What causes mosquito bites to itch?
Mosquito bites itch because of the reaction your body has to the mosquito’s saliva. When a mosquito bites you, it inserts a long, pointed mouthpart called a proboscis into your skin. The proboscis pierces your skin and draws blood up through one tube while saliva from another tube is injected into the bite site. The saliva contains proteins that prevent your blood from clotting while the mosquito feeds. Your immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign invaders and releases histamine to fight them off. This causes inflammation, swelling and itching around the bite.
The itching sensation from a mosquito bite is your body’s way of trying to get rid of the foreign saliva left behind. For most people, the itching goes away within a day or two as the inflammation subsides. However, some people can have a severe reaction to mosquito bites with large areas of swelling, redness and hives. This extreme reaction is more likely if you are allergic to components of the mosquito’s saliva.
Tips for relieving mosquito bite itching at night
Here are some tips to help relieve mosquito bite itching so you can sleep better at night:
1. Apply a cold compress
Placing a cold compress, cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel on the bites can help reduce swelling, inflammation and itching. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and inhibit the spread of histamine. Do this for 10-15 minutes a few times throughout the evening. Make sure not to apply anything too cold directly to the skin.
2. Take an oral antihistamine
Antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritin can block the release of histamine and reduce inflammation and itching. Take one before bedtime as directed. This will help relieve itching so you can fall asleep.
3. Apply hydrocortisone cream
Applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream containing 1% hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation and itching. This is safe to use for mosquito bites. Gently rub it into the bite sites and surrounding area.
4. Try a baking soda paste
Making a paste with baking soda and a bit of water can help neutralize irritation from bites when applied topically. Mix together to form a thick paste, then dab it directly onto the bites using a cotton ball or cotton pad. Let it dry before rinsing. The sodium bicarbonate can help relieve itching.
5. Apply calamine lotion
Calamine lotion contains ingredients like zinc oxide and ferric oxide that can soothe itchy skin. Apply a small amount directly to the mosquito bites and let it dry. It creates a protective barrier on the skin that blocks irritation. Reapply as needed throughout the night.
6. Take an oatmeal bath
Soaking in an oatmeal bath can ease overall skin irritation and itching from mosquito bites. Grind up oatmeal using a food processor or blender until it reaches a fine powder. Add approximately 2 cups to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. The natural anti-inflammatory avenanthramides in oats can reduce itching.
7. Apply aloe vera gel
Pure aloe vera gel from the leaf of an aloe plant can provide cooling relief for itchy mosquito bites when applied topically. It contains compounds like auxins and gibberellins that have anti-inflammatory properties. Gently rub the gel into the bite sites.
8. Try a topical anti-itch cream
Specialized topical creams containing ingredients like pramoxine, menthol, camphor or diphenhydramine can temporarily numb and relieve itchy skin when applied to mosquito bites. These can be found at any drugstore and provide targeted itch relief.
9. Don’t scratch!
As hard as it may be, try your best not to scratch the bites. This can damage the skin, worsen irritation and cause infection. Distract yourself by rubbing the area gently or applying a cold compress instead of scratching.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, mosquito bite itching resolves on its own within a few days. However, see your doctor if you experience:
– Severe swelling over a large area
– Pus or oozing from the bites
– Flu-like symptoms like fever, headache or body aches
– Signs of infection like worsening redness, swelling or warmth
– Painful, hardened lumps under the skin
This could indicate a more significant reaction or skin infection requiring medical treatment. Skin infections may require oral antibiotics or draining if an abscess develops.
Conclusion
Mosquito bites can be extremely itchy and irritating, especially when trying to sleep at night. The best way to minimize discomfort is to avoid getting bitten by using insect repellent and protective clothing outdoors. But if you do get bites, there are several effective home remedies to relieve itching so you can rest comfortably. From cold compresses to antihistamines, find what works best to give you soothing relief. Most mosquito bite reactions resolve quickly, but see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. With the right treatment, you’ll be sleeping soundly in no time.
| Remedy | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Cold compress | Constricts blood vessels and inhibits histamine spread |
| Antihistamines | Blocks release of histamine |
| Hydrocortisone cream | Reduces inflammation and itching |
| Baking soda paste | Neutralizes irritation |
| Calamine lotion | Creates soothing barrier on skin |
| Oatmeal bath | Natural anti-inflammatory |
| Aloe vera gel | Contains anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Anti-itch creams | Numbs and relieves itchy skin |