Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are found throughout the world. Mosquito bites may cause swelling and itching for several days; the main problem of these bites is the infections that may be transmitted in the insect’s saliva.
Treatment
Because mosquito bites can transmit disease, they should be washed with soap and water followed by an antiseptic. To control itching, a nonprescription antihistamine, calamine lotion, anesthetic gel, or an ice pack may be used. Alternatively, a paste of salt and water, or baking soda and water, can be applied to the bite to control itching.
Prevention
Insect repellents may help to prevent mosquito bites. Although many consumers swore by the ability of Avon’s Skin-So-Soft bath oil to repel mosquitoes, research by the U.S. military and Avon itself found it is not as effective as DEET. However, given the persistence of the myth, the company now markets a bug repellent that includes Skin-So-Soft.
DEET (diethyltoluamide) is an insect repellent that is sprayed on the skin to repel mosquitoes. Although in low concentrations DEET is considered to be nontoxic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits child safety claims on product labels because data on DEET do not support product label claims of child safety. However, the Centers for Disease Control notes that it is acceptable to use DEET on children over age two.
Treatment
Because mosquito bites can transmit disease, they should be washed with soap and water followed by an antiseptic. To control itching, a nonprescription antihistamine, calamine lotion, anesthetic gel, or an ice pack may be used. Alternatively, a paste of salt and water, or baking soda and water, can be applied to the bite to control itching.
Prevention
Insect repellents may help to prevent mosquito bites. Although many consumers swore by the ability of Avon’s Skin-So-Soft bath oil to repel mosquitoes, research by the U.S. military and Avon itself found it is not as effective as DEET. However, given the persistence of the myth, the company now markets a bug repellent that includes Skin-So-Soft.
DEET (diethyltoluamide) is an insect repellent that is sprayed on the skin to repel mosquitoes. Although in low concentrations DEET is considered to be nontoxic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits child safety claims on product labels because data on DEET do not support product label claims of child safety. However, the Centers for Disease Control notes that it is acceptable to use DEET on children over age two.
