How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bite Scars?

Introduction

Mosquitoes feed by biting, but as they feed, they also introduce saliva consisting of proteins and anti-coagulants. The immune system responds to these antagonisms with histamine release. Histamine effects bring about redness, itch, Swelling of the peripheral area of the lesion and a bump formation as well. This is actually an allergic reaction which occurs in the process of healing in human beings.

This is how in general our body reacts upon mosquito bites but, then what effects does it have on the body that the mosquitoes bite scars are formed and that how do we treat the mosquitoes bite scars in order to eliminate them.

How Mosquito bite scars are formed

Mosquito bites are self resolving and do not need any medication as it will vanish by itself within one or two days. But the cases where scratches or mosquito acquaintances on the skin are found which are here and above are quite there and last a longer time than expected.

These scars are persistent in itchiness, and result in inflammation, redness, and sometimes may lead to spread of infection and allergy because of over scratching.

What causes mosquito bite scars?

Severe irritation leads to aggressive scratching which breaks the skin and incurs wounds that become infected. This interrupts the natural healing process and forms scars. This is because the immune system is fighting with the infections and once the infection is gone than only skin cells will get regenerated.

3 main reasons behind scarring of mosquito bites

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

The most common reason of mosquito bite scars is PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation). Due to inflammation around the mosquito bite areas, the skin produces excess of melanin, and this becomes dark spots or patches. This normally fades away in few months but can leave some scars permanently if not treated.

2. Keloid Scarring

During the healing process, body sometimes produces too much of collagen which forms a raised, bump like areas of thickened skin, these are called keloid scars. These normally happens after any injury or even after insect or mosquito bites. Keloid scars are very difficult to treat, and they grow beyond the boundaries of actual injury area. They vary in color from pink, to red or brown.

Thus keloid scars are just an overgrowth of tissue that extends beyond the original injury, during the healing process after any injury.

3. Infection and Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions can worsen the mosquito bites further, by causing excessive unbearable itching. Scratching mosquito bites intensively may cause skin wounds which are open and exposed, and more prone to skin infections. In severe cases, mosquito bites can even cause blistering, hives, or severe infection, which leads to scarring.

Treat mosquito bites before they leave scars

Mitigate the effects of mosquito bites before they scar

The severity and age of the mosquito bite scars determine the methods and substances that would be effective in their elimination. If you experience a mosquito bite, try these definitely helpful methods:

How to get rid of mosquito bite scars?

Follow the steps or actions below to get rid of mosquito scars from your legs and hands:

1. Immediate application of ice pack

Right after a mosquito bite, an ice pack can be helpful to avoid a scar from forming. It also alleviates the itching and inflammation in the region of the bite.

2. Applying Anti-histamine creams

Use antihistamine creams or take tablets of oral antihistamine to subside scratching and swelling.

3. Applying Anti-bacterial ointment

Any antibacterial ointment should be applied after the spot has been washed clean. This will help in the prevention of any bacterial activities around the bite and any associated wounds and scratches. Bacteria fall on the bitten area might cause scarring if any negative body response occurs.

4. Applying Anti-itch creams

In order to assist the healing process, the skin over the affected area should not be scratched. Hydrocortisone lotion or calamine is effective anti-itch ointments that you can apply. This will reduce itching and the need to scratch the skin.

5. Using Scar creams and gels

To help with scar improvement, apply silicon, retinoids or vitamin E containing scar creams or gel. Products like these encourage the restoration of normal skin cell cycles, which gradually allow the healed skin to remove scarring and dark patches.

6. Using Exfoliating agent

The action of exfoliating agent is to clean the skin’s top layers from dead skin cells to bring forth the fresh and healthy skin. Yet, it is best to use a mild exfoliating agent to prevent further scarring as a result of increased itching and irritation. These exfoliating agents also increase the ability of skin surfaces to absorb more cream and lotion which are applied at later times due to open skin pores which improves chances of further topical treatment to succeed.

7. Using Moisturizers

Moisturizing the skin makes scars less visible and less unattractive whereas dry skin is prone to more scars. Moisturized skin tends to heal faster than dry skin, which is very hard to heal. When available, apply moisturizers with cocoa butter, shea butter or hyaluronic acid, to the lesions as they keep the skin soft and promote healing. For the best results in skin management, one should apply moisturizers 4 to 5 times a day to avoid skin cells from enduring the drying process.

8. Applying chemical peels

Chemical peel offs are generally applied on skin and allowed to dry. After which it gets peeled off like a skin layer, which along with it peels off any dead skin layer or debris.

9. Undergoing Microdermabrasion treatment

Its actually a cosmetic procedure, which uses tiny crystals to abrade the skin surface. This exfoliates the skin and resulting in new skin cells generation. It is generally used to remove dark spots and scars from skin.

10. Undergoing Laser treatment

For severe scars, there’s no other option than cosmetic removal which is effectively done by lasers. laser treatments are very effective but quiet expensive and therefore not useful in every case.

Prevent scarring of mosquito bites

The mosquito bites should be treated immediately or as soon as possible which will help in preventing the scarring of mosquito bites:

1. Avoid scratching

Scratching is one of the main reason of scarring, therefore you must avoid scratching the bite area. You must keep your nails short, wear gloves and cover the bite with a bandage, to avoid scratching.

2. Protect from sun

Exposure to direct sunlight may cause darkening of the area and thus it promotes the formation of a scar. Cover the affected skin and avoid going to sunlight with exposed bite area. Apply sunscreen lotion with a high SPF to the affected area to prevent scarring of mosquito bites.

3. Use natural remedies

There are many options to keep your body and skin hydrated. Natural households like honey, lemon, aloe vera, coconut oil, etc., are effective in rehydrating skin and thus preventing any scar formation.

Home remedies for mosquito bite scars

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has immense core bleaching capabilities and aids in the battle over numerous dark spots. Lemon juice can be applied on cotton and placed on scar tissue of mosquito bites for ten minutes before washing it with warm water. After applying lemon, it is recommended to not expose to sunlight as this will be harmful to the skin as a result of UV rays.

2. Honey

Honey keeps the skin hydrated and it prevents any further scarring. Apply honey on affected areas and leave it overnight, for best results.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera proves to be an effective natural moisturizer for the skin. It also assists in tissue repair and promotes cell turnover. Over a while, it helps to restore an even skin tone by diminishing scars and marks on the skin.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has deep moisturizing properties which are technologically functional in providing a protective cover. Getting mosquito oil out of the skin for extended amounts of time while also replenishing skin cells can be done with the application of coconut oil.

How to avoid mosquito bite scars

There are few actions you may take to prevent mosquito bites that may become scar:

• using mosquito repellents
• using mosquito nets and screens
• wear protective clothing
• wear light colored clothing
• limit outdoor time
• eat foods that repel mosquitoes
• using mosquito dunks or larvicides to kill mosquito larvae
• using natural mosquito repellent plants outdoors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)