If the itching of an insect bite becomes unbearable and you don't have any ointment to relieve itching to hand, try using adhesive tape or nail varnish.

 

The itching from a mosquito bite is caused by the blood flowing towards the tiny puncture hole to close the wound. The mosquito secretes an anticoagulant secretion when it bites to thin the blood, causing the wound to become inflamed and irritate the nerve endings. Scratching the inflamed area increases the blood flow and irritates the area even more. The longer it takes to heal, the more itchy it becomes and the more you scratch, which slows down the healing process.

A piece of adhesive tape or Thesafilm or a drop of nail varnish keeps the area around the puncture in balance, allows it to heal more quickly and therefore does not become as inflamed. Adhesive tape or nail varnish also seals the wound so that no oxygen can reach it.

If the mosquito bite is already bloodied, you should not put nail varnish on it, as otherwise toxic chemicals from the nail varnish can get into the bloodstream.

 

Leave the adhesive tape on the insect bite for one to two days to allow it to heal. Then remove with baby oil or warm water.