When a mosquito bites your skin, it deposits some of its saliva, which contains proteins that trigger a mild allergic reaction within your immune system, leading to inflammation and itching. Scratching this itch will only lead to more itching, as well as swelling, so try some of these methods instead if you are seeking a bit of relief.
Cold Compresses and Cooling Ingredients
Cold compresses, as well as products with cooling ingredients, are fantastic for providing temporary relief to mosquito bite itching. Creams or gels that contain essential oils such as menthol, tea tree, eucalyptus or thymol are best, as these also have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that they will not only be able to help with the itching, but also with any pain or swelling.
An Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal contains a number of calming properties, and is able to moisturize the skin while lowering its pH level, which then soothes any irritation. Simply grind a cup of rolled oatmeal in a blender until it has a flour-like consistency, and then sprinkle this in to a lukewarm bath. While grinding the oatmeal is not essential, this does make it much easier for all of the oatmeal’s calming compounds to enter your skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option to help relieve the itching. To make this even more effective, store your aloe vera in the fridge, as the cold temperature will also help significantly, as mentioned above.
Cold Tea Bag
Green and black tea have long since been used to counter swelling around the eyes, as they contain plenty of anti-inflammatory compounds. This means that tea bags can also be used to relieve itching from bug bites, and will be even more effective if they are used cold. To do this, soak a bag of green or black tea in some water, before putting it into the fridge to cool off, and then applying the bag over your bite, just like you would with a cold compress.
Honey
Honey is great for relieving itching, and all that is needed is a small dab on each mosquito bite. Since honey is also a natural antibiotic, it can also help to prevent any infections from forming around the bite, especially if you have already scratched it open.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines are useful if the itching becomes really unbearable, as they lower the histamine count within the body, therefore relieving itching and reducing inflammation. In addition to oral antihistamines, you could also opt for topical ones too, such as calamine lotion, and apply this directly to your bites.
Your mosquito bite will only really stop itching once it has fully healed, so you will need to practice some patience as well. However, these above-mentioned methods will definitely give you some relief in the meantime, and will also go a long way when it comes to speeding up the overall healing process. If possible, try to combine a few of these methods, such as antihistamines along with a cold compress and an oatmeal bath, as this will give you the very best results.
