Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Stop Them

Mosquito saliva can trigger histamine production. Certain at-home remedies, such as applying honey or corticosteroid cream, may help relieve the itch. But some popular remedies can increase skin irritation.

Why do mosquito bites itch?
Many people get bitten by mosquitos each year, but bites can affect people differently. When mosquitoes bite, they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins.

The proteins are foreign substances that trigger the body’s immune system. To fight them the body’s immune system releases histamine, a compound that helps white blood cells get to the affected area. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling.

Sometimes if a person is bitten for the first time they won’t have a response. This is because their body hasn’t formulated a response to the foreign invader. And some people may not notice bites at all. Others may build up a tolerance over time.
When an irritating bite does appear, it’s good to know what remedies work to ease the itchiness.

Scratching mosquito bites
Why do mosquito bites itch more after you scratch them?

Anonymous
When you scratch a mosquito bite, this causes the skin to become even more inflamed. Since inflammation causes your skin to itch, you can get into a cycle where scratching will cause even more of an itchy sensation. In addition, by continuing to scratch you run the risk of breaking the skin and causing an infection, leading to even more of an itch.

Immediate relief for mosquito bites
It may take a little experimentation to see what works best for you and your bite. Most of these remedies can be used as many times as needed to soothe the area. For medications, follow the instructions on the bottle.

۱. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol
If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin.

۲. Apply honey on the bite
Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties. It’s shown to reduce inflammation and can also help prevent infection. Don’t wear it outside, though, because the honey’s sugar can attract more mosquitoes.

۳. Take an oatmeal bath

۴. Use a cold tea bag
Green and black tea’s antiswelling effects may not just be useful for swollen eyes. Tea’s anti-inflammatory effects may help with the swelling.

۵. Make a basil rub

۶. Take over-the-counter antihistamines

۷. Use ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine

۸. Apply aloe vera

۹. Mild corticosteroid cream