Q. The best tip I ever received for mosquito bites is to dab on hydrogen peroxide. I have very sensitive skin and bites used to get very swollen and itch for weeks.
Now, I apply drugstore hydrogen peroxide and in less than 15 minutes I have no itch and no bump. You need to apply it to bites as soon as possible. I doubt it would work if you waited too long.
A. Seven years ago a reader shared a similar tip:
“I am highly attractive to mosquitos and often get a dozen bites when others get one. Years ago, I was told to rub hydrogen peroxide on the bites as soon as possible. This alleviates itching within minutes! The key is to apply the peroxide with a cotton ball right after the bite.”
Avoid bites in the first place with an effective repellent. Besides DEET, there are now natural FDA-approved ingredients including picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Learn more on our website PeoplesPharmacy.com. Other readers suggest spraying the area where you are having a picnic or sitting outside with Listerine to deter mosquitoes. We have not seen any research on how well this might work.
Hot water may also stop the itching from mosquito bites for several hours. It needs to be hot enough that it is uncomfortable, but not hot enough to burn the skin.
