the presence of wounds with suspected fungus or bacterial infection.
Tube volume – 15 grams. The average cost is 1000 rubles.
"Elidel" can be used only in cases where a person has a serious allergic reaction - eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Any, even the most effective, products must be tested for compatibility on a small area of skin before local application. If discomfort occurs within a quarter of an hour, stop using this drug.
