Table of contents:
- Why do red bumps appear after being bitten by a mosquito?
- How do you get rid of mosquito bites?
- 1. Apply a cold compress
- 2. Avoid scratching
- 3. Immediately take a shower with cold water
- How to prevent mosquito bites from leaving a mark on the skin
- 1. Apply with vitamin E oil or cream
- 2. Wear a fruit mask
- 3. Apply sunscreen or sunblock
- 4. Use the cream from the doctor
Itching from being bitten by mosquitoes is really annoying. Not to mention the appearance of the bumps which are very disturbing appearance. So, is there a way to get rid of the mosquito bite marks that seem to interfere with this sight? Check out the tips below for getting rid of mosquito bites safely and quickly.
Why do red bumps appear after being bitten by a mosquito?
You are certainly no stranger to seeing mosquitoes flying around you. This one insect is found in many tropical countries, including Indonesia.
Not many people know that the only ones who like to bite humans are female mosquitoes. The nutrients in our blood become good food for future children.
Well, after piercing the skin with the tip of its sharp snout, the mosquito will salivate to keep the blood from clotting quickly so that it is easier to suck. The mosquito's saliva contains foreign enzymes and proteins that are considered harmful by our bodies. In an effort to eradicate these foreign substances, the immune system will produce large amounts of histamine.
Excessive levels of histamine in the body will increase blood flow and the number of white blood cells around the mosquito bite area. As a result, it causes inflammation and swelling of the skin typical of mosquito bites. This increase in histamine is also similar to an allergic reaction in the body.
Mosquito bites are usually harmless and only leave scars that interfere with appearance. However, it turns out that these blood-sucking insect bites can carry infectious diseases too, you know. No need to worry because not all mosquito bites are sure to invite disease.
Some of the common diseases caused by mosquito bites include:
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
- Malaria
- Chikungunya
- Yellow fever (yellow fever)
How do you get rid of mosquito bites?
As explained earlier, mosquito bites actually come from a histamine reaction in the body, so that the skin will become swollen and red. Usually,
Some people may not be aware when they are bitten by a mosquito and suddenly notice a bump on their skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are signs of mosquito bites:
- A red swelling or rash appears a few minutes after the bite
- The hump feels itchy
- Brownish red, hard bumps appear a day after being bitten by a mosquito
- Dark spots like bruises
In children, mosquito bites may turn black and be more difficult to remove. People with poor immune systems are also more likely to develop this condition.
More serious skin reactions require immediate medical attention. However, don't worry, as severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites are very rare.
If you are really bothered by mosquito bites, follow these steps to get rid of the bumps fast:
1. Apply a cold compress
After you have been bitten by a mosquito and find a bump, the first step you can take is to compress the skin that was just bitten. You can use a cold compress for this step.
Cold compress aims to relieve inflammatory reactions in the skin and reduce itching on the skin due to mosquito bites.
Apply a cold compress (put a few ice cubes in a plastic wrap and wrap it in a thin towel) to your skin to help relieve the itching.
2. Avoid scratching
Red spots or bumps on the skin after being bitten by a mosquito are a natural reaction. Unfortunately, the itching can be so annoying that you end up scratching it without realizing it.
In fact, scratching the skin that is bitten by mosquitoes can actually make it itch even more, causing wounds that are hard to disappear. Especially if you have sensitive skin.
Therefore, make sure you avoid scratching the itchy bumps as much as possible. If your child has difficulty withstanding the itching and wants to scratch, you can put a bandage on the mosquito bite.
You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, or anti-itch creams to relieve the itching. The sooner you treat the bite marks, the less likely they will appear and the easier it will be to remove.
3. Immediately take a shower with cold water
Another way to get rid of itch marks from mosquito bites is to take a cold shower. This concept is similar to applying cold compresses to the skin in order to reduce the itching sensation.
How to prevent mosquito bites from leaving a mark on the skin
In addition to knowing how to remove scars, it is also important to know how to prevent mosquito bites from turning black quickly.
Indeed, mosquito bites tend to disappear faster than other insect bites. However, depending on the immune system and the size of the bite marks, the marks may remain on the skin and make it difficult to heal. Even more so if you scratch a lot.
Therefore, follow the steps below so that mosquito bites do not remove stubborn marks:
1. Apply with vitamin E oil or cream
You can try by applying oil or cream that contains vitamin E at least twice a day. Vitamin E can reduce redness as well as speed up healing of skin irritations.
If you don't have vitamin E cream at home, you can use honey. Honey's natural anti-inflammatory properties can also help heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. Don't leave the honey on the skin for too long. After feeling long enough, immediately rinse thoroughly.
Another alternative is to regularly apply aloe vera gel, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, soothe itchy skin, and speed healing.
2. Wear a fruit mask
If not treated properly, mosquito bites can darken like acne scars. You can help prevent skin discoloration in mosquito bites by wearing a natural mask of finely ground tomatoes, lemon, or papaya.
The content of these fruits is believed to brighten the skin. Choose only one fruit, and apply the mask twice a day for about 10 minutes.
3. Apply sunscreen or sunblock
Did you know that scars or insect bites turn black faster when exposed to sunlight? To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you wear sunscreen or sunblock before moving outdoors.
Please choose sunblock with SPF 30 and above when you are going outside, especially if you are going to be active long enough in the sun.
4. Use the cream from the doctor
If the bite mark is large enough, causes scarring, causes a change in skin color that is quite contrasting, or does not work with the above home remedies, consult a doctor for this matter.
Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or retinoid cream to remove mosquito bites from your skin. Remember, most of the mosquito bite remedies available in pharmacies can only be obtained by prescription. So, make sure you check the bite marks that are severe enough to the doctor first.
Apart from the methods above, the most effective step to avoid itching marks on the skin is of course preventing mosquito bites. Make sure you wear clothes that cover your arms and legs properly so that mosquitoes don't land on you. Also keep the environment and house clean so that mosquitoes are reluctant to breed around you.
