How To

How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(15 Ratings)

You don't have to suffer with red, itchy, swollen mosquito bites summer after summer. While there are anti-itch products available commercially, there is a simple home remedy that is effective at neutralizing the itch and reducing swelling.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 1 regular aspirin
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 8 oz. water
  • Washcloth
  1. Step 1

    Dissolve the baking soda in water.

  2. Step 2

    Soak washcloth in baking soda solution.

  3. Step 3

    Ring out approximately half the solution out of the washcloth.

  4. Step 4

    Allow the wet washcloth to sit on the bites undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Dip one regular aspirin in the baking soda solution to moisten it. Do not allow it to dissolve.

  6. Step 6

    Rub the wet aspirin on the bites. This may deposit a white residue on the bites.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the aspirin residue when dry with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings
  • For maximum effectiveness, use this remedy as soon as possible after the bite.
  • The best way to stop mosquito bites from itching is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • This remedy works, in part, by dissolving the enzyme the mosquito sprays on your skin to soften it enough to allow the bug to penetrate your skin. If you don't have baking soda, a drop of ammonia or nail polish remover will also work. Follow up with the aspirin treatment to reduce swelling.
  • Do not apply this or any other home remedy to broken skin. If the bites have been scratched to the point of bleeding, treat the bites as wounds prone to infection. Cleanse, disinfect and wrap the bites in bandages until healed.

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