Health & Life

Does Saliva Help Mosquito Bites? 7 Uncommon Tips to Soothe the Itch

"Being bitten by mosquitoes is annoying and irritating. Here's the ultimate guide on how to effectively relieve that pesky itch."

Administrator

28 July, 2024

How do mosquitoes identify their targets?

Mosquitoes do not rely on their eyes to spot their targets but instead use factors such as heat, carbon dioxide, and human body odor. For instance, children have higher metabolisms, pregnant women consume more energy, and obese individuals produce more carbon dioxide. Those who have just finished intense exercise and are sweating profusely also increase their caloric output, emitting more carbon dioxide and lactic acid into the blood, making them more appealing to mosquitoes.

Additionally, mosquitoes have poor eyesight, so they focus on bright or dark colors. Hence, people wearing dark clothing are more likely to be noticed.

To avoid attracting mosquitoes, it is advisable to wear light-colored clothes, wipe away sweat regularly, maintain hygiene by showering, and refrain from using excessive perfume. For obese individuals, losing weight can help reduce attention from mosquitoes.

Which part of the body, when bitten by a mosquito, itches the most?

The location of mosquito bites is closely related to your immune system. If you have a sensitive immune response, you are more prone to irritation and will feel itchier after being bitten.

Areas with thinner skin, such as the thighs, feet, hands, and other parts with a dense distribution of peripheral nerves, will cause you to experience more itching when bitten.

Ineffective methods to relieve itching after a mosquito bite

Applying saliva

Mosquitoes inject formic acid present in their saliva when they bite, causing the body to release histamine as a reaction. While many believe that applying saliva can neutralize formic acid and reduce itching, in reality, saliva contains mucus and amylase enzymes, which are ineffective in relieving itching and may even cause an unpleasant odor.

Mosquitoes inject formic acid from their saliva, triggering the body to release histamine.

Direct scratching

Itching after a mosquito bite is a common occurrence. However, unconscious scratching can intensify the itching sensation and enlarge the affected area. Excessive scratching may damage the skin and prolong the itching period.

Cross-squeezing

Traditionally, it was believed that cross-squeezing could alleviate itching from mosquito bites. However, this effect is merely due to the temporary pain overriding the itching sensation. Once the pain subsides, the itching returns, and if applied for extended periods, it may even cause scarring.

Astringent cleansing water

Many individuals think that cleansing water containing alcohol can relieve itching from mosquito bites. Nonetheless, its effect is limited to providing a temporary cooling sensation due to the evaporation of alcohol. While anti-itch cleansing waters can be beneficial, they should not be used on damaged skin or by pregnant women and children without specific instructions.

Effective methods to relieve itching

Lemon juice and aloe vera

Lemon juice has acidic properties, while aloe vera provides a cooling effect. Both help improve blood circulation in the skin and quickly relieve itching from mosquito bites. For optimal results, squeeze a small amount of lemon juice or aloe vera gel and apply it to the bite marks.

Lemon juice has acidic properties, and aloe vera provides a cooling effect.

Tea

Tea contains polyphenols that have antibacterial and anti-itching properties. Grind tea leaves into a powder, add a little water to form a paste, and then apply it to the mosquito bites to effectively reduce itching.

Watermelon rind

Watermelon rind has a cooling property and can quickly lower the temperature. Placing watermelon rind on the bitten area allows the evaporating moisture from the rind to cool and soothe the itch.

Soapy water

As mosquito saliva contains formic acid, the alkalinity of soapy water can neutralize this acid, reducing itching and pain from bites.

Peppermint toothpaste

Peppermint toothpaste contains the cooling property of peppermint and calcium carbonate powder, which is insoluble in water and alkaline. When applied to bite marks, it helps neutralize formic acid, cools the skin, and relieves itching and burning sensations.

Cold ice pack

Applying a cold ice pack to mosquito bites can constrict blood vessels, numb the area, and quickly relieve itching. You can dampen a cloth, place it in the refrigerator, and then apply it to the bites to alleviate itching.

Pinching and pressing

Pinching or pressing the area of a mosquito bite can help prevent the spread of formic acid from the mosquito’s saliva and reduce itching. However, be careful not to overdo it to avoid skin damage.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, saliva can help soothe the itch and irritation caused by mosquito bites. While it may not be a conventional remedy, the enzymes in saliva can help break down the proteins that cause the itching sensation.

When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into the skin, which contains proteins that prevent blood clotting. The body’s immune system reacts to these foreign proteins, causing a release of histamines, which leads to the itching sensation and inflammation.

The itching sensation can vary in intensity and duration, typically lasting a few days but sometimes persisting for longer, especially if the bite becomes infected.

Here are some unusual but effective remedies: apply a hot spoon on the bite, use a paste made from water and baking soda, rub an onion slice on the bite, or use essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil to help relieve itching and promote healing.

While it’s difficult to completely avoid mosquito bites, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk. Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, use insect repellent, avoid areas with stagnant water, and consider using mosquito nets while sleeping.

If the bite shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, seek medical attention. In the meantime, keep the area clean, and consider using an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent further infection.

While most mosquito bites heal without any complications, in rare cases, they can lead to more serious issues, such as Lyme disease or the West Nile virus. It’s important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if you experience any unusual symptoms following a bite.