The itch caused by a mosquito bite can often seem unbearable. Scratching is not a good solution and can trigger infections - but what else can you do to get some relief? Here are some tips from Dr Silke Schmitt Oggier.
Often we don't even notice when a mosquito bites. It only becomes apparent a few hours later, with severe itching and a reddish swelling. Although mosquito bites are usually harmless in our part of the world, they can still be very annoying. The internet suggests a wide variety of possible remedies. But what really helps? We asked Dr Silke Schmitt Oggier, medical director of the santé24 online practice, for her expert tips.
Home and plant remedies
If the bite is still relatively fresh, there are a few home remedies that can soothe and provide short-term relief from the itching, for example a slice of onion, (apple) cider vinegar, a slice of lemon or quark. If you're out and about and don't have a remedy to hand, you can always use ribwort. But be careful. You should only use it if you're certain you have the right plant. The video explains in more detail how the various remedies are used.
Mosquito bites are a real nuisance. In the video, Dr Silke Schmitt Oggier, medical director of the santé24 online practice, reveals which remedies relieve the annoying itching.
Do honey and ice cubes help?
Another home remedy for itching is honey. It also acts as a disinfectant and can be applied directly to the affected area. Given the risk of infant botulism, honey shouldn't be used on children under 12 months.
The advantage of many of the above home remedies is that they soothe the bite safely. Of course, you could also use an ice cube or a cold pack. You should be careful, though. Ice and cold packs should never be placed directly on the skin and should not be used for too long as they can cause frostbite or ice burns.
Remedies from the chemist
Those who prefer conventional medicines will find a range of remedies at the pharmacy. One well-known active ingredient is antihistamine, which comes in a variety of forms including creams and tablets. In addition, there are other products such as gels and roll-ons which provide short-term itch relief. These can therefore be applied regularly.
Why the urge to scratch?
Our body defends itself against the foreign proteins in the mosquito saliva by releasing histamine. "Studies have found that our brain prefers pain to itching. In other words, by scratching we cause ourselves pain, which temporarily distracts us from the itching," says Schmitt Oggier. The itching stops for a short time after you scratch the bite area, but it can leave you with open wounds or even unsightly scars. Bacteria can also penetrate the skin through a scratched bite, which can make antibiotic treatment necessary in severe cases. So don't scratch under any circumstances!
The same applies to heat treatments. You may have read that it's a good idea to press a hot spoon on the spot. It's true that heat can help with the itching and swelling, but if it's too hot, a spoon can quickly lead to burns. In this case, so-called bite healers are better. These devices emit controlled, concentrated heat for a few seconds. "The heat can be a little painful, but it actually helps quite a bit against the bite," says Schmitt Oggier.
