Summer has returned, bringing with it the familiar sting of relentless mosquito bites. As people scramble for relief, social media is flooded with DIY hacks claiming to ease the itch.
One trend gaining serious traction is the hot spoon method, and though it claims to offer quick relief, medical experts warn that this viral remedy may cause more harm than good.
But before diving into the latest DIY anti-itch remedy, let’s first unpack what drives these tiny bloodsuckers to bite in the first place.
Making babies with your blood
According to the Mayo Clinic, “mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes feeding on your blood,” which they need to develop eggs. So, your blood is helping them breed a new generation of the pesky pests.
The clinic adds, “as a biting mosquito fills itself with blood, it injects saliva into your skin. The saliva triggers an immune system reaction that results in the classic itching and bump.”
And, after a mosquito’s made a meal out of you, you know that relentless itch will have you ready to try anything for some sweet relief.
Hot Spoon Method
TikTokers believe they’ve found a miracle cure: the hot spoon method. It involves heating a spoon, then gently – but firmly – pressing it onto the mosquito bite for a few seconds.
According to users, the heat neutralizes the itch almost instantly, with some claiming complete relief in under a minute.
“I can help you get rid of bug bites in less than a minute. All you need is a cup, a spoon, and a little bit of water,” the user said in a TikTok clip that’s been viewed by 2.6 million people. “Microwave the water for one minute, stick the spoon in the water for 30 seconds, take the spoon out, and press on the bug bite.”
On the surface, it might sound like a miracle fix. And surprisingly, there’s a bit of science to support the idea.
Temporary fix
Experts say that applying heat to a mosquito bite can take the edge off the itch – but the relief is usually short-lived, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Dr. Calvin Williams, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Essential Dermatology Group in Bedford, Texas, compares the hot spoon effect to a parent’s kiss on a child’s scraped knee – it doesn’t heal the injury, but it helps.
Speaking with Verywell, he explained that “heat provides counter-stimulation which can distract the nerve cells from transmitting the itch signal.”
So technically, the hot spoon trick might offer temporary relief.
Doctors warn against hot cutlery
Despite the science, dermatologists and medical professionals strongly advise against using the hot spoon method at home.
Dr. Kevin Wang, a dermatologist at Stanford and physician at the VA Palo Alto Medical Center, explained that applying a heat source is too risky.
“It’s not something I or my colleagues routinely recommend for itching. There are far more effective medicines and methods for itching,” Wang told Verywell.
“The biggest concern I have is safety. Most people aren’t going to take a temperature of how hot their hot water is before they apply it directly on their skin,” Wang warned. “You are more likely to get burned by it and you risk getting first-degree semi-injury, and that’s why I don’t recommend it.”
Safe at-home treatments
Instead of risking burns, experts recommend sticking with treatments that are proven safe and effective.
- Apply an ice pack to the bite for up to 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Cold packs also offer soothing, cooling relief in the process.
- Topical creams – including over-the-counter options like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion – can be effective in providing relief.
- Oral antihistamines like Allegra or Zyrtec can help calm the body’s allergic response to mosquito bites, easing both swelling and itchiness.
- If you prefer natural remedies, a simple paste made from baking soda and water can be applied directly to the bite to relieve itching. Or you can take a bath with colloidal oatmeal, which is known to calm irritated, itchy skin.
The hot spoon method may feel like a clever summer hack, but medical professionals agree that it’s not worth the risk.
So next time a mosquito leaves its mark, skip the spoon. Reach for ice, cream, or natural remedies that soothe without scarring.
Do you have a secret at-home remedy for itchy bites? Please share your ideas with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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