Distressing mosquito bites? How can you stop the itching - Aftenposten

Can something as simple as proper warm water to remove troublesome itching in seconds?

question discussed avid online forum for those with eczema.

debaters describes how the rinse intensely itchy hands or other body of water that is so skåldvarmt that they simply just can not tolerate it.

First claws it intensely a few seconds, but then disappears itchy. For several hours.

And the technique is not only used by people with eczema. Other forums floods of hallelujarop for advice on barely tolerable hot water or equivalent hairdryer air against mosquito bites.

Pain and itching

dermatologists Jon Anders Halvorsen says that the phenomenon is not unknown to him.

– It happens that patients with eczema says that they are taking a very hot shower to reduce itching.

Halvorsen also believe that there may be explanations of how such an effect might occur.

– It is known that pain can suppress itching. Moreover, there are strong indications that some itch receptors are temperature sensitive, he says.

Read more:

• – Why scratching mosquito bites?
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Receptors out of action

Itching receptors are separate parts of the nervous system that gives us the sensation of itch. Recent research has shown that some of these receptors may be affected by temperature changes.

– A possible explanation for the high temperatures can reduce itching, is that these receptors are put out of action for a short period, says Halvorsen.

He also says that the substance capsaicin – found in chili pepper and creates a burning sensation in the skin – has been shown to reduce itching. Perhaps the same mechanisms at work here?

right to try

Halvorsen believes there is nothing wrong to try the trick on mosquito stings, provided that the heat is not so strong that the skin is damaged.

Some of the enthusiasts out there recommend dipping the end of a rolled cloth in water that is too hot that you are able to have hands down. Then press the hot, wet side against mosquitoes ticking. Maybe you need to repeat it again to be sure.

For Eczema method can however be more problematic, warns Halvorsen.

– It may be disadvantageous in atopic dermatitis because of very hot water also removes the fat layer of the skin. This layer of fat is protective to the skin, so it can eczema be more annoyed afterwards.

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