How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
Mosquito bites are usually harmless and will go away on their own in just a few days. However, the itching red bumps are extremely annoying and can drive you mad. Mosquito bites itch because your immune system responds to proteins present in mosquito saliva.
Liquid insect bite remedy containing cutaneous emulsion ammonia. Provides rapid relief from itching bites and stings caused by mosquitoes, horse flies, nettles, wasps, bees and jellyfish.
If you are particularly sensitive to mosquito bites, you may endure more intense itching and inflammation than most people experience.
How NOT to Relieve the Itch from a Mosquito Bite
So, how do you stop the itching from mosquito bites? Whatever you do, and as tempting as it may be, don't scratch! You risk making the itching and swelling worse, breaking the skin and causing a bacterial infection such as cellulitis. If you do scratch, the relief will only be temporary and the intense itching will come back soon after with a vengeance.
Stop Itching from Mosquito Bites
As soon as you know you have been bitten by a mosquito, wash the bite well with soap and water. This will help prevent infection and may help reduce your reaction to the mosquito bite.
Place an ice pack or ice wrapped in a cloth on your mosquito bites every 10 minutes until the itching and swelling subsides. Alternatively, make a cold compress by soaking a flannel in cold water and placing it over your bitten areas to reduce swelling.
Apply a topical mosquito bite anti-itch cream such as an over-the-counter hydrocortisone steroid cream, a soothing antiseptic cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching. After Bite Insect Bite Remedy contains ammonia which provides fast relief from itching caused by mosquito and other insect bites.
You can also make a paste with meat tenderiser. Mix 1 teaspoon of dry meat tenderiser with 1 teaspoon of water and apply it to your mosquito bites several times daily until it relieves the itching and swelling. Or make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply it to your bites.
Zapper Mosquito Bite Relief Device
You could also buy a zapper mosquito bite relief device, such as Zap-It Mosquito Bite Relief Device, which works by the rapid expansion and contraction of crystals. When used on a mosquito bite, Zap It releases a harmless, pain free, small pulse of electricity. The low electrical current that is emitted when the button is clicked prevents the build-up of histamine beneath the skin and stops the mosquito bite from itching and swelling. The zapper can be used as many times as necessary until relief from itching is obtained.
Antihistamines to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
If itching is very bothersome or you have a strong reaction to mosquito bites, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, loratadine or cetirizine. Antihistamines treat allergic reactions and will help relieve itching and swelling. A sedative antihistamine may help you sleep if the itching is so severe it keeps you awake.
In most cases you can safely and easily treat mosquito bites yourself at home. It is unnecessary to see a doctor if you have a mosquito bite, unless it is painful, blistering, weeping or continues to redden and swell, or you have a rare allergic reaction to mosquito bites. An allergic reaction is characterised by breathing difficulties and wheezing, and requires urgent medical attention.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: Mosquito Bites
NHS Choices: Bites, Insect
University of Maryland Medical Center: Insect Bites and Stings
