Itchy mosquito bites can drive you crazy. But what can you do about the itch?
Some people are devotees of Vicks VapoRub to relieve the itch, while others like to apply hydrogen peroxide. We think, however, that no remedy is better (or less expensive) than plain hot water. This reader reports success:
Q. I have had two mosquito bites in the past week. I tried the hot spoon method and have had no itching or inflammation; so a great result as I am very allergic to such bites.
Hot Water to the Rescue for Itchy Mosquito Bites:
A. Hot water (or a spoon that has been heated under hot water or in a hot cup of coffee) can provide temporary relief against many itchy bites. A second or two of contact is usually all that is necessary to stop the itch without causing a burn. The relief can last up to several hours.
We first encountered this suggestion in a dermatology textbook from the 1960s. Apparently, hot water works because the heat overloads the nerves that are sending itch signals to the brain. Overloaded nerves poop out and stop working for a little while, offering the wonderful relief you experienced.
Not Too Hot:
Others who plan to try this trick need to make sure that the spoon is not so hot that it will burn the skin. It should be just hot enough to be uncomfortable.
Bite Prevention:
Preventing those bites is even better, if you can manage it. Now that the FDA has approved several other insect repellents besides DEET (picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535), you don’t have to worry that keeping the mosquitos away will dissolve instant glue or remove your temporary tattoos.
