Mosquito bites show up as raised lumps with redness around them. The itch is immediate and annoying. Left alone, they’ll disappear in a week or two, but you can speed things up and cut the itching with stuff you probably already have.
1. Baking Soda
Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of warm water until it forms a paste. Apply it directly to the bite and leave it uncovered so it dries. Reapply a few times during the day. The alkalinity neutralizes the itch.
2. Calamine Lotion
Classic anti-itch solution. Dab it on the bite and let it dry. It works by cooling the skin and creating a barrier that stops you from scratching. Follow the directions on the bottle.
3. Ice
Wrap an ice pack in a washcloth (don’t apply ice directly or you’ll get frostbite) and hold it on the bite for 15-20 minutes. Ice reduces swelling and numbs the area. Use it a few times throughout the day if the bite is particularly swollen or red.
If these don’t cut it, oral antihistamines can help from the inside out. Tea tree oil works too, though it’s overkill for a basic mosquito bite. Or just wait it out and resist scratching (harder than it sounds).
