| How to Heal Mosquito Bites Fast Posted: 27 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can destroy an otherwise enjoyable time outdoors, especially in the spring and summer months. Apart from that, mosquitoes in some parts of the world carry life-threatening diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. In most cases, however, the worst thing about a mosquito bite is the itchy, inflamed spot left behind. Fortunately, these symptoms are typically easily treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.[1] [Edit]Treating Mosquito Bites - Clean the bite with soap and cool water. As soon as you can, gently wash the bite and the area around it with soap and water. This can help soothe itching and prevent infection. Rinse away any soap and gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.[2]
- Opt for cool water rather than warm or hot. Cool water can help soothe reduce swelling and soothe itching.
- Don't rub the bite when you dry it off, since this can irritate the bite and make any itching worse.
- Try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream. Although medicated creams and gels may not be the least expensive way to heal mosquito bites, they may be the easiest. Simply dab a little onto the bitten area and rub it in gently so the medicine is absorbed by the skin.[3]
- Hydrocortisone creams can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Antihistamine creams, such as Benadryl, can relieve itching and minimize the urge to scratch the bite.
- Make sure the skin is clean before you rub in any cream or gel to ensure you don't irritate your skin.
- Dab the bite with toothpaste. A light dab of regular toothpaste directly on a mosquito bite may relieve itchiness and any pain associated with the bite. Toothpaste tends to work best as a remedy if you put it on the bite immediately.[4]
- Toothpastes with mint tend to work better than other flavors. The menthol in the mint also has a cooling effect, which helps to soothe inflammation and reduce swelling.[5]
- Smear on aloe vera lotion or gel. If you've ever had a sunburn, you likely already understand the soothing effect of aloe vera. The same aloe vera lotion or gel can also ease itching and inflammation of mosquito bites.[6]
- If you're using natural or organic aloe vera gel, putting it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before applying it to your skin adds a cooling effect that may further reduce inflammation.
- Rub honey on the bite to clean it and reduce swelling. Honey has antibacterial properties that work to clean the bitten skin and provide a protective barrier against bacteria. Since honey is also an anti-inflammatory, it may help to reduce inflammation and swelling around the bite.[7]
- Organic or local honey varieties may work better than commercial honey to provide relief because they don't have added sugars or other chemicals.
- Don't use honey if you're still outside, since it may attract other insects.
- Make a paste with 1 tsp (7 g) of baking soda and of water. This paste may not do much to relieve inflammation or swelling, but it can help stop the itching. While this isn't necessarily something you can do to help the bite immediately, it can help once you've gone inside.[8]
- Clean the bitten skin with soap and water and pat it dry before applying a baking soda and water paste.
- Use ice to prevent swelling and inflammation. An ice pack or a cool, damp washcloth on the bitten area can calm the skin so the bite doesn't become quite as red and swollen. Leave ice on your skin for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin as this can lead to burns.[9]
- An ice pack or cold compress may also reduce the itching sensation. However, this effect only lasts as long as your skin is cooled. Once you remove the ice pack or cold compress and your skin's temperature returns to normal, the itching will also likely return.
- Menthol has a similar anti-inflammatory effect without lowering the surface temperature of your skin. Creams or ointments with menthol in them may help reduce inflammation.[10]
- Take an oral antihistamine if you have a more severe reaction. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can be more effective at easing the swelling, inflammation, and itching of mosquito bites than products you apply directly to your skin. Most of these medicines are available over the counter.[11]
- If you have a history of severe reactions to mosquito bites, take an oral antihistamine a few hours before you plan to be outside where mosquitos will likely be present.
- Most oral antihistamines provide 24-hour relief. Benadryl, however, must be taken once every 6 hours to retain its effectiveness.
- Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the package when using an over-the-counter oral antihistamine unless you've been directed otherwise by your doctor.
[Edit]Preventing Infection of Bites - Avoid scratching your mosquito bites. Bites become infected when you introduce bacteria into them by scratching them. Infections are most common with small children, who also may have dirtier hands and fingernails than adults – especially if they're playing outside.[12]
- Keep in mind that scratching a mosquito bite only provides temporary relief. At the same time, it can help spread the mosquito's saliva, which is responsible for the reaction.
