What is behind the itching in mosquito bites?

What is behind the itching in mosquito bites?

Why do mosquito bites suddenly scratch again?

A mosquito bite can trigger an annoying inflammatory reaction in the body. When insects emit their saliva into our skin, the body reacts to the foreign substances and inflammation occurs, which is accompanied by an unpleasant itching.

Prof. Thilo Jakob, director of the clinic for dermatology and allergology at the University Hospital, explains: “Where there is inflammation, itching is also created, which is caused by messenger substances that are repeatedly produced on the inflammatory stove.”

The role of attention

There is an explanation for why mosquito bites sometimes only start itchy for hours or even days later. The intensity of the itching also depends on what our attention is addressed and how much we are distracted. "If I have mosquito bites myself, they particularly bother me in the evening when I come to rest. But when I am busy, I hardly notice them," says Jakob. This phenomenon is also evident in skin diseases such as hives, which often get worse in the evening.

In both mosquito bites and skin diseases, the itching can worsen when the skin is irritated - be it by friction of clothing or scratching. This can result in a vicious circle that strengthens the itching.

tips on relieving the itching

Although it is difficult, it is best to leave a mosquito bite alone. Stich healers can be used to relieve the itching. These special heat pencils destroy the proteins from the mosquito peanut that cause itching at temperatures of about 50 degrees. Alternatively, a cooling antihistamine in gel form can be beneficial, Thilo Jakob.

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