What makes insect bites itch

This is similar to an allergic reaction and causes a raised, itchy bump to appear. This article discusses what makes mosquito bites itch and swell, and what treatments are available. This causes an immune system response, which aims to flush out the intruder.

Histamine increases blood flow and white blood cell count around the affected area, which causes inflammation or swelling. The first time a person is bitten, their body may not react in this way. The immune response is something that the body learns after being exposed to a foreign substance. Some people may never react to a bite. For many, the reaction remains consistent, and mosquito bites continue to be an annoyance.

Mosquitoes bite humans to drink their blood. Only female mosquitoes bite people. It locates the blood vessel and draws blood up through its mouth.

As it does this, it injects saliva that contains an anticoagulant. Mosquito bites itch due to inflammation. Rather than relieving the itching, scratching an already inflamed area increases inflammation. This makes the area even itchier. Scratching may also increase the risk of infection if it breaks the skin. If the area becomes infected, it will be much itchier and will take longer to heal.

Antihistamines are an over-the-counter medication that help to reduce inflammation and itching. They are an effective way to treat mosquito bites. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Cancel Continue. Mosquitoes inject certain proteins into the bloodstream to help it quickly suck up a full meal.

This compound sends a signal to the nerves surrounding the bite, causing it to become itchy. Although it may be tempting, scratching a bite can actually make it itch even more. In order to stay bug bite and itch-free, wear long pants and sleeves when possible outdoors and ask a grown up to use an insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away.

These drugs may cause negative side effects when paired with certain medications or cause drowsiness. Call your primary care provider and get the go-ahead before taking one. Since part of what you're experiencing with a bug bite is inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications may be a useful way to reduce some of your symptoms.

These medications include options like acetaminophen also known as Tylenol and ibuprofen also known as Advil or Motrin. These are pretty easy to find at any drugstore. The only downside is that OTC anti-inflammatories might be better at treating pain than they are at treating itching, says Susan Bard, MD, a Brooklyn-based dermatologist at Vive Dermatology. Still, they may be worth a try—especially if you already have one in your cabinet.

Note: Some OTC anti-inflammatories don't pair well with other medications—and definitely don't pair well with alcohol. Talk to your doctor before taking one. Or—at the very least—read and follow the directions on the bottle.

Ice is a popular way to soothe your skin—whether you're dealing with pain, itching, or general inflammation. So if you're looking for a quick, free, and easy way to get a little direct relief, try soothing your skin with an ice pack or a cold compress. If you can find a way to curb your urge to scratch, that is definitely a good thing. Much like ice, cooling creams can be a great way to soothe your bug bites.

Look for OTC options that contain menthol or camphor , natural ingredients that can make the skin feel cool or numb. Again, these cooling creams won't technically cure a bug bite, but they may offer you temporary relief from post-bite symptoms. And since you can score them at most drugstores, they should make an easy addition to your routine. Note: Some topical creams containing menthol and camphor can irritate the skin, so read and follow the directions carefully. And talk to your primary care provider if you notice your skin becoming irritated.

When you're dealing with itchy bug bites, it can be tempting to numb the area using a local anesthetic , like a numbing cream. You can typically apply these creams directly to bug bites—as long as the wound is closed and not open or bleeding.