How To Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching

Summertime means outdoor activities, but it is also Mosquito Season. No one enjoys being bitten by a mosquito, but what’s even worse is the incessant itching that follows. The itching usually worsens within 24 hours before gradually subsiding over the next few days. Unfortunately, some people are particularly sensitive and itch for much longer. If you’re looking for ways to stop mosquito bites from itching, you’ve come to the right place. Here are surefire methods to put an end to the itch.

1. Apply a cold compress

One of the quickest ways to stop mosquito bites from itching is to apply a cold compress as soon as possible after being bitten. This will help to soothe the itch and reduce swelling. Simply wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the bite for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat as necessary.

2. Wash the bite with mild soap and water

This might sound counterintuitive, but washing the mosquito bite with mild soap and water can actually help stop the itchiness. The exact mechanism isn’t clear. But it’s thought that the soap may form a barrier on the skin that prevents irritation from occurring in the first place.

3. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream

Calamine lotion is a popular remedy for itching because it contains ingredients that help to soothe and dry out the skin. Hydrocortisone cream is another option that can be effective in treating mosquito bite itchiness. Be sure to apply these solutions according to the instructions on the package. 

4. Avoid scratching

This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating—scratching will only make the itch worse and can lead to infection. If you can’t resist, try using the back of a pen or a cotton swab to scratch instead of your nails.

5. Try applying a paste made of baking soda and water.

Baking soda acts as a natural antihistamine and can help to soothe the skin and relieve itching naturally.

6. Rub banana peel on the bite.

This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but some people swear by it! Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite can help to relieve itching and swelling. Give it a try and see if it works for you!

7. Honey

Applying a small drop of honey may help ease the itch of mosquito bites. In general, honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another natural remedy that can help reduce the itching from mosquito bites. Surprisingly enough, aloe vera gel has a cooling effect that can help stop the itching. Apply a bit of aloe vera to the bite and watch as the itch disappears.

9. Try witch hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help to relieve itching and inflammation caused by mosquito bites—or any other kind of bug bite, for that matter! Simply dab a small amount of witch hazel onto the affected area with a cotton ball or swab three times per day until the itchiness subsides. You can find witch hazel at most drugstores or supermarkets.

10. Rubbing alcohol

Another option is to apply rubbing alcohol directly to the affected area. This helps take away the itch due to its cooling and antiseptic properties. It works especially well when the bite is still fresh.

11. Take an antihistamine

If you have an antihistamine like Zyrtec (cetirizine), or Claritin (loratadine), taking one can help stop mosquito bites from itching as well. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, which are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies, including itchiness. So, if your mosquito bite is causing you to itch, popping an antihistamine might be just what you need.

Also Read: 6 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites