When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a special mouthpart (proboscis) to suck up blood. As the mosquito is feeding, it injects saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in a bump and itching.

Some people have only a mild reaction to a bite or bites. Other people react more strongly, and a large area of swelling, soreness, and redness can occur.

Symptoms

Mosquito bite signs include:

·         A puffy and reddish bump appearing a few minutes after the bite.

·         A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps appearing a day or so after the bite or bites

·         Small blisters instead of hard bumps

·         Dark spots that look like bruises

More severe reactions can occur in:

·         Children

·         Adults bitten by a mosquito species they haven’t been exposed to previously

·         People with immune system disorders

Treatment

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed.
• Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.

Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.

Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.

Wait 10 minutes.

Wash off the paste.

• Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching. Follow the product label directions.

For more information on Mosquito bite symptoms and treatment, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html