Question:
I've gotten several mosquito bites this summer. Somewhere I
heard or read that taking a hot shower relieves the bites.
Since I did not want to take a shower everytime I got a
bite, I decided to apply VERY hot water directly to the welt
from the bite. I boil a small amount of water in the
microwave, dip in a q-tip, wait a few seconds for the water
to cool a bit, then apply it directly to the welt. If it
starts to itch again, I repeat the application. I've never
had to do this more than twice.
I was amazed how well this works. Although it does hurt a
little bit when you put the hot water on the bite, it stops
the itching and the next day you can't even tell where you
had the bite.
Answer:
Interesting enough, this is close to how a 'Therapik'' works; heat
neutralizes the toxin in the bite.
A commercial version is available, but I like how much yours costs!
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=1&page=10294&...
If the bite is on your hand or arm, it's easy enough to put it under
the faucet and run a thin stream of hot water on it. You can
control the heat by taking it in and out of the stream.
Otherwise a hair dryer works very well. Just swath the hair
dryer back and forth across the area, so it doesn't overheat
it.
