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More than 30 years ago we stumbled across this bizarre tip in a dermatology text book (Dermatology: Diagnosis and Treatment, 1961, P. 94) edited by a giant in the field, Dr. Marion Sulzberger. The water has to be hot, roughly 120 to 130 degrees F. That means it is uncomfortable, but no so hot as to burn sensitive skin. The application is VERY short...a couple of seconds at most. Either expose the skin very briefly to hot running water or use a hot washcloth for a second or two.According to the dermatology experts from the 1960s, the hot water "short circuits" the itch reflex. In other words, the nerve network in the skin gets so overloaded by the heat stimulus, the urge to scratch is abolished for up to three hours. You will be amazed at how fast the relief occurs.
A word of caution, however. This approach is probably not a good idea for poison ivy where there are open sores or big blisters. Serious skin irritation or itching requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Be VERY careful NOT to burn yourself with water that is too hot. Only a second or two exposure is necessary.
To read more about this remedy and comments from visitors, visit our Home Remedy Library at the top of this page. You can read comments like this one:
"This hot water cure WORKS and is miraculous as far as I am concerned. A few months ago I had a terrible bout with insect bites: some I think were a severe allergic reaction to a bite. I tried everything the pharmacy and my dermatologist had to offer, and then went to People's Pharmacy web site in total desperation and read about the hot water treatment. I couldn't believe it. At first you think it isn't working, but then you stop the hot water and realize the itching is gone. I use it on any bite now, and have told everyone I know. It is great!"
Yes Yes Yes! It is true!
I am a mosquito magnet and the only thing that works for me is to put my poor bitten legs under running hot water. I use soap and water to wash my legs (and get a good scratching in!) and then rinse with hotter water. The hot water heater is sufficient. After I have been out feeding the mosquitos, I just come in and take hot shower or an appendage bath. Then it is over.
Me too! I get so many bites that sometimes I scratch so hard I end up with scratches & abrasions all over my arms and legs. Then I can't use products to ease the itch because lotions & sprays sting in broken skin. Next time I will try hot water. It has to be better than scratching myself to death.
A hairdryer on the lowest setting works too for anything itchy, poison ivy, bug bites, etc...Get it as warm as you can stand it for as long as you can stand it (urge to scratch will be intense!) and you will see relief!
Yes, it does work for my numerous bug bites, including fleas. Not for spiders, though. But I find that running water is not necessary; I take a very small amount and put in a bowl and microwave for 15 seconds, then dip a cloth or paper towel in it and apply to the bite until it cools. About 20 seconds. It may still itch for a while after that, but soon stops. I find this to be much more energy efficient than running water constantly or taking a shower. But I take a shower too if I have a lot of bites.
I've used a small vacuum pump (Aspivenin) sold in European drugstores and pharmacies. Works well for mosquitos, wasps, scorpions, ticks etc. It comes with different suction cups, and depending on the bite, I apply suction for 1-2 minutes and then wipe the spot with a paper handkerchief.
I read this for the first time 09-21-09. Years ago I had a bad case of poison ivy on my forearms. The only way I could find relief was to fill the bathroom sink with hot water and soak my forearms until the itching stopped.