An infected mosquito bite often has an extended area of redness and warmth around it.
It may also have red streaks spreading outward from the bite.
The best way to prevent an infected mosquito bite is to relieve the itching.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
If the infection is left untreated, it could turn into a more serious infection, such as cellulitis.
This article discusses infected mosquito bites.
The itchy bite is technically an allergic reaction to proteins in the mosquito’s saliva.
Nearly everyone is allergic to mosquito bites to some degree.
A mosquito bite can become infected when scratched.
If the skin breaks, bacteria can enter the skin.
A mosquito bite can become abscessed if bacteria gets into the bite.
If you have signs of an abscessed bug bite, see your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
If left untreated, cellulitis can spread and cause serious health problems.
If you have symptoms of cellulitis, see your healthcare provider.
How Can I Treat an Infected Mosquito Bite?
If you suspect a mosquito bite is infected, you’ll want to see a healthcare provider for treatment.
Before you go, you could clean the area with soap and water.
it’s possible for you to use calamine lotion and ice to relieve symptoms.
If the redness and swelling begins to extend beyond the line, contact your healthcare provider.
Infected mosquito bites are often treated with oral antibiotics.
More serious infections may require IV antibiotics.
Your healthcare provider may need to drain the abscess to remove the infection.
How to Stop the Itch
Treating the itch can helpprevent mosquito bite infections.
They sting badly and cause intense itching, discomfort, and restlessness but do not cause major health problems.
However, in certain situations, diseases can be transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cellulitis: all you should probably know.
Fostini A, Golpanian R, Rosen J, Xue R, Yosipovitch G.Beat the bite.Itch.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prevent mosquito bites.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation.Mosquito-borne diseases from travel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquito bite prevention: how to protect against mosquito bites.
