Buzz
Some of us wander the Earth knowing that no matter how close we sit to the citronella, what we wear, or how early we step outside in the summer, mosquitoes will find a way to bite through our bug spray. It's an unfortunate certainty.
This summer, I decided I had enough. I wouldn't let myself keep complaining about those pesky bites during the few seconds it takes to go from my car to the front door. Instead, I accepted them as inevitable and focused on how to treat them.
(I’m still not giving up my bug spray, though. It really does help, it's safe, and it’s crucial in areas with mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika or West Nile.)
The Bug Bite Solution
I discovered the Bug Bite Thing during my frantic search for a remedy to mosquito bites, and it feels like I've struck gold. I've only tried it once so far, on six different bites I got while doing yard work last weekend. The device is a suction tool designed to pull out the mosquito’s saliva left beneath the skin.
Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, an allergist and immunologist (and also a developer of Ready, Set, Food!), explains that mosquito saliva contains proteins that act as allergens to humans. Our immune system creates antibodies to combat these allergens, leading to the redness, swelling, and itchiness we all dread.
According to Dr. Marks-Cogan, "The whole allergic response is triggered by the saliva, so if there’s a way to remove some of it, I can see it helping or at least reducing the reaction."
Of the six bites I tried it on, five stopped itching immediately and shrank to the usual size of a bite after about 3-4 days. The sixth bite was on my ankle, a tricky spot, and I don't think I suctioned it properly. It still bothered me intermittently for the next two days, though less than usual. I attempted to suction it again, but as the website states, "the best results are obtained when the Bug Bite Thing is used within the first two minutes of a bite or sting."
Here’s the downside—you need to carry it with you and use it right away to get the best results. That’s why I quickly ordered two more so I can keep one at home, one in my purse, and one in my car. The device is small and lightweight, so this is a small trade-off.
ZapIt
Mytour Health Editor Beth Skwarecki uses a different tool for itch relief called the ZapIt. This device uses low electrical pulses to help reduce inflammation and histamine flow, unlike scratching, which floods the area with histamine and worsens the itching. Dr. Marks-Cogan, who understands the science behind such claims, believes it makes sense.
"The idea is that these electrical pulses can reduce histamine levels or change how histamine is utilized," explains Dr. Marks-Cogan. "If the ZapIt uses the same electrical pulses as those studied, then theoretically, it could help."
The relief is usually temporary—Beth says it works for her for over 6 hours—but it’s still a welcome respite.
While neither of these methods is completely proven, and each person’s body reacts differently to bites and their treatments, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting their effectiveness. Maybe a combination of both—a Bug Bite Thing for immediate relief and a ZapIt to use later if you didn't have the Thing on hand when you were bitten—could be your best solution.
Medication
Dr. Marks-Cogan recommends trying medications for symptom relief, such as a topical steroid or Benadryl cream. For those with what she calls 'large, local' reactions—the kind of painfully swollen bites that some people are more prone to—your doctor might suggest a stronger prescription topical steroid or even an oral steroid.
"I often advise my patients to take an oral antihistamine, like Zyrtec or Allegra," she says. "If you’re planning a camping trip, start taking Zyrtec before you go and continue while you’re there. You may still get bitten, but your reaction will likely be less severe."
Her final tip: If you're still not finding relief, consider consulting an allergist to explore other treatment options.
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