- Clean blisters or broken skin with soap and water. Mild soap and warm water are sufficient to clean bacteria from the skin. If you scratch your mosquito bites to the point that they're bleeding, stop and wash the area immediately.[13]
- If your skin develops a blister where the mosquito bit you, take care not to pop the blister when you're cleaning your skin. This can increase your skin's sensitivity and also leaves a raw area exposed to bacteria.
- Cover broken skin with gauze or a bandage. If you have scratched a mosquito bite or popped a blister, cover it with a bandage or small piece of gauze so that it is no longer exposed to open air. This can reduce the risk of infection.[14]
- If the bite is surrounded by a larger area of redness or inflammation, make sure the gauze or bandage you use completely covers the inflamed skin. Don't apply any adhesive material directly to the inflamed skin.
- Reapply topical medication every 4 hours. If you're using a medicated cream or lotion, it will lose effect if not reapplied and you may start scratching again. Wash the bitten area with mild soap and warm water before applying the medication and pat it dry.[15]
- Rub the medicated cream into the skin around the bite so the medicine is well-absorbed. However, avoid rubbing directly on the bite, especially if a blister has formed. You could break the skin. To put the cream directly on the bite, simply dab it with the pad of a finger.
- Watch for warning signs of infection. Skin that is broken or raw, typically from scratching, can become infected. Sometimes the signs of infection won't be apparent immediately. Be on the lookout for a bite surrounded by swelling and inflammation that spreads across a larger area. Other signs of infection include pus or drainage around the bite, chills, or a fever over .[16]
- If you notice any of these warning signs of infection, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If the bite is infected, it will take a round of antibiotics to heal.
- While you're waiting to see the doctor, treat the infected bite with a topical antibiotic cream such as Bacitracin or Neosporin.[17] Some antibiotic ointments also provide relief for itching and pain.
[Edit]Avoiding Mosquito Bites - Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. While mosquitoes in some areas may be active throughout the day and even into the night, they are most active in the hours around sunrise and sunset. During these times, you're far more likely to get bitten, even if you're taking other precautions.[18]
- If you are outside, try to stay in screened-in areas where mosquitoes will have a harder time getting to you. For example, you might watch the sunset from a screened-in porch.
- Wear protective clothing when you are outside. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat are good protection against mosquitoes. Even if it's hot outside, you can wear lighter clothing that won't overheat you.[19]
- Wearing white or light-colored clothing may actually keep you cooler than if you were wearing less clothing that exposed your skin. Loose-fitting clothing will also keep you from sweating as much.
- Use an insect repellent when outside for extended periods of time. Commercial insect repellents with DEET as the active ingredient work well to repel mosquitoes and keep them away from you. You can spray your skin as well as your clothing.[20]
- Follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wash your hands after applying insect repellent and before eating, as it can be harmful if ingested.
- Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitos lay their eggs in and around stagnant pools of water. If water has puddled or pooled and is left standing, you may end up with an infestation of mosquitoes. Drain the water as best you can, providing drainage where possible so water doesn't pool up.[21]
- If you have containers outside that collect water, empty them after any rainfall. Outdoor containers that are meant to hold water should be covered with a tight lid to prevent mosquitoes from accessing them.
- Empty and scrub clean containers such as vases, pet water bowls, and birdbaths once a week.
[Edit]Warnings - Some people have more serious reactions to mosquito bites than others. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as throat swelling or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention immediately.[22]
- See your doctor if you experience severe swelling in the area of the bite. In the meantime, you can minimize the swelling by putting an ice pack on the area for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Wrap a thin towel or other cloth around the ice pack to prevent ice burns.[23]
- If you are bitten by a mosquito and develop flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, body aches, or nausea within 2 to 14 days after the bite, see your doctor immediately. You may have contracted a mosquito-borne disease. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening.[24]
[Edit]References |
| How to Identify Your Strengths Posted: 26 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT Knowing your strengths can be a game-changer for your life and career. Your strengths are like your superpowers, and they help you create a successful life that you love. To discover your strengths, start by delving into your past through a series of activities. Then, assess yourself to find the traits and qualities that are innate within you. Once you understand your strengths, you can use them to get the job you want. [Edit]Reflecting on Your Life - Ask people you trust to tell you what they think are your strengths. Pick at least 5 people who know you well and you trust to provide good feedback. Then, send them an email explaining that you're trying to identify your strengths so you can choose a career or life path based on them. Include a set of questions in the email and ask that they return it within 3 days. Then, review their responses to find out which strengths come up multiple times.
