Hives or Mosquito Bites? Here's How to Tell the Difference
You feel an itch, see a red bump, and instantly think — mosquito bite. But not all skin reactions are that simple. What looks like a bug bite might actually be hives.
Here’s how to tell one from the other, and what you can do to feel better.
What mosquito bites usually look like:
- Small, round and clearly defined
- Often on exposed areas like arms or legs
- Starts itching quickly after the bite
- Typically fades in a few hours
What hives look and feel like:
- Raised, patchy welts that can shift in shape and size
- May appear suddenly, often in clusters
- Cause intense itching, sometimes worse at night
- Can be triggered by allergens, stress, or even temperature changes
How to soothe the itch:
For both mosquito bites and mild hives:
- Avoid scratching — it’ll only make things worse
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Then use a topical cream with anti-itch and anti-inflammatory ingredients
BaoShuTang BAO FU LING Compound Camphor Cream is a good option. With menthol, methyl salicylate, diphenhydramine, and glycyrrhetinic acid, it helps relieve itching, reduce redness, and cool irritated skin without feeling greasy.
If symptoms persist for more than a few days or spread widely, see a doctor.