Why do mosquito bites and other bug bites itch?

In: Skin Care, Biology [Recategorize]

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Why Mosquito Bites Itch

A mosquito doesn't actually bite you, of course. It sucks your blood.

To help enable effective blood-sucking, it first injects anti-coagulant saliva to stop the blood from clotting or forming a scab while it feeds. When the mosquito goes away, its saliva stays in the pocket under your skin.

Now comes the itchy part. Your body releases histamine to fight off a foreign substance. It's the same as an allergic reaction. The histamine causes swelling around the area and as a side-effect it itches.

First answer by ID1029688769. Last edit by ID0411008784. Question popularity: 73 [recommend question]

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