OPINION — In Arizona, mosquito bites are more than a backyard nuisance, especially during monsoon season. The body’s reaction to mosquito saliva causes the familiar bump and itching. A typical bite may appear as a puffy, reddish bump within minutes, a hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps about a day later.
Most common bites can be treated at home by washing the area with soap and water, applying an ice pack for 10 minutes, using a baking soda and water paste, or using an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream according to the label. Scratching should be avoided because bites can become infected.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an infected bite may look red, feel warm or show a red streak spreading outward. Worsening symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.
