Mosquito Bite Therapy: Evidenced-Based

Mosquito bites in humans are characterized by an immediate wheal-and-flare type I hypersensitivity response, followed by a delayed type IV papular reaction approximately 24 h later. An intense pruritic reaction may accompany all phases of the bite. Prophylactically administered oral second-generation antihistamines inhibit the immediate histamine induced wheal-and-flare in skin, and some studies show that they are also useful in alleviating delayed bite symptoms. Topical antihistamines have not been documented to be useful in treatment; however, topical ammonium solution and other common allergic reaction remedies are promising as after-bite treatments. This review assesses the current evidence analyzing the efficacy of prophylactic, oral, second-generation antihistamines as well as topical therapies for mosquito bites.