How to stop scratching mosquito bites: Expert tips on fast relief
While mosquitoes are not deadly dangerous, they can cause a massive headache after a potential bite. An annoying bite can last with us for up to a week, which is why scientists have no doubt — wounds should not be scratched. But how can you prevent itching?
According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during a bite, a mosquito injects saliva into our skin, which contains an anticoagulant. This prevents blood clotting, allowing the mosquito to fill up on the blood needed 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 severe infections such as cellulitis or impetigo. Scratching also causes the body to release more histamines, increasing the itching.
The very first thing you want to do after you get bit is wash the bite out with soap and water. This will help remove bacteria near the bite that could cause an infection. A mosquito bite is technically a small wound. Then, you want to apply ice to the bite, ideally for about 10 minutes or so. Ice can drastically reduce the itching along with inflammation, pain and swelling, as cited by Pamela Frable from the Nursing School in Texas.
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.
