As the UK swelters in a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 35C in some areas, mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent. While UK mosquito bites are generally not dangerous, they can cause intense and irritating itching that persists for days.
Dr Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained doctor and author, has shared a scientifically backed technique to stop the itch almost instantly. In a social media video, she advises against scratching and instead recommends gently rubbing the bite with two fingers.
Dr Pasricha explained that a recent study from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that stroking the skin can interrupt the itch signal. When a mosquito bites, nerve fibres in the skin activate in an uneven, patchy manner. This contrast between irritated and unaffected fibres triggers the itching sensation.
By gently rubbing the affected area, a powerful counter-signal is generated that suppresses the itch before it reaches the brain. Dr Pasricha added that this method can also help relieve eczema-related itching, and that rubbing anywhere within the same dermatome – an area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve – can be effective.
The technique has drawn praise from social media users, with many noting that it works far better than scratching. One commenter said they had unintentionally done this while trying to avoid scratching, and it proved effective.