- If someone hasn't responded, send a reminder on the day of the deadline.
- You might write, "I want to understand my strengths so I can use them to be more successful. I really value your opinion, so I hope you'll answer these questions about me. Please send your response by Friday, August 16. Also, thank you so much for your time and help."
- Identify 3-5 instances in your life where felt most successful. These can be either big or small experiences. Write a journal entry about each of these instances. Then, read through each entry to identify the strengths you displayed during those activities. Pay special attention to the talents, skills, and traits that pop up multiple times. These are likely your strengths.
- For instance, your 3 experiences might be the time you won an essay contest, the day you started an internship, and the day you participated in an invite-only poetry reading.
- You might notice that the overlapping skills are your talent for writing, your creativity, and your ability to connect with others.
- Assess your knowledge, experience, and traits to find your strengths. Start by answering the following questions that can help you identify your strengths. Then, look for common threads among your answers. Consider which talents, traits, and skills come up repeatedly. These are your personal strengths. Here are the questions to ask yourself:
 - What comes easily to me or feels second nature? (Example: writing, repairing cars, public speaking)
- What role do I play in my family? (For instance, you might be the caregiver, the peacemaker, or the planner.)
- When do you feel like you're "in the flow?" (For instance, you might feel in the flow when you're cooking or programming.)
- What do people ask you to help them with? (Example: fixing their computer, romantic advice, help with a pet)
- What types of problems do you enjoy solving? (Example: You might enjoy home improvement projects or organizing someone's workspace.)
- What knowledge and skills have you learned throughout your career? (For instance, you might have learned managerial skills or public speaking.)
- What talents, knowledge, and skills have you learned in your personal life? (Example: Web design, playing the piano, or dancing)
- What extra tasks have you taken on at work just because you like them? (Example: Planning office parties, designing flyers, or helping clients with their complaints)
- What kinds of things did you do as a child? (Example: You drew pictures, hiked in the woods, or played doctor.)
- What qualities do you love about yourself? (For instance, you might appreciate your creativity and perseverance.)
- When do you feel like you shine, either in your personal or work life? (You might feel like you shine when you're helping others or showing off something you made.)
[Edit]Assessing Your Strengths - Take career and strength tests to point you in the right direction. These are tools that can help you better understand yourself. Do several online tests and collect the results. Then, review all of your results to look for commonalities. This will help you identify your personal qualities and traits that are your strengths.
- Recognize different types of intelligence within yourself. While you might think of intelligence as just being smart, there are actually multiple types of intelligence. Each type of intelligence is important in different ways. Here are the different types of intelligence that you can possess:[1]
- Verbal-linguistic intelligence (words and writing)
- Logical and mathematical intelligence (abstract logic and numerical reasoning)
- Spatial and visual reasoning (ability to think in images and visualize accurately)
- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control your body and handle objects)
- Musical intelligence (ability to make music)
- Interpersonal intelligence (ability to understand and relate to others)
- Intrapersonal awareness (self awareness)
- Naturalist intelligence (understanding nature)
- Existential intelligence (understanding life's deep questions)
- Learn common skill sets so you can recognize them in yourself. You may have strengths that you've never recognized. It's hard to know what to look for if you aren't sure what counts as a strength. Look at the following list of strengths and consider which ones you might possess:
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Social and emotional intelligence
- Leadership skills
- Ability to persuade
- Ability to analyze
- Critical thinking skills
- Strategic thinking skills
- Problem solving skills
- Planning skills
- Organizational skills
- Technical or mechanical abilities
- Traits like honesty, integrity, creativity, dependability, and responsibility
- Artistic ability
- Writing skills
- Public speaking skills
- Teaching skills
- Project or people management skills
- Physical coordination
- Humor
[Edit]Discussing Your Strengths in an Interview - Review the job description to identify the strengths required. The job description tells you exactly what the employer wants, so make sure you show how you meet these requirements. Read over the job description several times and identify the key words. Additionally, note the knowledge and skills required for the job. Turn this into a list of desired strengths.[2]
- For instance, the job description might say things like, "ability to solve problems independently, knowledge of basic editing software, and ability to prioritize tasks." These are strengths you would need for the job.
- Read about the organization to learn about their culture. Start by visiting their website and reading what's posted by the organization. Then, do a simple Internet search to find out what other people are saying about it. Finally, read the most recent news articles about the organization, if there are any.[3]
- This can give you insight into what they truly value. For instance, if the company is known for taking big risks, you'll know they value innovation even if that's not listed in the job description.
