If you feel that familiar itch after you've spent a long summer's evening outdoors, chances are you have an annoying mosquito bite to deal with for days on end. Aside from the obvious discomfort, these bites carry real risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, bites from infected mosquitoes all over the U.S. can carry the risk of transmitting West Nile virus, encephalitis and more.
While you won't be able to prevent every mosquito bite, your flexible spending account (FSA) can help you prepare for the worst and bounce back quickly when bites do happen. Here are a few items to keep in mind when you're spending time outdoors this summer.
1. Sunscreen with Insect Repellent
While bug spray is not FSA-eligible in accordance with IRS regulations, sunscreen is. So, those products formulated with insect repellent are a great way to provide a barrier between the sun's harmful rays and summertime bugs. Bull Frog contains broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays that cause sunburn and a DEET-free insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay all summer long.
2. Mosquito Bite Pain Reliever
Did you know that heat therapy can be used to treat mosquito bites? It's true! Handheld devices that deliver targeted heat therapy to mosquito and insect bites can assist in combating the pain and itchiness associated with the after effects of these bites.
Check Out: Therapik Mosquito Bite Pain Relief Device
3. Itch Relief Sticks
Topical analgesics are tried-and-true methods of treating the symptoms of mosquito bites by combating the body's inflammatory response with antihistamines. These medications are applied to the affected area soon after the bite mark starts to form and they can ease the itching and burning sensations that result from it.
Check Out: Benadryl Itch Relief Stick 14 ml
4. Cold Packs
Cold therapy is one of the most effective, drug-free methods of easing inflammation after an insect bite. Cold packs are great FSA-eligible products that can help you ease swelling and inflammation after an injury, and they are especially helpful in reducing the discomfort that comes with mosquito bites.
Check Out: ACE Reusable Cold Compress 4.5" X 10", 1 ea
5. Antihistamines
Individuals with insect bite sensitivities that result in excessive swelling and redness may benefit more from an antihistamine in pill form instead. According to the University of Washington School of Health Sciences, experts suggest that those who have adverse reactions to insect bites should take the recommended dosage of an antihistamine before venturing outdoors. This can help prevent an extreme reaction and patients can control their symptoms by taking the medication in the days following exposure.
Check Out: Claritin 24 Hour Allergy, Tablets, 30 ea
For everything you and your loved ones need to stay healthy year-round, you can rely on FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA-eligible products to help you maximize the potential of your healthcare benefits!
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/basics/definition/con-20032350
http://www.washington.edu/news/2011/08/02/when-mosquitoes-bite-take-antihistamines-for-relief/