Symptoms of Mosquito Bites and How To Get Relief

Mosquito bites are a common insect bite, affecting nearly everybody in the world. If you notice a small, raised, and reddish-colored bump on your skin, it's likely a female mosquito bit you, because they need human or animal blood in their system to reproduce.

While most mosquito bites are relatively harmless, causing symptoms such as mild itching and swelling, some bites can become infected. In rare cases, you might experience serious complications because some mosquito bites can spread viral diseases such as the Zika virus and dengue fever.

Because everyone at some point in their life is bound to get a mosquito bite, it's important to understand the symptoms and complications of bites and what you can do to prevent and treat bites.

Symptoms

When mosquitoes feed, they inject a small amount of their saliva into your body to numb the sensation and prevent your blood from clotting. Mosquito bite symptoms are your body’s reaction to that saliva. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and resolve within 24 to 48 hours.

Symptoms of mosquito bites can vary, but most bites can look like one of the following:

• A soft bump that is swollen and appears reddish in color
• A hardened bump that looks dark red or brown
• A small, pale blister
• A dark purple spot that can resemble a bruise 

Some people have more severe reactions to bites. This is especially the case for infants, children, and those with weakened immune systems (such as those who have an autoimmune disorder). More serious mosquito bites can cause:

• Swelling
• Fever
• Hives or raised patches on the skin
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and arms

How To Get Rid of Mosquito Bites

In most cases, you can treat mosquito bites on your own. If you do get bitten by a mosquito, avoid scratching the area to prevent infection or bleeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are several steps you can take to get relief from a mosquito bite, including:

• Washing the area with soap and water
• Icing the bite to reduce swelling
• Making a baking soda and water paste and applying it to the affected area
• Using over-the-counter anti-itch cream to relieve itching
  

Risks and Complications of Mosquito Bites

While most mosquito bites aren’t dangerous and can typically resolve on their own, there are some rare instances where you might experience complications. If you notice that your mosquito bite becomes worse even after trying at-home remedies for relief, it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider. This is because some mosquito bites can spread viral or parasite-borne diseases.

Keep in mind: these diseases tend to be more common in trouble and subtropical climates. Mosquitoes may carry one or more of the following infections:

• Chikungunya virus: This virus is rare in the U.S., but may cause joint and head pain, swelling, rash, and fever. Typically, symptoms resolve within a week, though in rare cases they can become chronic.
• Dengue fever: Also known as “bone-break fever,” dengue fever can cause high fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and rash. While most people recover within a couple of weeks, chronic and severe cases of this infection can become dangerous.
• Malaria: A serious disease that occurs when mosquitoes pick up parasites and transmit or spread them to humans. Symptoms include high fever, shaking, chills, and flu-like symptoms. 
• West Nile virus: A mosquito-borne that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. West Nile virus can potentially become fatal if the infection affects your brain.
• Zika virus: Another mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, joint pain, rash, headache, conjunctivitis (redness in the eyes), and muscle pains. Zika virus can also cause birth defects, raise the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a condition that causes your immune system attacks your nerves), and be fatal, especially if left untreated.
• Yellow fever: Yellow fever causes typical fever symptoms, including headache, vomiting, and joint pain. Severe cases may lead to jaundice—a yellowing of the eyes and skin. In rare cases, you might experience changes in the functioning of your liver, kidney, and heart.

When Should You Be Worried?

In most cases, mosquito bites are harmless and tend to resolve on their own within a few days. However, certain situations should prompt you to seek out care from a healthcare provider. You should consult with your healthcare provider if:

• The mosquito bite doesn't go away after a few days
• Your skin feels warm or hot to the touch
• There are red patches or streaks near the affected area
• The bite looks infected
• You have symptoms of an infection

That said, signs of mosquito-borne illnesses or infections also prompt timely care from a provider. This is especially the case if you‘ve recently been overseas in a tropical or subtropical climate. Reach out for medical support if you experience:

• Fever
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Rash

You should also seek out immediate medical attention if you think you're having an allergic reaction that causes symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Fainting

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Sometimes it can be hard to avoid a mosquito bite. However, trying to prevent bites from happening is possible by taking the following steps:

• Using insect repellant: Applying insect repellant, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, can prevent bites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that products with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanoate are safe and effective, even if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Wearing long sleeves: Long-sleeved shirts and pants can help protect you from mosquitoes. The less skin you have exposed, the lower your chances of getting a mosquito bite.
• Trying permethrin treatment: If you live in a mosquito-heavy area or are planning a trip outdoors, consider treating your clothing with a solution of 0.5% permethrin, a broad-spectrum insecticide spray that prevents insects from interacting with you.
• Keeping windows closed: In warmer months, make sure to keep your windows and doors closed or screened off to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. If it’s hot, fans or air conditioning can help keep the temperature in control within your home.
• Getting rid of habitats: Mosquitoes thrive in standing water such as pools, bird baths, gutters, potted plants, or other areas around your home. Change the water in these—or get rid of them—to prevent attracting more mosquitoes.
• Preparing for your trip: If you’re planning to travel overseas, learn about the risks in the area you’re visiting and come prepared. It may also help to make an appointment with your healthcare provider about four to six weeks before your trip to stay up-to-date on immunizations and check out the CDC’s specific guidance for travelers for the region you’re visiting to avoid getting sick.  

A Quick Review

Mosquito bites are very common and typically only cause itching and minor swelling in the affected area. While at-home remedies can help relieve symptoms, in rare cases, a mosquito bite can become infected and cause more severe symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, it's best to see a healthcare provider for testing, as they can figure out what may be causing your symptoms and prescribe additional treatment.

The good news: taking the proper precautions can help prevent how frequently you experience mosquito bites. This may include using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeve clothing, and keeping your windows and doors closed during warmer months.