They're back... My great aunt's remedy was to make an 'X' with your fingernail on the bite and then leave it alone. A really hot washcloth seems to work for me (my version of the 'ItchZapper' $21.50 - which briefly heats a bite to 122 degrees supposedly breaking down the proteins from the mosquito's saliva which causes itching). Here are some other suggestions from the link:
"Disinfect the bite. Flies and mosquitoes can spread disease. So wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, says North Carolina allergist Claude Frazier, M.D. Then apply an antiseptic.
Rub in an aspirin. Herbert Luscombe, M.D., professor emeritus at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, recommends an unusual aspirin treatment to help control inflammation. As soon as possible after being bitten, moisten your skin and rub an aspirin tablet right over the bite.
(To) relieve the itching - Dr. Frazier recommends the following:
- An oral antihistamine. Choose an over-the-counter allergy or cold preparation.
- Calamine lotion.
- Ice packs.
- Salt. With water, moisten it into a paste and apply to the bite.
- Baking soda. Dissolve 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. Dip a cloth into the solution and place on the bite for 15 to 20
minutes.
- Epsom salts. Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 quart of hot water. Chill, then apply as above."
