When we feel itchy, a scratch brings instant relief. But when the itch is caused by a mosquito bite, scratching increases the irritation. Why the difference?
Peter Slessenger, Reading, UK
After a mosquito bite, a tight blister can form over the puncture wound made by the insect and tension in the skin causes the pain. Scratching will only distress the traumatised skin even more.
Some time ago, I experimented bursting one of a pair of mosquito bite blisters and leaving the other to heal naturally. The burst blister stopped itching immediately and healed a day earlier than the one left to its own devices. Bursting a blister does increase the risk of infection, however.
Advertisement
To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
New Scientist Ltd retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, New Scientist, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.
