Why do mosquito bites itch?
According to Jonathan Day Ph.D., a mosquito researcher and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, "as part of the feeding process, all blood-feeding organisms introduce saliva into the wound." Adding that "proteins in a mosquito's saliva prevent blood clotting, which allows the mosquito to extract blood more quickly and efficiently. Once the mosquito has finished her meal and departed, her salivary proteins stay behind. Your immune system sees these proteins as a foreign substance and immediately attacks them with histamine."
Histamine is an immune chemical your cells release in response to the presence of an injury, allergens or other irritants. It's this histamine that causes the itching and swelling which some people experience following a mosquito bite - emphasis on some people. This is because, surprisingly, not everyone experiences an itchy reaction to mosquito bites. "For most people, the first time they are bitten by a type of mosquito, they get that reaction. But as you're bitten more, most people cease to have a reaction."
How to make mosquito bites stop itching
The best way to prevent itchy mosquito bites is to avoid getting bitten in the first place by using a good mosquito repellent. The good news about mosquito bites is that they tend to stop itching within two to three days. But if you don't want to wait that long, here are six simple ways to stop mosquito bites from itching:
1. Swab the bite with rubbing alcohol
To reduce itching and that histamine response, rubbing alcohol works really well. Alcohol clears away the proteins in the mosquito's saliva - what your immune system would normally react to with itching or swelling. "Rubbing alcohol also has a soothing and cooling effect," Jonathan says.
2. Apply ice, or a cold seltzer can
Anything sufficiently cold, like an ice cube can prevent swelling and should also provide temporary relief from itching. Ice won't remove or neutralize the saliva proteins the mosquito left behind, so your bite will start to itch again the moment you remove the cool source. But, if you are in agony and want a respite, ice is an effective option. You can also use a strap-on ice pack if you have a number of bites in a concentrated area.
3. Dab on calamine lotion
Calamine lotion can be soothing. This pink-hued, OTC (over-the-counter) topical treatment contains zinc oxide, which has long been known to have anti-itch properties. The downside is that calamine needs to be reapplied several times a day to keep the itch away.
4. Pop an oral antihistamine
Most OTC allergy drugs, such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec work in part by turning off your body's histamine response, which is why they are called antihistamines. Since this histamine response causes the bite-related swelling and itching, these drugs can provide major relief, according to resources from the University of Washington. If you're dealing with multiple bites and dabbing on calamine isn't getting the job done, or you're headed somewhere where having legs slathered in pink cream isn't appropriate, an oral antihistamine is a better option.
5. Reach for baking soda
Combine baking soda with a little water - just enough to form a paste. Apply it to your bites, which should help you experience a relief in itching. Should you have to endure many bites, you could add a quarter of baking soda to a bath to quell the itch.
6. Slather on hydrocortisone cream
This cream is anti-inflammatory and will help keep the swelling down. It has also been shown to relieve itching. Apply 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream a few times a day to relieve your itch.
10 Smart Ways to Treat Fungal Infections At Home
If you suffer from some of these symptoms, there are a number of home remedies that can easily treat fungal infections.
Suffer From Knee Pain? Here Are 6 Moves You Can Do
Banish knee pain today with these 6 exercises.
These Cosmetic Products are Cheap to Make & Chemical Free
Ready-made cosmetics may be convenient, but not only are they expensive, they tend to contain toxic products. Here are 8 products you can prepare yourself.
Muscle Degeneration Starts with these 8 Early Symptoms!
Are you familiar with muscular dystrophy? Spot the early signs of this disease by being aware of these tips.
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well!
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
Un-Hunch Your Shoulders Easily With These 7 Exercises!
Got hunched shoulders? This guide will help you improve your posture.
Psst! Here Are Some Clothes' Tips Few Know About...
These tips will allow you to keep your clothes in as good a condition as new!
7 Important and Surprising Uses for Hand Sanitizer
As hand sanititzer has become a household staple now, here are 7 surprising handy uses of it you should know
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
Wasting Time: 5 Misconceptions About Time That Delay Us
How to use our time in a way that will help us to bring happiness and success.
There's a Reason Our Grandmothers Stored Bacon Fat
What are the uses for bacon fat? You'll be surprised what you can do with it.
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping
Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic
10 Ways to Get Rid of Black Circles and that Puffy Look
Had enough of looking tired? Try our natural recipes to rid yourself of that tired look.
