Mosquito bites are itchy bumps that appear on your skin after a mosquito feeds on your blood. How Do You Treat Mosquito bites naturally when pregnant?
How to Get Relief from Itching Mosquito Bites When Pregnant
When a mosquito pierces the skin for blood, it injects its saliva into the host. The saliva is what causes an allergic reaction, which ultimately results with small, red bumps to appear on the skin.
While mosquito bites often are more itchy and annoying rather than harmful, with consistent scratching, they can become swollen and even infected. The good news is that this is highly unlikely.
Some mosquitoes carry viruses or parasites that may cause infections or illnesses as well. Yellow fever, malaria, and the West Nile Virus are a few of the viruses that can result from mosquito bites. The treatment of these conditions is addressed in other articles.
Mosquito bites can be treated naturally during pregnancy using a few different options. It is possible that it may take a combination of treatment options to naturally manage or alleviate your experience with mosquito bites during pregnancy.
Listed below are natural remedies to treat mosquito bites:
- Applying a cold ice pack on the affected area can reduce the swelling.
- Aloe Vera can be applied to minimize the swelling, although this can cause an allergic reaction if left on the skin for prolonged periods of time.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the bite altogether and it should clear up within a day or two.
When natural remedies don’t work
Unfortunately, some conditions may not be alleviated with natural remedies. If so, you can start with over-the-counter medication and then transition into medical options. Although this is unlikely, it is possible that your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy and reacting stronger to things like mosquito bites.
Here are some alternative options that may alleviate the itching mosquito bite:
- Benadryl
- Hydrocortisone Cream (Discuss with your doctor before using.)
- Calamine lotion
If none of the above methods work and your condition worsens or does not go away within a few days, contact your doctor for further instructions. It is possible that your bite was from something other than a mosquito or you have contracted something from the bite.
Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/basics/treatment/con-20032350
2. Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aloe/safety/hrb-20058665
3. Kizior, Robert J., and Barbara B. Hodgson. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2015. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Saunders, 2015.
4. Science Line
