A mosquito is an insect that can be found in the United States and all over
the world.
The female mosquito needs blood to lay eggs.
When she lands on the skin, she uses a special part of her mouth to suck
a very small amount blood. She uses saliva to help her drink it.
The saliva is what makes mosquito bites itch.
What are the symptoms?
After getting a mosquito bite, people usually get a bump on their skin.
The bump is called a "wheal."
The bump is round, with pink or red edges. The middle is white.
The bump itches.
The bump will go away over time, but the area will still itch for awhile.
You cannot get infected with HIV or AIDS from getting a mosquito bite.
How is it treated?
If you get bit by a mosquito, wash the area with soap and warm water.
Hydrocortisone cream may help stop the itching. Other anti-itch creams that
can be bought at the store also may help.
Diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) may help stop itching. Follow the instructions
on the label.
Putting an ice pack on the area may help.
If you get stung on the hand, arm, leg, or foot, elevating it (resting it
on a pillow) at night may help bring down swelling.
Avoid scratching the area.
How long do symptoms last?
Symptoms generally last a few days.
How can I avoid mosquito bites?
The best way to avoid bites is to wear mosquito repellent. Follow the instructions
below.
Wearing long-sleeved pants and shirts also will help protect your skin.
Avoid using perfumes. The smell attracts mosquitoes.
Stay indoors when mosquitoes are out.
How should I use insect repellent?
Wearing mosquito repellent can help keep mosquitoes away.
Children should only use repellent that has less than 10% DEET. If it has
more than 10% DEET, it can be absorbed in their skin and cause poisoning.
Read the label.
The repellent should say on the label that it keeps away mosquitoes. Not
all repellents do.
The repellent label should also say that it is approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Follow the instructions on the label.
Do not use repellent under clothing.
Do not spray on face. Spray it on your hands and then rub it on your face
or your child's face.
Always keep the repellent away from your eyes, mouth, open skin (cuts, wounds,
etc.), or irritated skin.
Do not let young children apply repellent themselves.
Do not spray in closed rooms. Spray in open areas so you can avoid breathing
it in.
Do not spray near food.
Do not wet the skin. Spray only a thin mist on the skin. Reapply later if
needed.
After going indoors, wash sprayed skin with soap and warm water.
What about poisoning?
Children should only use repellent with less than 10% DEET. If it has more
than 10% DEET, it can be absorbed in their skin and cause poisoning.
If the spray gets in your eyes, immediately splash your eyes with water
holding the eyelid open. Do not rub your eyes or put any other chemicals in
them. Call the doctor right away.
Keep repellent stored out of the reach of children.
Call the doctor right away if someone has ingested (drank or breathed in)
repellent and you suspect poisoning. Never vomit up a chemical on purpose
until a doctor tells you to. In some cases, vomiting can cause more damage.
Call the doctor right away if you suspect poisoning.
Call the doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a mosquito
bite. Symptoms could include feeling dizzy or sick. This reaction is very
rare.
Call the doctor if the bite gets infected. Signs could include oozing a
clear yellow fluid or rough skin around the bite. Read about impetigo.
Call the doctor if you or your child has an allergic reaction to mosquito
repellent. Symptoms might include irritated skin. Take the repellent with
you to show the doctor.
Call the doctor if you have questions about mosquito bites or repellents.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment
or condition.
Quick Answers
Mosquitoes are insects that land on the skin and make a tiny bite to suck
up a small amount of blood.
The bite causes a red bump to form on the skin. The bump itches.
Wash a mosquito bite with soap and warm water. Apply anti-itching cream
to the area if needed.
The bite will probably itch for a few days.
The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to stay indoors when mosquitoes are
out. When outside, use a mosquito repellent.
Children should only use repellent that contains less than 10% DEET. Check
the label.
Call the doctor right away if a person has ingested (drank or breathed in)
repellent and you suspect poisoning.
Call the doctor if you have questions about mosquito bites, repellent, or
poison prevention.
References
CDC. Can I get infected with HIV from mosquitoes? 1998 November 30 (cited
2002 April 26). URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faq/faq32.htm
Dr. Hull. Mosquito Bites. 1996-2002 (cited 2002 April 25). URL: http://www.drhull.com/EncyMaster/M/mosquito_bites.html
EPA. Using Insect Repellent Safely. 1998 April 28 (cited 2002 April 26).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/insectrp.htm
Rutherford K. Hey! A Mosquito Bit Me! KidsHealth. 2001 May (cited 2002 April
26). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=113&article_set=10280
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