Mosquito bite

Treat it: Ice it and take an antihistamine like Benadryl or rub hydrocortisone cream on the bite to stop the itching.<br /><br />

Head to the doctor if: In extremely rare conditions, some people will have problems breathing or feel sick or faint 3 to 14 days after being bitten. They should seek medical care because the mosquito may have been carrying the West Nile virus.<br /><br />

FYI: The very first time you're bitten by a mosquito, you don't react because your immune system has never seen that allergen before. Some people's immune systems never react even after being bitten multiple times. If you're ever attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes — or any other insect — you may want to get checked out by a doctor just in case, even if you aren't allergic.<br /><br />

The expert: Hinkle

( Handout )

Treat it: Ice it and take an antihistamine like Benadryl or rub hydrocortisone cream on the bite to stop the itching.

Head to the doctor if: In extremely rare conditions, some people will have problems breathing or feel sick or faint 3 to 14 days after being bitten. They should seek medical care because the mosquito may have been carrying the West Nile virus.

FYI: The very first time you're bitten by a mosquito, you don't react because your immune system has never seen that allergen before. Some people's immune systems never react even after being bitten multiple times. If you're ever attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes — or any other insect — you may want to get checked out by a doctor just in case, even if you aren't allergic.

The expert: Hinkle

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