Mosquito Bites on Holiday in Turkey: What to Do
Covered in itchy bites after a night by the sea? Here is how to calm them down, avoid infection and know when to get advice.
Mosquitoes are common in warm months around coastal areas, rivers, lagoons and gardens, especially at dusk and at night. Most bites are simply itchy and settle in a few days, but some people react strongly and bites can become infected if scratched.
Treat the Bite
Wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itch. A pharmacist can recommend a hydrocortisone cream or a soothing gel, and an antihistamine tablet can help if itching keeps you awake. Avoid scratching, keep nails short and cover bites that you tend to scratch.
Tell Bites Apart
Mosquito bites are raised, round and itchy, often on uncovered skin such as ankles, arms and face. They appear within minutes and may enlarge over hours. Bites in lines or clusters, especially in the morning, can be bed bugs or fleas rather than mosquitoes.
Watch for Infection or a Strong Reaction
Spreading redness, warmth, pus, swelling that grows beyond a few centimetres, a red streak, or a fever can mean a skin infection. Some people, especially children, develop large swollen bites that look alarming but are an allergic reaction. Swelling of the lips or tongue or trouble breathing is an emergency: call 112.
When to Get Advice
Get advice if bites are infected, very swollen or painful, if you have a fever, a headache or aching joints after bites, or if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system. Photos on a video visit help the doctor tell bites from other rashes.
References
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