Q. I recently read in your column about using a hair dryer to overcome the itch of bug bites. I have a much better solution than hot air or water.
My daughter and I both react to mosquito bites with swelling and itching that lasts for days. Now we use a Therapik device to cut that reaction off. This small, hand-held, battery operated device is relatively inexpensive (less than $15).
A. The Therapik device works on the same principle as hot water to stop itching. The recommendation is to apply the tip to the bite for 20 to 30 seconds (about as long as the heat is tolerable). If the itch returns, the treatment can be repeated. It might be more convenient than hot water if you are traveling.
Hot water from the tap, not so hot as to burn but hot enough to be uncomfortable, can be applied to itchy mosquito bites, chigger bites or even poison ivy rash for a few seconds to get several hours of relief. This remedy is cheaper than cheap and dermatologist tested and approved. It is not appropriate for itchy hives, however, as hot water is likely to aggravate them.
