How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching

Mosquito bites can be annoying and distracting, but there are several ways to treat them. Deal with the bites when they first occur for best results. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an antiseptic wipe, or plain water as soon as you can. Although the itch won’t go away completely until the bite is healed, you can use a variety of products, from lemon juice to aloe, to relieve itching.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Things You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Download Article

Honey will soothe the affected area and give you some much needed relief from the itching.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Put apple cider vinegar on the bite. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it over the mosquito bites. Leave it there for several minutes. This should help alleviate the pain.
- Alternatively, you can make a paste out of apple cider vinegar and flour. This will help dry out the bite in addition to soothing the itch with the vinegar. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to dry. Wash it off with warm water.^{[2]XResearch source}
Advertisement
Cut it into pieces and rub gently on the affected area, or just squirt a bit of juice on it. Citric acid has some itch-relieving properties.^{[3]XResearch source}
Oatmeal is renowned for its anti-itching properties, so make a small paste using ground oatmeal and a little water. Apply it to the bite area, allow the paste to dry, then wash it off.^{[4]XResearch source}
Mix it in water first before applying. Then let it dry and rinse it off afterwards.^{[5]XResearch source}
Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (13.8 g) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Gently apply the paste to the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with warm water. A strong alkaline solution like this will often ease itching from insect bites.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Commercial Products

Download Article

Products such as Stingose and After Bite may help to alleviate pain.^{[6]XResearch source}^{[7]XResearch source} Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion may also help reduce itching and swelling. Follow the instructions accompanying the product. If you can't find one, talk to your pharmacist.
2
Make a paste out of aspirin. The aspirin will help relieve the pain and reduce the symptoms of swelling and itching. Naturally, do not use this method if the person is allergic to aspirin.
- Alternatively, make a paste out of Tums tablets. This will also help with the itching.
The alcohol can have a cooling effect, which can temporarily relieve itchiness. It is also drying, which can cause the bites to shrink and reduce swelling.^{[8]XResearch source}
4
Dab some toothpaste over the bite area.^{[9]XResearch source} This can work like a charm to relieve itching. Regular flavored toothpaste is the best option for this method. Rub it on and let it dry overnight. Then, wash it off in the morning with cold water and mild soap. The toothpaste will dry the bite out, and may remove irritation.
- Use any non-gel toothpaste. Gel toothpaste is not suitable for this method.
Wash the area using soap and water. Soap may be enough to relieve the itching. Use a mild soap, so as to not dry out the skin and increase irritation.^{[10]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Herbs and Essential Oils

Download Article

Rub aloe vera gel or a broken leaf from an aloe vera plant on the bite area to relieve itching. Aloe is well known for its ability to soothe and heal problematic skin areas.^{[11]XResearch source}
Fresh basil leaves that are crushed and directly applied to the area also naturally relieve itching symptoms because basil contains thymol and camphor, both of which are natural itch relievers. Basil can also be useful in repelling insects so you don't get any more bites.^{[12]XResearch source}
Either roll the plantain leaves between your fingers to extract the juice or rub the juicy leaf over the mosquito bite. The itch should go away in less than a minute.^{[13]XResearch source}
4
Apply lavender oil. Dabbing small amounts of lavender oil directly on the affected area can relieve the itching quickly.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Alternatively, try dabbing some witch hazel on the bite.
5
Use melaleuca or tea tree (ti-tree) oil. This oil is known as a cure-all for many problems and it can also alleviate the itching from mosquito bites.
- Add a drop of tea tree oil to an ice cold compress of witch hazel. It helps stop the burning feeling and the itch.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Water, Heat, and Pressure

Download Article

Not too hard, but firm enough that it distracts the itching for a while.^{[15]XResearch source}
2
Take a nice, relaxing warm bath. The addition of strong chickweed tea, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar, or 2 cups (280 g) ground oatmeal to the bath can help to alleviate itching.^{[16]XResearch source}
- You can even add a few essential oils to that to make the bath not only smell better but to clean the spot and also to soothe the skin.
- Make sure the water isn't too hot, and don't stay in the water longer than 20 minutes, as this can have a drying effect.
Apply an ice pack or ice cubes to the bites. You should leave this on the affected area for about 20 minutes to alleviate the itch.
Let a metal spoon sit in steaming hot water for a minute. Remove the spoon from the water, let it cool for 5 to 10 seconds, and press it onto your mosquito bite. Hold it there for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat a couple of times while the water is still hot, and do this several times daily until your bite is healed.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Do I have to leave toothpaste on overnight?
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
It works best if left on the bite for the equivalent of and overnight sleep, so if you prefer, you could apply it and leave it on for about eight hours during the day.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 25 Helpful 76
Question
What if I don't have any of the creams or other things listed in the article?
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
Try using a cool compress with a wet washcloth. Alternatively, you can try a warm compress.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 32 Helpful 60

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Avoid getting bitten by taking preventative measures: avoid going outside when mosquitos are most active (dusk and dawn), put screens in windows and promptly repair tears, wear long-sleeves and pants, or use an insect repellant containing DEET, Icaridin (also called picaridin), or oil of lemon eucalyptus.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0
Lavender deters them. Put some lavender oil in a diffuser near your bed if you’re getting bit in the night, or just rub some of the oil on you before going outside.
Thanks
Helpful8 Not Helpful0
You might react to mosquitoes from a different place more than your original hometown. There are many species of mosquitoes, so you may react to the bites of some species more than others.
Thanks
Helpful15 Not Helpful2

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

Putting some aftershave on the bite before bed can reduce the itch and speed up healing time. In the morning, just remove the remaining aftershave with warm soapy water.
This may sound weird, but eat a banana and hold the peel up th the bite. You can also rub the peel around a bit.
Make sure you use the right toothpaste if you try the toothpaste method! Gel toothpaste will not be effective.
Use clear nail varnish. Something in the nail varnish stops the itching and takes down the swelling.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If you think you are allergic to mosquito bites (your bites start swelling immediately), discuss oral antihistamine options with your doctor.
Thanks
Helpful28 Not Helpful0
Mosquitoes carry certain serious diseases that can be passed to humans, such as West Nile Virus, Zika virus, malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. It is important to take protective measures so you avoid getting bitten.
Thanks
Helpful24 Not Helpful4
If your itching doesn't stop and the sores aren't healing, see your doctor. Skin that appears inflamed or infected requires medical treatment.
Thanks
Helpful23 Not Helpful5
Whatever you do, don't scratch or rub your bites. This will make the itching worse.
Thanks
Helpful34 Not Helpful11
See a doctor promptly if you develop a fever, headache, body aches, or other signs of infection.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0