What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

The appearance of a mosquito bite is different in different patients. In some patients, the swelling is restricted only at the site of bite while in other patients the swelling extends to the surrounding tissues.

What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

The appearance of the mosquito bite depends upon the severity of immunological reactions that occurs in the body against the chemicals secreted by the mosquito as well as the tissue injury that has occurred due to sucking of blood. Further, the visibility of the symptoms is more common in people who are highly sensitive to the saliva of mosquito. It has also been noted that people who frequently encounters the mosquito bite have less prominent visible symptoms as compared to this who have a lower incidence of mosquito bites. A swollen bump is visible after a mosquito bite. The area surrounding the bump gets reddened. The skin becomes swollen and, in some cases, the fluid-filled blisters also develop.

The condition is more severe in children, the immune system of which reacts more intensely against the mosquito bite. The severity of itching is high, and scratching is done by the children posing them to the risk of secondary infection. This severe reaction against the mosquito bite is known as Skeeter syndrome. The characteristic feature of the syndrome includes hives and swelling at the site of a mosquito bite.

In some cases of mosquito bites, the complications arise leading to cellulitis, impetigo or lymphangitis. These are most commonly seen in patients with a compromised immune system.

If the patient’s condition does not become better even after 4-5 days of bite or progressively worsens, healthcare professional should be consulted. As the mosquitoes are also the carrier of the various diseases, immediate medical intervention is required in such patients.

Mosquito Bite Symptoms

Symptoms vary in patients with a mosquito bite. Some people react severely while others response mildly. People with a compromised immune system are at higher risk of developing secondary infections. The general symptoms of mosquito bites are due to the saliva that is pumped into the body at the time of sucking blood. The saliva contains anticoagulants, enzymes, and proteins. Symptoms include bumps, redness, swelling, and inflammation which subside within 4-5 days.

Household Remedies

Various household remedies are available for the treatment of mosquito bite to alleviate the symptoms. Following are the household remedies:

Honey. Honey is one of the important household remedies for mosquito bites due to its several advantages. First, it has an excellent antibacterial property, thus prevents the occurrence of infections. Further, it does not allow the skin to get dry, thereby reduces the severity of itching.

Baking Soda. The pH level of the skin changes due to skin inflammation and swelling leading to itching. Baking soda, when applied to the skin, rebalances the pH level leading to reduced itching.

Lime Juice. Lime juice along with the crushed mint leaves is applied to alleviate the symptoms of a mosquito bite. While lime juice has analgesic, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory property, mint leaves provide a cooling sensation.

Oatmeal. Various research studies indicate the potential benefit of oatmeal in skin calming. Oatmeal contains various calming ingredients that help reducing itching. Oatmeal also has anti-irritant property.

Ice Pack. Crushed ice, when kept on the site of the mosquito bite, helps relieve inflammation and itching. However, the ice should not be kept on the skin for a long time as it may lead to skin damage.

Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is an excellent option in cases when there are minor bruises. It reduces the risk of infection and also helps in reducing the symptoms of a mosquito bite.

Onion. Onion juice helps to reduce the inflammation and helps remove the sting from the mosquito bite. It also reduces the chances of secondary infection.

Conclusion

Mosquito bites look like bumps which in severe condition may be filled with fluids. The bump is surrounded by redness and inflammation.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:December 27, 2019

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