Mosquito Bite Prevention
Mosquitos are pesky insects that can leave our skin itchy and irritated when bitten. During the summer months mosquitos are at their prime. Isaiah Ho MD, PIH Health Family Medicine physician, says, “Mosquito bites create discomfort and can transmit disease, bacteria, and viruses.” Fortunately, there are actions that can be taken to prevent mosquito bites. Protect your skin and enjoy the summer sun bite-free!
Steps to Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellent containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered products with diethyltoluamide (DEET) as an active ingredient on exposed skin before going outdoors.
- Mosquitos can bite through thin clothing. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants treated with permethrin, picaridin, DEET, or other EPA-registered insect repellants. Make sure to keep permethrin off skin.
- Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. These are peak hours for mosquitos.
- Remove standing water around your home. This can help limit the places available for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
How to Treat a Mosquito Bite
In the case you encounter a mosquito, there are proper ways to treat a bite.
- Avoid scratching the bite and affected area.
- Clean bitten area with alcohol.
- Apply first aid ointment to reduce irritation.
- Reduce swelling with cold compression such as ice.
Mosquito bites tend to heal on their own, but if the bite causes further irritation or allergic reaction or you have questions regarding the use of DEET, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider at PIHHealth.org/appointments.
