Tiny Mosquito
Orajel to Treat Mosquito Bites
Orajel, a topical benzocaine, is traditionally known for its effectiveness
in treating minor, oral pain such as the kind caused by a toothache or
an ulcer. What many people do not realize is that there are many other
uses for this medicated gel including minimizing the pain and itch of
a mosquito bite or other insect sting.
Since the active ingredient, benzocaine, is actually a local anesthetic,
it numbs the area where it is applied, and prevents those nerves from
sending signals to the brain. As a result, you will not feel the itch
and discomfort of your insect bite.
Application
To apply Orajel to a mosquito bite, simply dab a small amount onto a clean
fingertip, Q-tip, or cotton ball, and apply it on the spot. As the numbing
agent begins to work, you should immediately feel some relief from the
itching and irritation.
Precautions
Although the topical form of benzocaine is completely safe when used as
directed on the package, it can be harmful when the instructions are not
carefully followed. For example, ingesting a topical benzocaine could
cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal reaction
whereby one’s blood oxygen levels decrease. Symptoms of the condition
include headache, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, shortness
of breath, and a pale or blue color to the lips or skin. If you or someone
you know exhibits these symptoms after using Orajel, seek medical attention
immediately.
You should never use Orajel on a cut or over large portions of your body. If too much of the drug enters your blood stream, it could be potentially hazardous to your health, and, in certain cases, fatal. Symptoms of benzocaine overdose include arrhythmia, seizures, slow, labored breathing, and eventually coma. Do not apply heat or cover the treated area with a bandage as that could facilitate and/or increase the amount of medication entering the bloodstream.
There are other precautions that should be taken when using Orajel on mosquito bites. For instance, benzocaine topical should not be used on children under the age of two. Moreover, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctors if it is safe to use the remedy.
Since the medication is indicated for topical use only, it should not be ingested or placed on an open wound. Although the drug is indicated for mouth sores and toothaches, users should apply minimal amounts, and refrain from eating or drinking for about an hour following application.
Orajel is a great remedy for insect bites as it is quite effective, relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased at virtually any local store, be it a drug store, grocery store, or superstore such as Wal-Mart or Target. There are many different varieties available, and often coupons can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website. A generic brand can be just as effective, provided the active ingredient is benzocaine. It may be a good idea to keep Orajel in your medicine cabinet as a handy multi-purpose remedy, including mosquito bites.
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