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Interesting fact: the reaction to mosquito bites and predisposition to them is determined genetically1. In 2019, specialists from the Siberian Medical State University determined that insects are most attracted to universal donors, that is, people with the first blood group. The study showed that they are bitten twice as often as the representatives of the second group.
Also, the “taste preferences” of mosquitoes are affected by body temperature, strong odors, such as sweat, and active blood circulation. With a high metabolic rate, a person produces more carbon dioxide, by which mosquitoes determine the source of food. Therefore, the mosquito is more likely to bite an adult than a child, pregnant women or overweight people, scientists say.2.
As a rule, mosquito bites do not cause serious inconvenience to people. Usually bites are accompanied by itching and slight swelling, which will help to cope with special tools. However, in some cases, allergic reactions may develop. For example, some people, especially young children, may develop severe swelling ranging from 2 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Such a reaction to mosquito bites may be accompanied by a rise in temperature and general weakness.
Experts strongly advise against scratching bite sites. This really relieves itching for a while, however, soon the bite begins to itch even more, there are more scratches. As a result, the risk of getting into the body of infection increases.
Rating of the top 10 inexpensive and effective remedies for itching after a mosquito bite according to KP
1. Gel Azudol
Gel Azudol cools irritated skin. The drug contains active ingredients that help relieve itching, burning, redness after a mosquito bite. The composition of the cooling gel also includes an antiseptic to prevent infection of wounds, panthenol, which has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect, and bisabolol, which has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
The gel should be applied in a thin layer to the bite site and allowed to dry. According to the manufacturer, the itching subsides after a few seconds. Azudol is effective and instantly relieves itching and redness3.
The cost of the gel in a tube of 8 ml is 150-200 rubles.
2. Cream Taste-OFF
Cream Bite-OFF quickly relieves itching and soreness of the skin after being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects, has a local anesthetic and cooling effect, reduces swelling, irritation and redness of the skin, and repels insects. The active ingredients of the cream are medicinal leech extract, shea butter, menthol, tea tree, fir and clove essential oils.
The price of a tube of cream with a volume of 30 ml varies from 100 to 200 rubles.
3. Gel-balm Mosquill Roll-on
The product contains an extract of seven herbs that soften and disinfect the bite site, as well as allantoin, simrelief, frescolat, which have a cooling and distracting effect. Due to the natural composition of the gel-balm has no contraindications and can be used even on sensitive skin.
The price for a package of 12 ml is 250-300 rubles.
4. Gel-balm Chill
Gel-balm Chill helps to quickly reduce burning sensation, redness of the skin and itching after mosquito bites, midges, horseflies and other insects. The drug has soothing and disinfecting properties. The composition of the product includes castor oil, aloe juice, extracts of calendula, chamomile and dandelion, essential oils of mint, eucalyptus and lemon, as well as D-panthenol and menthol.
The price of a gel with a volume of 50 milliliters varies from 130 to 250 rubles.
5. Spray-balm Mosquitall Ambulance
The tool soothes the skin, relieves itching and irritation, eliminates swelling and redness at the bite site, promotes rapid healing. The spray contains menthol, which cools the skin, panthenol, which promotes healing after a bite, and an antibacterial complex with silver ions to prevent infection of the wound.
The spray should be sprayed onto the affected areas from a distance of 5-15 centimeters and spread over the skin with massaging movements. The price for 50 milliliters of funds is about 250 rubles.
6. Balm after bites Gardex Family
The product cools and soothes the skin, and also relieves irritation and itching. Manufacturers note that the balm is effective even with strong and numerous bites: it restores the protective properties of the skin in the areas of scratching and reduces inflammation. And the balm comes in a convenient roller form, so it is easy to apply on the skin.
Note that consumer reviews on this tool are mixed. Some note that the balm is effective and can be used by children, others are afraid of a large amount of chemistry in the composition and point to the high price of the product – about 300 rubles per 7 milliliters.
7. Patches after insect bites Eurosirel
Eurosirel insect bite patches are plasters that protect the bite site from microbes and prevent scratching. Vegetable oils and herbal extracts remove unpleasant symptoms: zanthoxylum relieves itching and irritation, peppermint oil cools the bite site, calendula extract and lavender oil soothe the skin and promote healing. Can be used by children from three years of age.
The price of the product is from 150 to 200 rubles. Pack of 20 pieces.
8. Gel-balm after insect bites Nadzor
Gel-balm after insect bites Nadzor is water-based, so it does not leave a feeling of oiliness and stickiness on the skin when used. The composition contains extracts of calendula and menthol, which disinfect the wound and pleasantly cool the skin. The tool quickly and effectively relieves discomfort, itching and irritation.
The cost of Nadzor gel-balm is about 150-200 rubles for a 30 ml package.
9. Argus Soothing Cooling Gel
Argus Soothing Cooling Gel contains chamomile and calendula extracts, which have soothing and disinfecting properties to help heal bites. The drug quickly and effectively relieves itching after insect bites, while it is suitable even for sensitive skin.
The cost is from 130 to 300 rubles for a 50 ml package.
10. Balm-gel after bites Family Death
Balm-gel after bites Family Deta relieves itching and redness, and also cools the skin. The composition of the balm includes green tea extract, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Cucumber extract relieves puffiness, and berhavia extract has a calming effect.
The price of the product is about 100-150 rubles per 20 milliliters.
How to choose a remedy for itching after a mosquito bite
In pharmacies and on store shelves there is a huge selection of a wide variety of products that relieve itching, irritation and swelling after a mosquito bite. They differ from each other mainly only in the method of application (gels, sprays, sticks), volume and price. Therefore, adults, if there are no individual allergic reactions to the components of the drug, can choose absolutely any remedy. But for children, a remedy for mosquito bites should be chosen taking into account the reaction to the bites themselves. The composition of an effective remedy for itching after a mosquito bite should be as natural as possible, but it is better to avoid preservatives, dyes and fragrances.
Reviews of doctors about remedies for itching after a mosquito bite
Many doctors have a positive attitude towards remedies that relieve itching and irritation after a mosquito bite. For example, edema is well removed by a cream with a natural composition of Bite-OFF, as well as Azudol cream.
– In children with severe swelling and itching after mosquito bites, it is recommended to apply a cream based on mometasone – this is a glucocorticosteroid for topical use, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. This, for example, cream Momat, Elocom, – comments pediatrician Milyausha Gabdulkhakova.
Popular questions and answers
Popular questions regarding mosquito bites are answered by a pediatrician, clinical intern of the Department of Children’s Infections Milyausha Gabdulkhakova.
How to make sure that mosquito bites do not itch?
Is it possible to squeeze out a mosquito bite?
Can you get infected from a mosquito bite?
What can be from numerous mosquito bites?
Sources of:
- Tamrazova O.B., Stadnikova A.S., Vorobieva A.S. Skin reactions to insect bites. Pediatrics. Consilium Medicum. 2019; 3:34–39. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kozhnye-reaktsii-na-ukusy-nasekomyh
- Siberian State Medical University. Myths about mosquitoes: do bloodsuckers have “taste preferences”? https://www.ssmu.ru/ru/news/archive/?id=1745
- Kalinina, O.V. Efficiency of the Azudol® gel in eliminating the consequences of mosquito bites. Materials of the XII Scientific and Practical Conference of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists, St. Petersburg, October 25–27, 2018. 2018: 52-53. https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=37012880&pff=1