- Use this information to answer the questions in your interview. It shows that you've taken the initiative to learn about the company.
- Match your personal strengths to the skills in the job description. Review the strengths you've identified by reflecting on your past and assessing your personality. Next, identify the strengths that best fit this job. Then, consider how your personal strengths might make up for skills in the job description that you don't have.[4]
- For instance, you might have a lot of experience with editing software that you can use if you get this job. On the other hand, you may not have worked independently in your prior jobs. However, you could use your talent for a solo hobby, like woodworking, to show that you can work well independently. You can show photos of your projects to back up your claims and make you more memorable.
- Identify examples and anecdotes you can use to show your strengths. The best way to explain your strengths is to show how you've used them in your work, educational, or personal life. Think about the ways you've demonstrated your skills, then write out an explanation. Practice telling people your examples so you're ready for your interview.[5]
- If you examined your past successes to identify your strengths, use these stories to explain your strengths to the interviewer.
- Choosing a career path based on your strengths will help you be happier and more successful.
- Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Your strengths will help you move forward on a path that's right for you.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Make Quiche Posted: 26 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT With its flaky pastry, rich filling, and savory custard, quiche makes a great meal any time of day. Line a pie plate with homemade pastry or use a store-bought one to save time. Then scatter cheese and your choice of filling in it. Mix a simple egg custard to pour over the filling and then bake your quiche until it's browned and set. Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature with a simple green salad and enjoy! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Basic Quiche - 1 pastry shell
- 1 to 2 cups (200 to 400 g) of filling ingredients, such as roasted red peppers, smoked salmon, or broccoli
- 1 to 2 cups (108 to 216 g) of shredded cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
- of milk
- of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons (11 g) of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground nutmeg
Makes a quiche [Edit]Pie Crust - 1 1/4 cup (157 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6 tablespoons (74 g) of vegetable shortening, chilled
- of ice water
Makes 1 pie shell [Edit]Quiche Lorraine Filling - 6 to 8 slices of bacon
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1 cup (108 g) of Gruyère cheese
Makes 1 to 2 cups (200 to 400 g) of filling [Edit]Mushroom Filling - of mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 of a diced yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (2 g) of dried thyme
- 2 cups (216 g) of Gruyère cheese, shredded
Makes 1 to 2 cups (200 to 400 g) of filling [Edit]Ham and Asparagus Filling - 1/2 of a diced yellow onion
- of asparagus, chopped into pieces
- of ham steak, diced into pieces
- 2 cups (216 g) of Swiss cheese, shredded
Makes 1 to 2 cups (200 to 400 g) of filling [Edit]Making the Pastry Dough - Cut the butter and shortening into the flour. Get out a mixing bowl and put 1 1/4 cup (157 g) of all-purpose flour into it along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Put 3 tablespoons (42 g) of cubed butter and 6 tablespoons (74 g) of vegetable shortening into the flour. Use your hands, forks, or a pastry cutter to mix the fats into the flour.[1]
- It's important to use all-purpose flour since cake flour, bread flour, or gluten-free flours won't make a tender, flaky crust.
- Mix up to of ice water into the dough. Stir of ice water into the flour and fat mixture. Keep adding a spoonful of water at a time and mixing well until the dough begins to clump together.[2]
- To test if the dough has enough water, squeeze some of the dough between your hand. The dough should hold together instead of crumbling apart.
- Shape the dough into a disc and chill it for at least 2 hours. Roll the dough into a ball and flatten it so it forms a disc that's thick. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.[3]
- To make the dough in advance, chill it for up to 5 days.
- Chilling the dough will relax the gluten which will create a tender pastry.
[Edit]Blind Baking the Crust - Line a pie plate with the pastry dough. If you're using homemade pastry, sprinkle your work surface with a little flour. Then roll the pastry dough to a circle. Place it in a pie plate and crimp the edges. To crimp the edges, pinch the edge of the dough between your thumb and index fingers. This will help the pie crust hold its shape.[4]
- If you don't want to make your own pastry, you can use purchased pastry dough. Thaw the dough if it's frozen and lay it in your pie plate. Then bake the shell without a filling as directed.
