Female mosquitoes bite humans to obtain nutrient-rich blood for fertilizing their eggs. The most common symptoms of these bites are redness, mild swelling and itching, which may appear up to two days after a bite occurs. Despite the discomforts, most mosquito bites are harmless and heal on their own within a few days. Several over the counter and home remedies are available to relieve mosquito bites that are extremely large and uncomfortable.
Instructions
1. Apply over the counter hydrocortisone cream as directed on the package instructions as soon as mosquito bite symptoms appear. This will reduce the itching and inflammation of the large bite. Other topical treatment options include calamine lotion or a paste made by mixing 1 tsp. of water with 1 tsp. of dry meat tenderizer.
2. Cover the bite with an ice pack or cold, damp cloth for 15 minutes several times a day to relieve itching and inflammation.
3. Avoid scratching mosquito bites; scratching can break the skin, increasing the risk of infection. If a large mosquito bite becomes infected, apply an over the counter antibiotic ointment as directed on the product's packaging instructions.
4. Take an over the counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) to reduce itching. Follow the product's dosage instructions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking an antihistamine if you are taking other medications, have a preexisting medical condition or have never taken antihistamines before.
5. Take an over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen to relieve minor pain caused by the large bite, if necessary. Follow the dosage instructions on the product's packaging. NSAIDs may also help to relieve swelling of the bite.
Tags: over counter, mosquito bites, dosage instructions, itching inflammation, large bite