Top Tips to Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching

We all know the scenario: you’re enjoying a lovely evening outdoors when suddenly you become a feast for pesky mosquitoes. The next thing you know, you’re covered in itchy, red bumps that seem to scream for your attention. It’s a common summer nuisance, but don’t despair! We’ve compiled a list of the most effective tips and remedies to alleviate that maddening itch and turn your torment into relief. So, let’s dive right in and reclaim your peace from these tiny invaders!

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

When a mosquito bites you, it uses its proboscis, which is a long, thin mouthpart, to pierce your skin and suck your blood. As it does this, it also injects a small amount of saliva into your skin. This saliva contains proteins that your body sees as foreign, and your immune system responds by releasing histamines. Histamines are chemicals that cause inflammation and itching.

Symptoms of a Mosquito Bite

The symptoms of a mosquito bite include a raised red bump, itchiness, pain, swelling, and a small amount of blood or fluid. In some cases, you may experience fever, headache, muscle aches, or chills as well. 

The symptoms of a mosquito bite usually appear within minutes or hours of being bitten. The itchiness and swelling can last for a few days, but the bump will usually disappear within a week. If the bite is red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever, see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious infection.

Top 10 Tips to Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching

Mosquito bites can be itchy and aggravating, but there are a few things you can do to relieve the itch and prevent infection.

1. Oatmeal Bath: Soaking in a cool or lukewarm tub with oatmeal can help stop the itching and irritation caused by mosquito bites. Oatmeal has unique properties that make it an excellent solution for itchiness and inflammation. It contains compounds known as avenanthramides, which are natural anti-irritants with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds can help alleviate the itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites.

2. Honey: The primary reason honey can help soothe mosquito bites is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is your body’s response to an injury or irritation, like a mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites you, it injects saliva into your skin. Your immune system reacts to this foreign substance and causes the affected area to inflame, leading to symptoms like swelling, redness, and itching. Honey, particularly raw honey, contains compounds that can reduce this inflammation. One of these compounds is an enzyme called glucose oxidase that, when applied to skin, produces hydrogen peroxide, a well-known disinfectant. This process helps to clean the bite and reduce the risk of infection which could further irritate the bite.

3. Baking Soda: Baking soda, a common household ingredient, can provide effective relief from itchiness, particularly those caused by pesky mosquito bites. To create this paste, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, but spreadable mixture. This paste can be directly applied to the itchy area, providing a soothing effect. The alkaline properties of baking soda can help neutralize the pH of an affected area, reducing itchiness and swelling associated with mosquito bites.

4. Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone Cream: Hydrocortisone cream is a topical medication that is often used to help relieve itching from mosquito bites. It belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, which work by mimicking the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands. When applied to the skin, hydrocortisone acts to reduce redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort. Hydrocortisone works by calming down the body’s immune response, reducing inflammation, which is a key source of the itchiness felt after a mosquito bite. By doing so, it can help to alleviate the discomfort associated with these bites.

5. Calamine Lotion: Calamine lotion is a widely recognized over-the-counter remedy for relieving itchiness caused by mosquito bites. The primary component of calamine lotion is zinc oxide, which is known for its soothing properties on the skin. When applied to insect bites or stings, calamine lotion can provide immediate relief from itching and discomfort. It works by creating a cooling sensation on the skin, which temporarily alleviates the itching and discomfort associated with mosquito bites. Moreover, it also helps in reducing redness and swelling caused by these bites.

6. Rubbing Alcohol, Witch Hazel, and Tea Tree Oil: These three substances have antiseptic properties and they each offer unique benefits. Rubbing alcohol acts as a strong disinfectant, witch hazel provides relief from inflammation, and tea tree oil promotes natural healing while preventing bacterial infections. Therefore, they can be effective in preventing bites and minor wounds from itching and potentially getting infected.

7. Lemon Balm Cream: Lemon balm cream is an effective remedy for mosquito bites due to its unique properties. It contains Eugenol, a compound known for its antibacterial properties and ability to ease muscular tension, which can be beneficial for the discomfort caused by insect bites. Additionally, this cream is rich in tannins and terpenes, which are natural astringents with antiviral properties. These compounds can help alleviate the itchiness and redness often associated with mosquito bites.

8. Cold Compresses: A cold compress can be a simple and effective remedy to stop the itching caused by mosquito bites. The primary reason it helps is because the cold temperature from the compress constricts the blood vessels in the skin, which reduces swelling and the sensation of itching. Additionally, the cold compress provides a numbing effect on the skin, which can provide immediate relief from the persistent itch that typically accompanies a mosquito bite. This numbing effect can help prevent scratching, which only exacerbates the itchiness and could potentially lead to a more serious infection if the skin is broken.

9. Anti-itch Creams: Over-the-counter anti-itch creams can help to soothe the itch. In addition to Calamine and Hydrocortisone mentioned above, creams containing Lidocaine and Lanocane can help ease your itching. Also, Aquaphor Anti-Itch cream works by creating a water barrier, which prevents dryness at the bite site, while also including hydrocortisone to immediately help stop itching.

10. Avoid Scratching: Not scratching a mosquito bite can actually help to alleviate the itchiness and promote faster healing of the skin. When a mosquito bites you, it injects saliva into your skin. Your immune system identifies this as a foreign substance and responds by releasing histamine, a compound that causes inflammation and itchiness.

Get Rid of Mosquitoes with Mosquito Magician

Enjoy the outdoors again with Mosquito Magician! 

Mosquito Magician is a natural active ingredient product that is made with essential oils and is safe for people and pets, when used as directed. It is as effective as alternatives such as Pyrethrins, Permethrins and Malathion at keeping your yard free from pests. Our product line includes concentrates and ready to use formulas for use in sprayers and in our single and dual reservoir machines to keep your yard mosquito free year-round.