How to stop mosquito bites from itching: Expert advice and remedies
While mosquitoes are not extremely dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort after a bite. An annoying bite can last up to a week. That's why scientists unanimously agree: wounds should not be scratched. But how can you prevent itching?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during a bite, a mosquito injects saliva into our skin, which contains an anticoagulant. This, in turn, prevents blood clotting, allowing the mosquito to take in the necessary blood to lay eggs. Toxins in the saliva cause itching and warmth at the bite site.
BuzzFeed quotes Dr. Bobbi Pritt, who explains that our body reacts to the mosquito's saliva by releasing histamines and leukotrienes. This reaction varies between individuals, causing some people to experience intense swelling and pain while others have only mildly itchy welts.
Regardless of the reaction, doctors agree that you should not scratch bites. This can introduce bacteria into the wound, potentially leading to serious infections such as cellulitis or impetigo. Scratching also causes the body to release more histamines, increasing itching.
It’s generally a good idea to wash all wounds gently with soap and water, cites Pamela Frable from the Nursing School in Texas.
Then, you should apply ice to the bite for about 10 minutes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ice can significantly alleviate itching and reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
If you don't have cream handy, you can make a homemade paste with one tablespoon of baking soda and a bit of water. Apply it to the bite for a few minutes and then wash it off. This home remedy reduces itching and prevents scratching.
You should also monitor the bite for a week or two, looking for symptoms like fever, rash, severe headaches, or confusion. These may indicate diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Zika, dengue, or West Nile virus.
