Summer brings lots of sun and fun...and bug bites? Well, that last one doesn't have to be true!
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Levittown wants to offer some tips on how you can prevent and treat mosquito bites this season.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Us?
Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes bite us in the first place? It is actually so that the female mosquitoes can feed on our blood, which helps to provide protein to their young.
Most everyone will get a mosquito bite every now and again, but some of us are bitten more often than others.
Those at a Higher Risk of Bug Bites
- Those with blood type O
- Pregnant women
- Those who exercise outside
- Those wearing dark clothing
What Can I Do to Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Prevention really is the best treatment plan for mosquito bites. Therefore, you want to make sure you wear light clothing when outdoors, apply insect repellent when outdoors, and use window screens so that mosquitoes do not get inside your home.
It's also a good idea to make sure there's no standing water near your home. If you do get a bite, though, there are ways to treat it at home.
Ways to Treat Mosquito Bites
- Apply ice to the bite.
- Apply an OTC hydrocortisone or anti-itch cream.
- Take an OTC antihistamine.
- Do your best not to scratch the bite.
Do you have a bug bite that doesn't seem to be getting better? Visit the AFC Urgent Care Levittown team today for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
