Whether you’re particularly sensitive to mosquito bites or live in an area that has a particularly mean kind, you may need help dealing with this dreaded problem. Do you know that level of itching that takes away your ability to sleep? We’ve had plenty of experience dealing with this, so keeping the knowledge to ourselves just wouldn’t be possible. Today, we’re bringing you a small selection of must-have creams for mosquito bites, offering much-needed itching relief for the whole family.
Why do mosquito bites itch?
When a mosquito bites, it is going for your blood. Therefore, it uses a special mouthpiece to pierce the skin. While sucking blood, it also injects saliva that keeps the blood flowing. However, your body recognizes that saliva as a foreign substance and reacts to it. It then produces histamine as a response, to fight what it recognizes as an attack. So, in fact, everything would be ok if your body didn’t overreact! Some people are more sensitive than others, of course. This is why some people barely notice they’ve been bitten, and others need to seek medical attention.
You will probably notice that mosquito bites tend to itch more during the night. This is because your cortisol levels decrease and you get more of that itching sensation.
How can you handle mosquito bites?
Some may think that if the problem lies with the injected saliva, maybe squeezing it out will work. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. But it may very well cause some skin lesions that can then become infected. So, rule number one: never, ever, mess with the bite.
Easier said than done, correct?
Those who really suffer with itching, at the level of a truly allergic response, know that the only way to deal with itching is scratching: nothing else will ease the itching. Never mind the fact that it will cause even more itching, scratching is the only solution in the moment and the rest is a problem for future you. This writer remembers being advised by her parents to avoid scratching a bug bite at all costs, only to scratch it so much the entire leg got infected. Although getting one week off school was a lot of fun, not being able to walk during that time made it less fun.
So, what else can you do besides not scratching? Ice (or anything cold) is a great option. It reduces itching and helps with any swelling that may be happening. You can also apply some anti-itching skincare to your skin, or even take medication when advised by a health professional. Always remember that if your mosquito bites only get worse as the days go by and start to look a little strange, it’s time to go to the doctor’s office.
What skincare ingredients can you use to soothe bug bites?
There are several medications you can take when dealing with bug bites. Always check with your doctor or a pharmacist about what may suit you better.
As for cosmetics that you can buy without any medical presctiption, several ingredients will help you. Calamine is a staple ingredient when it comes to soothing bug bites. Aloe vera is another classic one, although we don’t recommend that you use it directly from the plant because there is a chemical burn risk. Oatmeal is another ingredient that never fails and can be used even in the smallest babies. The ideal solution, in fact, is to use a formula that is made specifically for this situation, as you’ll know it’s adequate.
Our favorite anti-itching creams for mosquito bites
Uriage Pruriced Fresh Soothing Gel
The best anti-itching cream for bug bites
Uriage Pruriced Fresh Soothing Gel
This soothing gel is unlike anything else when it somes to itching. The gel-like texture is easy to apply and the main goal of this gel is exactly to soothe itching. It’s a product that has been around for well over a decade and will not go anywhere, because those who use it, love it deeply.
It contains both calamine and a soothing patent registered by Uriage. You can use it on bug bites or anything else that requires soothing any itching–and it’s totally safe for everyone, including during pregnancy and babies.
A-Derma Cutalgan Ultra-Calming Refreshing Spray
The favorite bug bite relief spray
A-Derma Cutalgan Ultra-Calming Refreshing Spray
A soothing spray that calms irritation, itching and redness: what more can you ask for when dealing with bug bites? It also avoids rubbing, which is important because usually rubbing tends to cause more itching. With this practical version, you are applying the product without actually touching the skin.
The formula contains a blend of botanical extracts, including oat extract, in order to be able to soothe the skin.
Martiderm Calamina Plus Regenerating Cream
The calamine lotion for mosquito bites
Martiderm Calamina Plus Regenerating Cream
The classical calamine lotion that always works. This time, in cream form, because sometimes you have already scratched the bite a bit and it may also need some repairing. This gentle formula helps to repair the skin barrier while soothing the itching sensation.
It’s also perfect for diaper rashes and bites in babies, as they definitely will not stop scratching them.
SVR Cicavit+ Soothing Cream Fast Repair Anti-Mark
The ointment for scratched mosquito bites
SVR Cicavit+ Soothing Cream Fast Repair Anti-Mark
If you’ve really scratched your mosquito bites, a regular cream probably isn’t enough. You may even have some degree of open wounds, so you need extra caution. Not only are these more prone to infection, they can also leave a post-inflamatory dark spot.
The ideal course of action is to use a good repairing cream, such as creams with Centella asiatica. Apply a thin layer to the bite 3-4 times a day and let it work its magic.
Uriage Pruriced SOS Soothing After-Stings
The best portable anti-itching cream
Uriage Pruriced SOS Soothing After-Stings
We’ve already discussed the gel version, but recently Uriage launched a portable version of the iconic Pruriced. It’s been a best seller ever since.
With a practical roll-on applicator, this product can be used on everyone–including babies and during pregnancy.
Aveeno Baby Soothing Oat Bath Soak
The ideal product to soothe multiple bites
Aveeno Baby Soothing Oat Bath Soak
If you’ve been bitten several times, sometimes the best solution is just to soak. And by soak, we actually do mean soaking in water with a special blend of oatmeal powder. Applying a cream in these cases may be troublesome, so just take it as one big problem and solve it at once.
This Aveeno oatmeal powder is ideal when used in lukewarm water–excessively hot water will just increase the itching!
Now that you know how to care for your mosquite bites with targeted anti-itching creams, you may also want to learn how to keep mosquitoes at bay once and for all. We’ve got plenty of mosquito repellent options in the shop–time to find your favorite!
