Itching is common after a mosquito, fly, or other insect bite. Most people, without thinking, start scratching the area, believing it provides temporary relief. However, new research suggests that this relief is only temporary. Repeated scratching can worsen swelling, irritation, and itching.
According to researchers, doctors have long advised people not to scratch excessively after an insect bite or allergic reaction. Now, scientists have also understood what happens inside the body when this happens. For this research, scientists studied mice and found that scratching activates the body’s immune system, leading to increased swelling and itching in the affected area.
Dr. Daniel Kaplan, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, and his team applied an allergen to the skin of mice. In mice that scratched, the immune system, which triggers inflammation, quickly reached the affected area. However, in mice that were prevented from scratching, the inflammation was significantly reduced. This clearly demonstrates that scratching itself exacerbates the problem. Dr. Kaplan says that if you avoid scratching after a mosquito bite, the itching subsides within 5 to 10 minutes for most people. However, if the same area is repeatedly scratched, the same small rash can become a source of discomfort for several days.
Research also revealed that scratching activates the body’s pain-sensing nerves. This releases a chemical messenger called Substance P, which activates mast cells in the skin. These cells release chemicals like histamine, which increase both itching and inflammation. This is why scratching may provide temporary relief, but later the discomfort worsens.
However, scientists believe that even mild scratching may provide a small benefit to the body. Studies showed that the number of certain bacteria on the skin of rats that scratched was lower. It is believed that inflammation helps the body fight off some harmful bacteria. However, experts clearly state that this benefit is not significant enough to justify the habit of scratching.
If you experience intense itching after a mosquito, fly, or insect bite, instead of scratching with your nails, you can use hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or an anti-itch cream containing menthol. This soothes the itching and reduces the risk of skin damage. According to experts, while it may not be easy to tolerate itching, avoiding frequent scratching is the best way to help your skin heal faster.