Mosquito bites are very common during the spring and summer months. Most people have a small skin reaction following a bite that usually consists of immediate wheals (swelling) and redness that peaks at about 20 minutes.

They may have an itching sensation that peaks at 24 to 36 hours and symptoms resolve over seven to 10 days. Some individuals will develop larger local reactions (Skeeter Syndrome) where the bite sites can swell and have a hard feeling and are much more pronounced than the normal reaction, up to two to 10 centimeters in diameter.

Large localized reactions develop within hours of the bite and progress over the next 8 to 12 hours. They typically resolve within 3 to 10 days. These larger bites are usually itchy and painful.

Additionally, they tend to be very red and warm to the touch which can make it difficult to tell if this is caused by the development of a secondary infection, which can happen with insect bite.

If you are unsure if you are having a large local reaction versus a skin infection you should see your doctor for further evaluation. Benadryl and other similar antihistamine medications can help decrease the itching related to mosquito bites. You can also use an over-the-counter itch cream to treat the symptoms.

How do I prevent mosquito bites? The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines regarding the safe use of insect repellents. The EPA recommends following these guidelines when using an insect repellant, especially those repellants containing DEET:

n Use just enough repellent to lightly cover but not saturate the skin.

n Repellents should be applied to exposed skin, clothing, or both, but not under clothing.

n A thin layer can be applied to the face by dispensing repellent into the palms, rubbing hands together, and then applying to the face.

n Repellent should be washed from the palms after application to prevent contact with the eyes, mouth, and genitals.

n Do not use repellents over cuts, wounds, inflamed, irritated, or eczematous skin.

n Do not inhale aerosols, spray them in enclosed spaces or near food, or get them into the eyes.

n Do not apply insect repellent to the hands of small children, as it will inevitably be rubbed into the eyes.

n Frequent reapplication of repellent is unnecessary.

n The areas treated with repellent should be washed with soap and water once the repellent is no longer needed.

n If both sunscreen and repellent are being applied, sunscreen should be applied first and repellent should be applied after. It is better to use separate sunscreen and repellent products, as sunscreen generally needs to be reapplied more frequently than repellent.

Many people wonder if DEET is safe. DEET is considered the “gold standard” of insect repellents and has been in use for almost 70 years.

It is recommended to use the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time you spend outdoors. Products with 10 to 35 percent DEET are adequate most of the time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that DEET containing products not be applied to children less than 2 months of age.

If you have questions regarding treating mosquito bites, DEET, or other repellents, you can ask your health care provider for additional information.

Dr. Chelsie Morrison is a board-certified family physician who practices in our Preston Health West clinic. She is from Southeastern Idaho, and graduated from Idaho State University before completing medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience.