Does a heat device help against itching after a mosquito bite?

Electric bite healers briefly heat the skin to relieve itching and pain after a bite. In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet, together with a dermatologist from UZA, assesses whether these devices do what they promise.

According to Dr Voet, studies show that itching clearly decreases within a few minutes. However, the venom is not neutralised and there is no strong evidence that swelling goes down faster or that the bite heals sooner: it is about symptom relief. Compared with soothing gels without an active ingredient, they do seem to work faster.

In the event of severe reactions, such as swelling of the face or throat, shortness of breath or dizziness, such devices do not help and you should seek urgent help. She also points out that the data mainly concern mosquito bites.

• See a bite healer as an aid against itching, not as a treatment that heals the bite.

• Call 112 if you get swelling in the face or throat, shortness of breath or dizziness after a bite or sting.

• The evidence mainly concerns mosquito bites; there is less research on wasps or bees.