At times, it feels like mosquitoes are everywhere during the summer. Spraying on DEET and wearing pants and long-sleeve shirts are a must when it’s really humid after a hard rain.

While mosquito bites are common, some can be worse than others. Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team about mosquitoes and what you can do to treat their bites.

How Can I Know If I Have a Mosquito Bite?

Mosquito bites pretty much all look the same initially. They aren’t painful at first, and 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 and discomfort, check out the list we’ve provided below about how you can reduce itchiness and treat your bite.

Ways to Treat Mosquito Bites

• 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 enough water to create a paste, apply the paste 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. Make it and use it the same way as you would the baking soda paste!

When Should I Be Worried About a Mosquito Bite?

In most cases, mosquito bites aren’t really a cause for concern—especially in the United States. However, it is true that they can become infected soon after the initial bite has occurred.

If your mosquito bite shows the signs or symptoms we’ve listed below, visit our AFC center. You will likely be prescribed oral antibiotics or a topical antibiotic to get rid of the infection.

Signs a Bug Bite Is Infected

• A wide area of redness around the bite
• Swelling around the bite
• Pus
• Increasing pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Feeling of warmth around the bite
• Long red line extending out from the bite
• Sores or abscesses on or around the bite
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

We can provide the quality care you need! You don’t need an appointment, so stop by our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood center today.