Some Tips You Might Not Know About Whisky
If you're a lover of whisky and would like to know how best to drink it, the guide will cover everything you need to know!
10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice In Your House!
There are ways to deal with a mice infestation in your home in an efficient and humane way.
The 6 Most Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes You’re Making
Planning on buying a new mattress? Do keep these tips in mind.
Tip: It Is Possible to Peel an Orange in a Few Seconds
Peel oranges in just a few seconds and in the most effective method possible.
Used Teabags Don’t Belong in the Trash! Use Them Like So
If you’re a regular tea-drinker, then hold onto your teabags after each cup and make good use of them at home with these tricks.
Whoa! I Never Knew an Empty Plastic Bottle was So Useful
When you've finished with the contents of a plastic bottle, don't throw the bottle away as it can be used for so many different things.
Do You Have Dandruff? Here's How to Get Rid of It!
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, instead of buying expensive shampoos, try these 8 natural remedies instead!
If You See a Baby Choking, Do You Know What To Do?
If you see a baby choking, do you know what to do? This guide explains.
Make Your Home Look Expensive With These Low-Cost Tips
Transform the look of your home with these low-cost tips and tricks.
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
WATCH: 10 Microwave Tips You've Never Heard Of
These 10 tips will help you get the very best out of your microwave - replenish old food, keep it clean and simply master it!
Know the Signs: The Complete Guide to Body Language!
You can learn a lot about a person’s intent by reading his body language, so find out just what that wink meant with this helpful guide.
One Hundred Fascinating Facts About the Amazing Human Body
The human body is the most amazing thing in the universe. Here are 100 reasons why!
How to Revive Your Plants to Shiny Green Again
To help you out, we've put together a comprehensive guide that covers eight signs of plant sickness and provides solutions to restore their health and beauty.
Here's All You Need to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about travel medical insurance!
I’ve Found a Natural Remedy for Those Red Bumps on the Skin
A natural remedy to erasing those red bumps that appear on your arms without visiting the dermatologist. You only need to ingredients, which are easily found at the grocery store.
10 Delicious Microwave Hacks That Will Make Cooking Easier
Your microwave has a few more tricks up its sleeve! 10 more tricks, to be more precise, that will unlock your microwave's hidden potential.
Experts Warn Against Ordering These Foods at Restaurants
According to the experts, you should avoid ordering the following 8 foods at restaurants. You'll want to heed their advice.
Make Your Life Easier With 20 Brilliant Tips!
A collection of brilliant tips that you can find use for every single day.
These 40 Incredible Kitchen Hacks Are Too Good to Be True
If you love cooking, but hate all of the stress and hassle that it can entail, then this video is perfect for you!
15 Smart Alternative Uses for Bubble Wrap No One Told You
Bubble wrap can do much more than help you move!
These YouTube Channels Are a Delight for Senior Citizens
Discover the best YouTube channels for seniors that offer a plethora of engaging and entertaining content.
Mold Will Be a Thing of the Past With These Home Remedies
Mildew and mold are pesky household invaders. Here are 5 easy ways to get rid of them using just natural household ingredients.
Here Are 10 Foods You Should Never Keep in the Pantry!
Are you the type of person who stores most of your food in the pantry? If so, you really must read this as there are foods that should never be stowed there!
DIY: Hidden Compartments and Secret Safes for Your Home
Here's a fun and brilliant video on how to make your own secret safes to hide your valuables, using only items found at home.
Do You Store Your Eggs in the Door of Your Fridge? Don't!
If you store your eggs in the refrigerator door, you should stop. Here's why.
This Tip Collection is Amazingly Helpful!
You’ll be pleased to hear there are old wives' tales that are grounded in fact. This list of 9 true tales will help you get your house spic and span!
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
6 Great Benefits of Waking Up Early
Do you promise yourself that you'll wake up early the next day, but at the moment of truth you hit the snooze button? Stop this with these 11 tips!
DIY Secrets: Make Your Own, Home-Made Ziploc Bags!
This video will teach you how to make your own home-made Ziploc bags.
Why You Need to Avoid Palm Oil Right Away
Palm oil is harmful to the environment. Here's what to do about it.
How to Remove Rusty and Damaged Screws – 7 Easy Tips
Removing a rusted, stripped, or damaged screw can appear frustrating, but it’s pretty simple. Just follow this guide.
These Are the 8 Healthiest Plants To Have In Your Home
Houseplants have health benefits, from cleaning the air around you to boosting your mood. Learn which ones are the healthiest to have around.