Mosquito bites are common during the spring, and as much as we want to scratch them when they itch, it’s a bad idea to do so. Scratching mosquito bites can cause infections, which can, in turn, cause more health complications.

So, what are we supposed to do when the itch becomes unbearable? Our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team shares some helpful tips below, so keep reading!

How Can I Know If I Have a Mosquito Bite?

Spring is a beautiful season, but it’s also a season that’s full of mosquitoes in the South. If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, you’ll know.

Although mosquito bites rarely, if ever, hurt during the initial bite, they almost always cause a pale-looking, swollen lump on the skin, with redness surrounding it. The bump will be itchy and will often feel relatively warm soon after the bite has occurred. If your mosquito bite is causing lots of itchiness, we’ve listed a few ways you can reduce the irritation below.

Ways to Reduce Mosquito Bite Itchiness

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching.
• Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching.
• Consider applying a mixture of water and baking soda to the bite, which can help relieve itchiness. Mix one tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste, apply the past to the bite, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
• Using oatmeal is also a worthwhile home remedy. It can relieve itching and swelling because it contains special compounds that have anti-irritant qualities. Just make it and use it the same way as you would the baking soda paste!

Can Mosquito Bites Be Prevented?

While not all mosquito bites can be 100% prevented, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes when you’re spending time outdoors.

In addition to the list we’ve provided below, one of the best things you can do is to protect your outdoor spaces from mosquitoes. You can do this by clearing your yard of standing water, adding mosquito-repelling plants like citronella to your landscape and, in more dire cases, hiring a company to spray insecticides around the home.

Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, particularly in wooded areas.
• Control mosquitoes inside and outside.

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC center today if you need non-emergency care.