We've all been there: that familiar, maddening itch after a mosquito bite. But why do these tiny welts cause so much discomfort? It all comes down to your immune system's overreaction to mosquito saliva.
When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva containing anticoagulants to prevent your blood from clotting. This saliva also contains proteins that your body recognizes as foreign invaders. Your immune system, being the vigilant protector it is, releases histamine to fight off these invaders.
Histaime causes inflammation and that characteristic bump, as well as the persistent, almost unbearable itch. Scratching only makes it worse! It further irritates the skin and can even lead to infection.
So, next time you get bitten, try to resist the urge to scratch. Instead, opt for an anti-itch cream or a cold compress to soothe the inflammation and relieve the itch. Understanding why mosquito bites itch helps us better manage the discomfort and avoid making the situation worse.
