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This Little Itch Relief Tool Changed My Mosquito-Magnet Life
Aug
For as long as I can remember, mosquitoes have loved to feast on me. Wherever I am, the tiny flying terrors follow. And they’ll usually opt for my blood over that of any person with me, leaving me with unrelentingly itchy bites that keep me up at night and send me into fits of scratching throughout the day.
That mosquitoes adore me is not just in my head; as a twin, I have something of a built-in control variable. For decades, mosquitoes have chosen to feast on me over my other half. This is likely due to a combination of factors, according to entomologists, including one’s particular metabolism, lactic acid, body heat and clothing.
Years of using my nails to make sad X marks on my bites to dispel itching had rendered me pessimistic. So when I first came across the Bug Bite Thing, a tool designed to soothe discomfort and itching from bites, I paid it little attention. It seemed too good to be true.
But then, I tried it. And like reviewers who say it’s the best $10 they’ve ever spent, I soon found that the Bug Bite Thing changed my mosquito-fearing life for the better. It’s the best relief for itchy bites that I’ve ever had — by far.
The lightweight, “Shark Tank” approved tool has garnered over 50,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It uses suction to ease bites and stings — a surprisingly effective technique.
“When mosquitoes bite, some of their saliva enters the skin,” explained Dr. Jocelyn Lieb, a dermatologist and the founder of Skin & Laser Center of NJ. Lieb noted that the saliva then triggers a response from your immune system, releasing the histamine that causes itching,
The Bug Bite Thing’s use of suction enables it to remove that inflammatory saliva, according to Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist who focuses on teledermatology. “When the saliva is removed via suction, your immune system stops reacting … and you will no longer experience itching and swelling in the area,” Chacon wrote.
The tool’s suction method is also notable because it eliminates the need for chemicals and is especially kid-friendly. Chacon noted, “I love that it’s chemical-free.”
Its suction can help with more than just mosquitoes. “Other insects can inject toxins, like bees and spiders,” Lieb explained. “This tool could help reduce toxin spread in these situations as well.”
For folks who bruise easily, the suction may cause some discoloration. I got a bruise with a particularly swollen bite, but for me, it was well worth it: The itching disappeared and it didn’t hurt. Besides, I get bruises just from scratching bites anyway.
If you have hemophilia or other issues related to blood clotting, be sure to talk with your doctor before using the Bug Bite Thing. If you notice your bite reactions worsening, you should also consult a doctor.
It doesn’t work miracles — nothing will rid me of bites forever — but I’m beyond grateful to have the Bug Bite Thing as a tool in my arsenal. I’m no longer white-knuckling my way through incessant bites and itching, and if I have anything to do with it, I’ll never be without one again.
You can grab it in white, black or pale pink, as well as packs of two or three.
Though the Bug Bite Thing is my personal holy grail, I’ve also rounded up more itch-soothing and bite-prevention items for your perusal below, including picks based on advice from health care professionals.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Amazon
Some itch-relieving cortisone cream
“Another option to reduce itching is to apply cortisone creams/ointment 2-3 [times] per day,” Dr. Jocelyn Lieb wrote. “Even better would be to keep the cream in the fridge and apply it cold for faster relief.”
Based on Lieb’s recommendation, we selected this Cortizone-10 cream. It contains 1% hydrocortisone, the maximum strength allowed without a prescription. The cream is also fragrance-free, infused with soothing aloe and available in up to two sizes.
Promising review: “best cortizone cream…I get super allergic reactions to bug bites (fleas, mosquitos, spiders, etc.) and this works the best, and is the best price too. I always have this on hand!” — Amazon Customer
Credo Beauty and Anthropologie
Oatmeal for itch relief
“Oatmeal can also provide relief [from itching],” Dr. Anna Chacon noted.
Based on Chacon’s advice, we at HuffPost think this soothing itch balm is a great choice. The vegan remedy is crafted by Kinfield, a “Shark Tank” approved, plant-based skin care brand created for lovers of the outdoors.
The balm is made with colloidal oatmeal to calm itching and discomfort, with a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients like eucalyptus oil and turmeric, as well as gentle moisturizers like jojoba oil and shea butter.
For those with a flexible spending account or health savings account, it’s also FSA- and HSA-eligible! Get it in up to two sizes.
Promising review: “If there’s a bug around, it’ll find me. I have tried many other bug bite relief products but this is by far the best one. I put it on and get instant relief that actually lasts for a while, usually into the next day IF it doesn’t get rid of it altogether. I will be sure to keep this around. Thanks for a great product.” — Dana Van S.
