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Summer Itch And Those Dreaded Mosquito Bites?
Summer is a wonderful time of year, nice weather, pool parties, picnics, days spent outdoors in nature. However, it is also the time for mosquito bites.
The best treatment for mosquito bites is prevention. When you are outside you need to wear an insect repellant containing deet to keep them away.
Be careful though, since repellants contain chemical compounds that may irritate the mouth and eyes make sure you do not apply directly to your children's hands and never apply more than 10% of the product on your children.
Some people swear by Skin So Soft bath Oil by Avon. Now this product is not designed for mosquito bite protection but seems to work for many people.
Spray permethrin insect repellants onto clothes but never directly on exposed skin. Insects can bite through thin clothing. Also wear long sleeved clothing and have as little skin showing as possible when you are outside in the summer.
Place mosquito netting around baby carriages car beds, and hammocks.
Install screen doors or screens on windows and other openings around your home.
If possible stay in at dawn, dusk, and early evening, this is the time that mosquitoes fly rampant.
Empty all standing water around your house including draining flower pots, dog dishes, barrels buckets, drains, old tires, and swimming pool covers weekly. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
First aid for mosquito bites
Mosquito bites are small red bumps, "wheals," which are raised in the center. Mosquito bites will itch for several days annoying everyone concerned.To treat ordinary mosquito bites you simply cleanse the area with soap and water and apply the long standing tried and true Calamine Lotion. You can also apply an ice pack or cold compress to the sooth the area and reduce inflammation.
Try not to scratch as it only makes the site itchier and causes more swelling and damage to the skin.
Another method some people use to relieve themselves from the itch of mosquito bites is to rub antiperspirant on the area, if still itchy give a second treatment.
You may also use a topical lotion or cream hydrocortisone such as Cortate to stop the itch, and also an antihistamine such as Benadryl.
However, if the mosquito bites become swollen with pain, and produce a rash you must see a doctor for more professional care.
If you develop flu like symptoms after being bite you must also see your doctor immediately. Depending upon where you live, you might have contracted the West Nile Virus.
The West Nile Virus is transferred to humans by infected mosquitoes.
The West Nile Virus symptoms might be mild or could get more severe including: nausea, vomiting, a rash, headaches, fever, stiffness especially in the neck, confusion, paralysis, loss of eye sight, stupor, coma and perhaps even death.
These symptoms usually are forthcoming about two weeks after the bites.
The severe symptoms may go away or cause permanent damage. The elderly (50 years and over), babies, and people with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable.