Q: I’ve always been prone to attracting mosquitoes, but I only recently learned about the “hot spoon” remedy for relieving the itch from mosquito bites. When the bite is still fresh, you heat a spoon in a glass of hot water or coffee, then apply the back of the spoon directly to the bite. The heat from the spoon seems to neutralize the bite, significantly reducing both the intensity and duration of the itching. I’ve found this to be a lifesaver over the past couple of summers!

A: People’s attraction to mosquitoes can vary widely, and so can their reactions to mosquito bites. For those who tend to attract mosquitoes more than others, it’s a good idea to use insect repellent whenever you go outside.

Most people experience some redness, itching, and possibly a small bump at the site of a mosquito bite. This reaction is thought to be triggered by the saliva of the mosquito, which causes a release of histamine in the skin. In some individuals, however, mosquito bites can cause a much more intense reaction that lasts for weeks, a condition known as “skeeter syndrome.”

The “hot water” remedy for itching was first described over 50 years ago in the textbook Dermatology: Diagnosis and Treatment. This method works by desensitizing the skin’s nerve endings that transmit the itch sensation. The hot spoon technique is believed to work in a similar way. Just be sure the spoon and water are not hot enough to burn your skin.

Today, more advanced versions of this technique are available in the form of battery-powered devices like Therapik, Bite Away, and Bite Helper. These gadgets apply targeted heat to insect bites, providing relief in much the same way as the hot spoon method.

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