A mosquito is an insect that can be found in the United States and all over
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
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
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
Do not spray near food.
Do not wet the skin. Spray only a thin mist on the skin. Reapply later if
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.
"Virtual Pediatric Hospital", the Virtual Pediatric Hospital logo, and "A digital library of pediatric information" are all Trademarks of Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Virtual Pediatric Hospital is funded in whole by Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Virtual Pediatric Hospital is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.