Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Mosquito Bites

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: May 2002
Last Revision Date: May 2002

• What's a mosquito bite?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it treated?
• How long do symptoms last?
• How can I avoid mosquito bites?
• How should I use insect repellent?
• What about poisoning?
• When should I call the doctor?

What's a mosquito bite?

• A mosquito is an insect that can be found in the United States and all over the world.
• 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 below.
• 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 Protection Agency.
• 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 it in.
• Do not spray near food.
• Do not wet the skin. Spray only a thin mist on the skin. Reapply later if needed.
• 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.
• Learn more about poison prevention.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor right away if you suspect poisoning.
• Call the doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. Symptoms could include feeling dizzy or sick. This reaction is very rare.
• Call the doctor if the bite gets infected. Signs could include oozing a clear yellow fluid or rough skin around the bite. Read about impetigo.
• Call the doctor if you or your child has an allergic reaction to mosquito repellent. Symptoms might include irritated skin. Take the repellent with you to show the doctor.
• Call the doctor if you have questions about mosquito bites or repellents.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Mosquitoes are insects that land on the skin and make a tiny bite to suck up a small amount of blood.
• The bite causes a red bump to form on the skin. The bump itches.
• Wash a mosquito bite with soap and warm water. Apply anti-itching cream to the area if needed.
• The bite will probably itch for a few days.
• The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to stay indoors when mosquitoes are out. When outside, use a mosquito repellent.
• Children should only use repellent that contains less than 10% DEET. Check the label.
• Call the doctor right away if a person has ingested (drank or breathed in) repellent and you suspect poisoning.
• Call the doctor if you have questions about mosquito bites, repellent, or poison prevention.

References

• CDC. Can I get infected with HIV from mosquitoes? 1998 November 30 (cited 2002 April 26). URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faq/faq32.htm
• Dr. Hull. Mosquito Bites. 1996-2002 (cited 2002 April 25). URL: http://www.drhull.com/EncyMaster/M/mosquito_bites.html
• EPA. Using Insect Repellent Safely. 1998 April 28 (cited 2002 April 26). URL: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/insectrp.htm
• Rutherford K. Hey! A Mosquito Bit Me! KidsHealth. 2001 May (cited 2002 April 26). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=113&article_set=10280

See related Patient Topics Bites and Stings, Brain and Nervous System, Immune System/AIDS, Infections, Injuries and Wounds, Insect Bites and Stings, Itching, Skin, Hair and Nails, Symptoms and Manifestations or West Nile Virus.

See related Provider Topics Brain and Nervous System, Immune System/AIDS, Infections, Injuries and Wounds or Symptoms and Manifestations.

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