You can’t.

In the past two weeks, I’ve been bitten over twenty times, and I’ve tried almost everything. Hydrocortisone, Benadryl, a burning shower, a freezing shower- most in failed efforts. Even with a phenomenal cream and perfectly sized bandage- which my physical therapist mother provided- it’s still going to be incredibly itchy, and everything will suck. Metaphorically and literally speaking.

It’s not exactly hidden that I’m still a bit bitter over these bumps in the road. As I type this, I currently have a couple on my ankles- nine to be exact. I simply don’t get it. I feed the mosquitos with my blood, and this is how they repay me? Imagine if your brother gave you a sandwich for lunch, and in response you slapped him.

Mosquitos are increasingly prevalent now in SoCal because it’s much hotter, most likely due to global warming. The Aedes mosquito, an invasive species, has been pestering southern California since around 2011, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District. They survive on stagnant water, and it takes less than a week for mosquitoes to develop from an egg to an adult.

So, how does one combat these attackers? Officials recommend checking for small amounts of stagnant water in your house: trash in the yard, unchecked pools, and leaky hoses can all host mosquitos. Certain candles, bracelets, and devices can keep them away, and bug spray further deters them.

Once you are bitten, it becomes more difficult to treat. From my personal experience, there are three actions that will aid much.

First, ice packs work wonderfully, and anything you can do to cool your skin will help. Many articles will advise using a hot spoon or using extreme heat, but they only help temporarily. Bites cause skin inflammation, and cooling down will soothe and heal.

Second, drinking water to prevent the skin drying out and becoming more irritated works wonders. Being hydrated in general improves one’s physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s easier to tolerate the itches when at ease.

Third, constantly keeping distracted is of utmost importance. Anything that draws attention away from bites will prevent them from being scratched, and open to more infections. While afflicted, I drew, watched Netflix, and focused entirely on my homework.

Since the majority reading this probably live somewhere in California, or someplace affected by mosquitos, I hope some of this article either speaks out to you, or helps in some way or another. May your water be bubbled and skin remained untroubled.