Mosquito Bite Relief
Mosquito bite relief may be necessary if the swelling and itching is bothering you, as it is advisable not to scratch mosquito bites or other insect bites.
The more you scratch a mosquito bite, no matter how tempting it is to do so, the relief will only be temporary, the itch will always come back soon after and the bite will usually be worse than before. Scratching may cause the bitten area to swell up even more, the bite will take longer to heal and it may even bleed, scab over and scar, or become infected.
Mosquito anti-itch creams and sprays
Mosquito bites typically take a few days to heal providing they are left alone and are not particularly bad. In the mean time, applying an anti-itch (antipruritic) cream such as calamine lotion, a soothing antiseptic cream or other mosquito bite treatment may help to make bites more tolerable.
Bisabolol is found in the essential oil of the Chamomile plant. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for soothing and aiding the healing of irritated skin. Jungle Formula Cooling Insect Spray contains Bisabolol.
Also look out for creams containing antihistamines, corticosteroids, and local anaesthetics. Some people find they obtain relief from insect bites by taking antihistamines orally.
Mosquito clicker
A mosquito 'clicker' such as ZapperClick Quick & Easy Mosquito Bite Relief
Other tips to soothe mosquito bites
The following tips to bring relief to the itching of mosquito bites are based on traditional home remedies. Some people swear by them, while others claim they absolutely do not work. It can't hurt to try applying any of the following items to a mosquito bite to see if it works.
- Very hot, steaming washcloth – as hot as you can stand!
- Ice, or a very cold compress
- A paste of meat tenderiser and water
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Rubbing alcohol
- Ammonia - active ingredient in Afterbite Bite & Sting Relief Pen
- Baking soda
- Salt and water
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Witch hazel
If you have a mosquito or other insect bite that becomes extremely swollen, red, itchy or even bruised and painful, you may be suffering from an allergic reaction or infection. Antihistamine tablets may be needed, and in severe cases of infection antibiotics will be required. If you are worried, go and see your doctor or pharmacist for advice just to be on the safe side.