They are so small and yet incredibly annoying: mosquitoes are high season in summer. One prick is enough and we have to scratch ourselves all the time. We’ll show you how to relieve the symptoms.
There are many theories as to why some people get stung more often than others. Sometimes the body odor is mentioned as the main reason, sometimes it is the blood type and then again, the body temperature is said to be the reason why mosquitoes prefer certain victims. Either way, it is uncomfortable for those affected when they are stung: The anticoagulant substance that the mosquito injects into the puncture site causes an allergic reaction – itching, redness and swelling are the agonizing consequences. Thanks to research, however, there are promising products nowadays that counteract the typical symptoms.
These products help with mosquito bites
1. The electronic stitch healer
With this device, it does not matter whether you have been bitten by a mosquito or a wasp, a hornet or a horsefly – the electronic sting healer is supposed to provide relief from all insect bites. And all without chemicals, but with the help of local heat. And this is how it works: The ceramic contact surface is placed on the prick and activated for three (for children) or six seconds (for adults). During this time the stitch healer heats up to approx. 51 degrees Celsius and thus destroys some of the enzymes that trigger the itching and other symptoms.
2. Fenistil Gel
When a mosquito bites, our body releases histamine and thus triggers an allergic reaction (including severe itching). To counteract this, there are over-the-counter products such as Fenistil Gel, which contain the active ingredient dimetindene maleate: an antihistamine that alleviates the typical symptoms after a bite attack. The gel also has a cooling effect on the burning area – this should reduce possible swelling and pain more quickly.
3. Mosquito patch
These are grid-like plasters made of polyester and polyurethane: two skin-friendly materials that are particularly resistant, water-repellent and breathable at the same time. The special thing about the cross tapes is that they are not stretchable – this lifts the first layer of skin slightly with every movement, which leads to minimal stimuli that activate the self-healing process in the body. In other words, the itching and swelling decrease. And all of this without the use of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
4. Cold compresses
Mosquito bites can also be cooled, especially in the case of severe swellings – it is best to use a cooling pad to relieve the itching. However, be careful that the compress does not come into direct contact with the skin, otherwise it may cause frostbite. Wrap the cooling pad in an ordinary tea towel before placing it on the mosquito bite. Depending on which body region is affected, there are different sizes for treatment. The compresses can also be heated.
5. Aloe vera
Remedies for mosquito bites that find a place in your pocket or in your handbag are also suitable for on the go. In any case, it is important that these contain chamomile or aloe vera, for example – the plant has a calming effect on irritated skin. If you are bitten by a mosquito, you can use or Autan Akut: A cooling gel that is equally suitable for the body and face.
Well-tried home remedies for mosquito bites
Tip 1: Just as the stitch healer combats itching with heat, you can also treat the sting with an ordinary teaspoon: heat it up briefly with a lighter and then hold it on the affected area. The heat destroys the protein from the mosquito secretion and alleviates the symptoms. However, you should exercise caution: If the spoon is heated excessively, you can burn yourself!
Tip 2: Mosquito bites were treated with onions as early as grandmother’s time: To do this, cut a normal table onion in half and rub one half carefully over the affected area – the sulfur contained in the onion juice has an antibacterial effect and relieves pain and helps to reduce swelling. However, you also have to accept that you will smell a little like onions.
Tip 3: Last but not least, there is a tried and tested remedy that is supposed to help against mosquito bites that we can fall back on at any time: our saliva. It is also said to have an antibacterial effect – but in such a low concentration that you would have to use an enormous amount of spit to relieve the pain. But there is no harm in covering a sting with saliva to cool the wound.
That’s why we shouldn’t scratch ourselves
Even in childhood we learn that we shouldn’t scratch ourselves, even if the mosquito bite itches unbearably. Because the fact is: if you are tempted to scratch the irritated area, the relief only lasts for a short time – after that, however, the itching becomes even stronger and the swelling worse, as the body releases even more histamines due to over-stimulation.
In addition, a mosquito bite can encapsulate itself. This means that if you scratch it too often and too hard, small histiocytomas (nodules) will form under the skin. These appear as red points on the skin, which in the worst case no longer go away and remain even if the mosquito bite is no longer visible.
Apart from that, like any other, the wound can become infected if you scratch it until particles of dirt or bacteria can penetrate the skin. If there is an infection, the pain is much worse than with a common mosquito bite. In this case, only an ointment containing cortisone or even an antibiotic will help.