Amazon
An antihistamine
As Lieb noted, “Histamine causes itch!”
We chose this portable anti-itch Benadryl stick, which contains a histamine blocker for fast-acting relief.
It’s also FSA- and HSA-eligible.
Promising review: “This stuff works amazing ! I use it on my whole family from 2yr old to me when we have mosquito bites or any other small rash and it works amazing to stop the itch. My son was attacked by four wasps and I busted out the itch stick applied it to the bites and then went and put an ice pack and my son did not cry after the bite stick was applied. This stuff is worth it . Do yourself the favor and stock up on it. I keep one in each car and two in the house.” — Cmoney
Amazon
A roll of adhesive tape to fix mosquito screens
This ingenious window screen repair tape lets you easily cover up holes in your mosquito screens so bugs can’t sneak in through gaps in the mesh. People love it: The product has earned over 24,000 5-star ratings.
Just cut the tape to the size you need and stick it right on the screen — no tools required.
It’s available in two colors and five sizes.
Promising review: “We had a tiny hole in a full-length sliding door screen in our bedroom. That naturally meant mosquitoes on summer nights, being the industrious blood-thirsty creatures they are. We didn’t want to spring for an entire re-screening of the door so I figured I’d give this adhesive solution at least a try. So far – roughly six months – it’s been a perfect solution. The adhesion is solid and it has held up to rain. It is visible if that’s an issue but it is not an eyesore. The hole I was patching was very small in relation to the entire screen so this was a perfect solution. I’m not sure I would want to patch many tiny holes across a large screen for aesthetic reasons. but as a minor repair it was a perfect solution for us.” — Unica
Amazon
Some nonsticky, DEET-free insect repellent
This plant-based mosquito spray helps ward off bugs for up to six hours using lemon eucalyptus oil, without any DEET. It’s the real deal, with over 35,000 5-star ratings.
Grab it in a pack of two.
Promising review: “I recently tried the Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, and it works great! I’ve tried others, but this is the ONE! It kept mosquitoes away during my outdoor activities without the harsh chemicals. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering if you like essential oil fragrances. After I spray it on, it also leaves a cooling sensation on your skin. I love that it’s plant-based, and it lasts for hours. I’ll definitely keep using this for all my outdoor adventures!” — J Lew
Etsy
A handmade mosquito-repelling candle from Etsy
Enjoy your outdoor meal without getting bombarded by mosquitoes with this beeswax- and essential oil-filled candle. The Etsy shop selling the candle says this blend is more effective than citronella for keeping away bugs.
It is designed to burn for up to 50 hours and comes in two sizes.
Promising review: “This is the second summer I have purchased this candle to make it possible to sit on my patio. It works!” — Laurie Nichols
Amazon
A 10-pack of bracelets to help keep mosquitoes away
These bestselling DEET-free bracelets use plant-based essential oils to ward off mosquitoes. They are stretchy enough for use by adults and kids, enjoy a cult following with over 14,000 5-star ratings, and come individually wrapped. You can wear them on your wrist or ankle, and grab them in packs of 25 and 50.
Promising review: “I live in Texas, mosquito capitol of the world, and I actually got these for a trip to Hawaii for our jungle tour. … I couldnt pack over 3 oz of any natural sprays, so I opted to give these a try. Prior to our trip I ordered the 10 pack and sent some home with my son in Houston to try out first. The fact that all he wore was one on one [wrist] … and one on around one ankle and he had ZERO bites, blew my mind! Theyre single packaged bracelets so easy to pack in a purse, back pack or carry on, even a diaper bag! Theyre safe for most all ages (the littles would need to be out of reach of their mouths, so maybe wrap it like a hair tie on the back of their shirt or something) The longevity that I noticed was a couple hours (Our jungle tour trip was just over 2 hours and we were all bite free) The smell is delightful, but I like citronella. All around a great product for buggy situations!” — Amber
Anthropologie
A soothing, pest-deflecting skin care balm
I’ve been eying this nourishing Patio Oil from Jao Brand for its ability to repel mosquitoes while reviving skin weathered by time outdoors.
The oil — which is a bestseller at The Detox Market — is vegan and plant-based, and it can be used on the body and in hair.
Promising review: “I love this oil and the ease of application. My 8-yo daughter has horrible reactions to mosquito bites, and she has been applying this before she goes outside. It helps a lot.” — April F.