Mosquitoes are the most notorious insects in house as well as outdoor. Although they are tiny, a single bite can produce intense itching and swelling, aside from several vector borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Only female mosquito bites and sucks blood from humans and animals. The male are relatively innocent and they feed on nectar and plant juice.
Mosquitoes are present all around the globe, they are of different size but one thing is common—they bite. Some bite during daytime and some bite at night. Mosquitoes usually bite on the exposed areas of body such as the face, eyelids, neck and uncovered limbs.
They puncture the skin with a needle like structure called proboscis. During the bite, they release saliva which is responsible for itching and swelling. The saliva protein produces an allergic reaction in the body causing discomforting itching and swelling.
Mosquito usually bites on face and limbs, but sometimes it may also bite on the eyelids when a person is sleeping. The after effect of the bite is annoying, causing itching and swelling on the eyelids. Sometimes it can also lead to infection around the eye.
If you are bitten by mosquito on the eyelids, there are many home remedies which can help to alleviate symptoms faster.
Home Remedies To Treat A Mosquito Bite On Eyelid
- Apply ice: Take few cubes of ice in a clean cloth and place for few minutes on the affected eyelid. It helps to reduce swelling and itching. Apply it every hour for 2 to 3 times.
- Aloe vera gel: It is soothing for the skin. It helps in relieving itching and swelling caused by mosquito bite. Besides, aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties which prevent infection is applied in the initial stage. Chilled aloe vera gel from the refrigerator is more beneficial.
- Salt: Salt is an effective home remedy to alleviate unwanted symptoms produced after mosquito bite. It has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare salt water by mixing water and salt. Wash the area of eyelid with the saline solution. If you are near the beach area, swim in sea water as it contains natural salt properties.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is an effective home remedy to reduce itching and swelling after mosquito bite. Due to its alkaline properties, the pH of skin gets neutralized which relieves itchiness. Prepare a paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda and water. Apply it on the eyelid. Prevent it from entering into the eyes. Clean the area with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes.
- Toothpaste: It is the first thing that you take in your hands after waking up in the morning. Toothpaste helps to reduce itching and swelling after mosquito bite. Take small amount of toothpaste on your finger tips and dab the area bitten by mosquito. Preferably apply toothpaste containing menthol or peppermint for quicker healing as it has anti-inflammatory action.
- Antihistamine: If you are not sure whether the swelling and itching is caused by a mosquito bite or any other insect, take antihistamine medications as they are beneficial for any type of skin allergic reaction. However, some antihistamines produce side effects such as drowsiness. Consult your health care provider before taking any antihistamine medicines.