- Preheat the oven to and freeze the pie shell. It's important to chill the pastry so it doesn't shrink as much when you bake it. Ensure that the shell chills for about 30 minutes.[5]
- If you're using a frozen, store-bought pie shell, you can probably just leave it in the freezer until the oven is fully preheated.
- Fill the pastry shell with weights and bake it for 20 minutes. Remove the chilled pastry shell from the freezer and lay a sheet of parchment paper over it. Fill the pastry shell with pie weights, dry rice, or dry beans. Then put the pie shell in the preheated oven and bake it for 20 minutes.[6]
- Blind baking is when you bake the pastry in the pie plate, but haven't put the filling in yet. Baking the pastry before adding the pastry will give you a crisp crust that stays flaky.
- Remove the weights and bake the shell for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully take the pastry shell out of the oven and lift away the parchment with the pie weights, rice, or beans. Return the pastry shell to the oven and cook it until it's just starting to become brown. Then remove the pie shell and let it cool a little while you make the filling.[7]
- Keep the oven turned on to so you can bake your quiche once you've assembled it.
[Edit]Assembling a Filling - Fry bacon and sauté onion to make quiche Lorraine filling. Fry 6 to 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until they're crisp. Then crumble the bacon and set it aside while you sauté 1 diced yellow onion for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the softened onion to the bacon.[8]
- When you're ready to assemble the quiche Lorraine, use 1 cup (108 g) of Gruyère cheese.
- Cook mushrooms with onion and garlic to make a rich filling. Sauté of sliced mushrooms with 1/2 of a diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons (2 g) of dried thyme and cook the filling for 4 to 5 minutes so the mushrooms release their liquid.[9]
- To assemble this mushroom quiche, put 2 cups (216 g) of Gruyère cheese into the pastry shell.
- Sauté asparagus and onion to mix with a ham filling. Stir and cook 1/2 of a diced yellow onion with of asparagus pieces over medium heat. Cook the vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes so they soften. Turn off the burner and mix in of diced ham steak.[10]
- Use 2 cups (216 g) of shredded Swiss cheese when you assemble this quiche.
[Edit]Mixing the Basic Egg Custard - Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and beat them. To make it easier to pour the custard into the pastry shell, crack the eggs into a large bowl with a spout. Use a whisk or a fork to beat the eggs well.[11]
- Add milk, cream, salt, and nutmeg. Pour in of milk, of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons (11 g) of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground nutmeg.[12]
- Whisk the custard until it's smooth. Keep mixing until you don't see any streaks of egg. The custard mixture should be a pale yellow color. Set the custard filling aside while you put the cheese and fillings in the pie shell.[13]
[Edit]Filling and Baking the Quiche - Scatter cheese and the filling on the blind baked crust. Get out 1 to 2 cups (108 to 216 g) of shredded cheese and put half of it in the bottom of the pie crust. Then spread 1 to 2 cups (200 to 400 g) of filling ingredients over the cheese. Top the filling with the rest of the cheese.[14]
- If you're following a filling recipe, use the type and amount of cheese that's indicated. For example, if you're making quiche lorraine, use 1 cup (108 g) of Gruyère.
- Pour the basic custard into the pastry shell. Once you've put all the fillings and cheese you like into the pie, slowly pour the prepared egg mixture into the shell. The mixture should come up to the edges of the crust.[15]
- Bake the quiche at for 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer the filled pastry shell to the hot oven and bake the quiche until the edges look dry and the crust has browned. To tell if it's finished baking, move the pie plate a little. The filling should jiggle just a little in the center and not be completely fluid.[16]
- If you're concerned that the pastry edges are browning too quickly, cover just the pastry with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil.
- Cool the quiche for at least 20 minutes before serving. Remove the baked quiche from the oven and set it on the stove to cool a little. You can slice the quiche and serve it while it's still slightly warm or at room temperature.[17]
- The quiche will finish cooking and set up as it cools.
- Cover and refrigerate leftover quiche for up to 3 days. To reheat the quiche, warm it in a oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If you'd like to freeze a baked quiche, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and put it in a freezer bag. Freeze the quiche for up to 2 to 3 months. To reheat it, remove it from the plastic and cover it with foil. Reheat the quiche at for 20 minutes.[18]
- To make a crustless quiche, put the fillings in an empty pie plate and pour the basic custard over them. Bake the crustless quiche at for 45 to 50 minutes.[19]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Baking sheet or aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- pie plate
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Pie weights, dry rice, or dried beans
- Rolling pin
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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