Most mosquito bites are itchy and harmless, and they clear up in a few days. The best relief comes from a few simple steps: clean the bite, cool it and use an over-the-counter treatment for the itch. What you should not do is scratch until it breaks the skin, since that can lead to infection.
This guide covers relief that works, remedies that do not, how to prevent bites and when a bite needs medical attention.
Wash the bite with soap and water, apply a cold compress or ice pack for about 10 minutes and use an over-the-counter anti-itch product such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. Use an EPA-registered repellent to prevent bites. Seek care for signs of infection or serious symptoms.
How to relieve a mosquito bite
| Step | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wash | Clean the bite with soap and water. | Reduces the risk of infection. |
| 2. Cool | Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes. | Reduces swelling and itching. |
| 3. Baking soda paste | Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste, apply for 10 minutes and rinse. | The CDC suggests this as a way to reduce itch. |
| 4. Anti-itch products | Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream, following the label. | Do not use on broken skin or on young children without checking the label. |
| 5. Oral antihistamine | Ask a pharmacist about an oral antihistamine if you have many bites or a large reaction. | Some cause drowsiness. |
| 6. Do not scratch | Keep nails short, cover the bite with a bandage if you tend to scratch and use cool compresses when the urge hits. | Scratching can break the skin and lead to infection. |
Remedies to skip or use with caution
| Remedy | What to know |
|---|---|
| Essential oils applied undiluted | Can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. Not a proven bite treatment. |
| Toothpaste, alcohol or vinegar | No good evidence, and they can sting or irritate. |
| Scratching or squeezing | Can make it worse and cause infection. |
Prevention that works
- Use an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. The CDC says these are safe and effective when used as directed, including for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Use screens and keep doors closed. Use air conditioning if you have it.
- Remove standing water around your home, since mosquitoes lay eggs in it. Empty flower pots, buckets, toys and birdbaths weekly.
Follow the repellent label, apply it to exposed skin and over sunscreen (apply sunscreen first), and do not use it on infants under 2 months old. Ask a pediatrician about children.
When to see a doctor
- Signs of infection: a bite that becomes very red, warm or painful, or a red streak spreading outward, or pus.
- Large reactions: swelling much larger than the bite that does not improve.
- Illness after a bite: fever, rash, body aches, headache, neck stiffness, confusion or muscle weakness. Some mosquitoes carry viruses such as West Nile.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives all over, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing. Call 911.
Mosquito-proofing your yard
| Where | What to do | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Flower pots and saucers | Empty standing water. | Weekly |
| Buckets, tires and toys | Turn upside down or store indoors. | Weekly |
| Birdbaths and pet bowls | Scrub and refill with fresh water. | Weekly |
| Gutters and drains | Clear clogs so water flows. | Seasonally |
| Window and door screens | Patch holes. | Spring |
Bites in children
Children are often more bothered by bites and more likely to scratch. Keep their nails short, use a cold compress, and ask a pharmacist or pediatrician about age-appropriate anti-itch products. Check labels on repellents for age limits, and do not put repellent on a child's hands, eyes or mouth. Apply it to your own hands first, then to the child's skin.
Planning for outdoor time
If you are heading to a park, campsite or backyard evening, put on repellent before you go, wear light-colored long sleeves and pants and avoid heavy scents that may attract insects. Mosquitoes are often most active at dusk and dawn, so plan outdoor time around them when you can.
FAQ
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Sources and further reading
