Treating and Preventing Scars from Mosquito Bites

Understanding Mosquito Bites

Mosquitos are annoying warm weather pests known for raising itchy, red bumps on the skin. However, in some cases mosquito bites can cause more significant skin reactions and scarring if they become infected or are excessively scratched open.

The Mosquito Feeding Process

Only female mosquitos bite, requiring blood to develop their eggs. They use Their long, pointed mouthparts to pierce the skin and locate tiny blood vessels. As they draw blood up through their mouthparts, they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin which causes irritation, itching, swelling and inflammation.

Typical Mosquito Bite Symptoms

Normal reactions to mosquito bites include:

• Red bump with a central raised white bump where pierced
• Dark red ring surrounding the central bump
• Burning, itchy sensation
• Slight swelling and puffiness

These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a week without special treatment. However scratching bites can damage the skin, raise the risk of infection, and promote scarring.

Preventing Scars from Mosquito Bites

Avoid Getting Bitten

The best approach is preventing mosquito bites in the first place through protective clothing, effective repellants, and managing standing water breeding grounds.

Don't Scratch Bites

Scratching mosquito bites opens the skin to infection from bacteria on fingernails and hands. Broken skin is also harder to heal smoothly.

Keep Bites Clean and Moisturized

Gently wash bites with mild soap and apply antibiotic cream. Hydrating with thick lotions helps itching and fast healing.

Use Anti-Itch Treatments

Over-the-counter antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams, aloe vera gels or cold compresses ease itching to help resist scratching.

See Your Doctor if Infected

Signs of infection like oozing pus, spreading redness, and fever require medical treatment with oral antibiotics to resolve and prevent scarring damage.

Treating Existing Mosquito Bite Scars

If mosquito bites have been excessively scratched leading to scarring, several remedies may improve their appearance:

Silicone Scar Gels and Sheets

Silicone products hydrate skin to soften scars while applying light pressure to smooth and flatten thick, raised scars from biting and picking.

Steroid Injections

Injecting scars with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids helps shrink down thick, itchy and painful bite-related scars by decreasing inflammation.

Dermabrasion and Lasers

Dermabrasion sands down the top skin layers while fractional lasers create microscopic wounds to stimulate skin remodeling. Both techniques gradually smooth scars.

Surgical Scar Revision

For significantly wide, raised bite scars, surgical excision to remove the scar followed by techniques like Z-plasty helps minimize their visible footprint.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a doctor or dermatologist promptly for evaluation of mosquito bites in the following situations:

• Severe swelling over 4 inch diameter area
• Blistering, oozing, increased pain or pus
• Worsening redness, especially red streaks from site
• Fever, headache, swollen glands or other flu-like symptoms
• New rash emerging away from the bite

These reactions may indicate developing infection of the bite, cellulitis, severe allergic reaction, West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne illnesses requiring specific medical treatment.

Preventing Future Mosquito Bites

To avoid ongoing mosquito attacks and potential scarring, make changes around the home to deter the insects by:

• Draining standing water from flowerpots, gutters, tarps etc.
• Keeping grass trimmed short and bushes thinned out
• Using screened windows and covering skin with clothing outdoors
• Burning citronella candles and incense sticks to repel them
• Applying EPA approved repellant containing DEET, picaridin or other ingredients

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.