Insect bites seem to be the universe’s way of slapping us on the wrist for our trivial wrongs. Didn’t hold the elevator for someone? Insect bite. Bad tipper? Three insect bites. It’s just maddening enough to teach you a lesson, but doesn’t come with any jail time.
Of course, mosquitoes don’t actually keep track of your white lies and minor traffic violations. But those incessantly itchy bumps sure feel like punishment. The reality is, they’re just a part of enjoying the great outdoors.
There may not be a surefire way to get rid of mosquito bites immediately or altogether, but there are a few trusty remedies that can help curb the annoying itchiness so you can get some sleep. To help you enjoy your time outside more, we asked dermatologists how these insects get under our skin, why it's so damn itchy, and how to get rid of insect bites once they happen.
What exactly happens when an insect bites you?
A mosquito bite is always from a female; they need protein from your blood for the development of their eggs. (Male mosquitos exclusively feed on plants.) These ladies can sense carbon dioxide and skin odour and use it to track down a meal (i.e. you).
Once they’ve found you, they pierce your skin and blood vessels with their long, straw-like mouths. While feeding, “they inject saliva, which then triggers an inflammatory response,” says Dr. Sheila Farhang, a dermatologist based in Tucson, United States.
Why the inflammation? “Your body is producing an immune response,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Bank, who is based in Mount Kisco, New York. This means your body is trying to battle a foreign substance (the saliva). “Your immune system plays the largest role in what type of reaction you have,” Dr. Bank explains.
What are insect bite symptoms?
“The intensity of your response to the mosquito saliva varies from person to person,” says Dr. Farhang. “Most get redness, swelling, and itching around the site, and others have a bigger hive reaction — also known as welt or wheal — which is due to an allergic response.” You may also have more persistent swelling or itching if you’re in a new location (with new types of insects), have entered a new season, or haven’t been bitten in a while, she adds.
Expert tips on how to encourage skin to heal.
Of course, not all annoying bites are mosquito bites. Two of the most common summer bite pests are spiders and ticks. Spider bites can happen indoors and outdoors, though they have slightly differing symptoms. “Spider bite symptoms include localized pain, itching, redness, swelling, and warmth,” says Dr. Farhang. Venomous spider bites may cause additional symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, sweating, headache, and ulcers — in which case a trip to urgent care is in order.
However, you should be able to spot the difference. “Spider bites are very rare,” adds Dr. Anar Mikailov, a board-certified dermatologist based in Burlington, Massachusetts. “Spider bites are typically singular, as opposed to mosquitos that are multiple. Spider bites, like mosquito bites, can be itchy, but mosquito bites are never painful.”
Tick bites can result in minor symptoms like swelling or soreness, but don’t usually itch. Often, they’re nothing to worry about, but should be monitored for signs of Lyme disease like a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, and fatigue. You may also come across fly bites and ant bites in the summer — but they are less common than mosquito bites and also are marked by pain or systemic symptoms instead of itch.
When should you see a doctor for a insect bite?
As a rule of thumb, anytime you are concerned that your skin is not healing properly (you’re not seeing it progressively improve in swelling and itchiness from day to day or it hasn’t gone away in a week), you should talk to a doctor, says Dr. Mikailov. If you notice open skin or ulcers, you’ll need a professional opinion. “Sometimes a simple insect bite can get infected if scratched too much,” adds Dr. Farhang.
If you’re having any flu-like symptoms like fever or nausea, you should see a doctor (or head straight to the emergency room if you’re experiencing difficulty breathing). It could be that you’re having an allergic reaction or have been bitten by something else, like a deer tick carrying Lyme disease. “Ticks are one of the most well-known vectors of disease including Lyme disease, encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and babesiosis,” says Dr. Mikailov.
What about mosquito-borne illness?
According to the government website, there are over 34 types of mosquitoes in the UK. The most common type of bite is from a “nuisance mosquito,” which does not spread disease but — you guessed it — can be a real nuisance.
If you’re in the United Kingdom, it’s much less likely to be bitten by a mosquito carrying diseases like West Nile or Zika, but it's not impossible. In those instances, you will definitely need medical attention from a health care professional, says Dr Bank. If your symptoms become systemic (like fever, nausea, or vomiting), or move beyond mild, itchy hives that don’t resolve in a day or so, see a doctor for further testing.
How to heal insect bites
While annoying, insect bites are generally not life-threatening. Home remedies and over-the-counter products are usually more than enough to heal insect bites. If you seem to be more allergic than most (if your bumps turn to welts and persist), your dermatologist can prescribe more high-potency steroid creams.
When it comes to at-home remedies, don’t believe every wives’ tale. While some swear by baking soda and toothpaste, both are alkaline and can irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, stick to the solutions below.
When you’re bitten by a mosquito, your immune system releases a chemical called histamine to help rid your body of the allergen. It’s what causes you to sneeze and itch. “Oral antihistamines generally help decrease that inflammation and itching,” says Dr. Farhang. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both effective options, though Zyrtec has less of a sedative effect.
“Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream can be used as needed, and is safe for the face for up to two weeks,” says Dr. Bank. A dab of this topical corticosteroid can calm inflammation and itchiness, and some formulas contain other soothing ingredients like aloe for extra relief.
“Ice is great for itch relief, as a pain reducer, and as a swelling reducer,” says Dr. Bank. These handy packs are the perfect size and shape to hit individual bites, and they’re sold in a pack of six in case you really get eaten up.
These little suction devices, which can be found on Amazon, claim to lift the venom from your skin, thus alleviating the itchy reaction. The effectiveness is purely anecdotal (and there have been no reliable studies), but champions of this tool say it works like a charm.
How to prevent insect bites
Of course, the best defence against insect bites is preventing them altogether. While there’s only so much you can really do, there are a few solutions (other than long-sleeve shirts and, you know, staying indoors) that can keep you from becoming a four-course meal.
Studies have shown that bug sprays with DEET offer the best protection against bug bites including mosquitoes and ticks. DEET does come with a scary reputation because of its chemical strength, but it is considered safe on UK government advice if used as directed.
Essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, and citronella are popular natural repellents — both in spray and candle form — and studies have shown that they can be effective repellents, though slightly less so than DEET.
It’s also worth noting that according to the American Mosquito Control Association, your chances of being bit by a mosquito increase when you’re drinking alcohol thanks to increased body temperature and ethanol content in your sweat. Switching your beer for a lemonade is an easy way to spend less time swatting and more time enjoying your time outdoors.
This story was originally published on Allure.
