Tips and tricks to help treat pesky mosquito bites from a dermatologist

You might find yourself feeling itchy and scratching a lot recently with an influx of mosquitoes buzzing around the city. Edmonton has set records for the wettest June - and mosquitoes are taking advantage of the added moisture.

Topical ointments to treat that itch are handy, but there are other unusual ways people have tried to help.

Pimple patches, aloe vera and baking soda are some ideas, but Dr. Maris Sapijaszko with the Western Canada Dermatology Institute says the best two things you can use is an anti-histamine and or something cold, like a compress or ice cube, to push the itch away.

“When a mosquito bites a person, the person initiates an immune response, and the redness, the itchiness, the swelling is because of immune response,” Sapijaszko told CTV News Edmonton.

Mosquitoes’ saliva carries compounds that trigger a human immune system. Scratching on its own can actually make you want to itch more as it breaks the skin.

Here are some treatment options people have tried and how Sapijaszko would rate them out of five.

Oral antihistamine - 5

Cold compress - 4.5

Chamomile lotion - 4

Baking soda - 4

Aloe vera - 3

Vicks Vaporub - 2.5

Putting an ‘X’ over bite with nails - 2

Oatmeal - 2

Pimple patches - 1

Insect heat zapper/warm compress - 1

Do mosquitoes like a certain person?

Yes, they do. Mosquitos favourite choice on the menu is anyone with Type O blood as they sense its chemistry.

“Chemistry comes from genetics, metabolic cues, our body chemistry in general,” Sapijaszko said.

“They love heat and some people run warm - if you touch some people they have warm skin and other people have cooler skin.”

What you choose to wear when you head outside can also dictate what you’ll get feasted on.

Loose fitting clothing is ideal.

“Mosquitoes can actually bite through the clothes, they can go right through your pants, right through your shirt, but if it’s loose, then they have a hard time,” Sapijaszko said.

The pesky bugs are drawn towards black, navy blue, dark red and orange - all colours that absorb heat. Instead, opt for white, beige, pale yellow, green or purple.

Anything with checkers or stripes will also confuse mosquitos and hopefully shoo them away.