I'm a magnet for mosquitos. They always find me, always bite me, always leave swollen mounds of skin that itch like crazy. I swear, my whole family can be gathered in the back yard on a beautiful evening -- we're having beautiful evenings here in Florida right now -- and no one will even know the mosquitos are out. Except me. I'll know because it will take only moments for them to seek, target, and strike me.

I have several bites on my legs right now, most of them on my lower legs and ankles -- not ideal for my morning runs. My socks rub the ankle bites and in addition to trying to simply power myself forward for three miles, I've now got to manage a fair amount of itching.

Here's one opinion on what I should do to alleviate my mosquito madness.

• Numb the area with a topical anti-itch remedy containing ammonium solution or menthol (brand names: After Bite, Sarna) or a topical analgesic.
  
  

• Apply a cool compress to calm itching and reduce swelling.
  
  

• Use a topical hydrocortisone cream for allergic reactions with a lot of swelling.
  
  

• Try oral Benadryl (if safe for you) to reduce the histamine reaction that causes itching and swelling. Avoid topical Benadryl, which can cause an allergic reaction.