STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Mosquito bite relief?

Kelly · Hermes

Have you tried one of those itch relief products? I haven't used any in a long time but when I was a kid we had this liquid stuff that you'd rub on. It stung going on but then the itch was gone for at least a few hours! I've also heard that taking an oatmeal bath can help.

If you're swelling up or allergic, maybe benedryl could help?

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Those itch sticks I think are mostly amonia. I think it's to dry them out, so I could do that on my open ones, which will HURT, but may help in the long run. I forgot about those.

I'm using benedryl cream, and it's not helping.

I take benedryl after I get several bites, assuming I can go to bed. That stuff knocks me out!

Maybe I do need some oatmeal. What a mess!

relrel · Marc Jacobs

I would take some benadryl. I'm also allergic to mosquitoes...and really any type of bug that I can get bitten from.

Because I have lovely varicose veins, it makes the blood in my legs closer to the surface and I think that's why I get bitten so much. And because I get bitten so much, I'm developed the allergies because each year is worse and worse. It's totally just my crazy theory, but I'm sticking to it.

I've got several right now on my legs and more on my neck and arms. I can get bitten just walking to work at 7:30 in the morning.

Anyway...I totally feel your pain. What I usually do is some benadryl and then cold compresses on the ones that are itching really bad. I've learned through the years to just work through the pain but my boyfriend says that I scratch in my sleep. I've had no luck with any of the sticks or creams or oatmeal at all.

For the ones that are more welt-like, I would try some cold compresses the day of the wedding to see if you can get some of the swelling to come down.

Elle · Hermes

I happen to be allergic only to a certain type of mosquito they grow in Montana, somehow. I was there for a wedding a couple years ago and got bitten a couple times while setting up chairs at the park the evening before the wedding. They swelled up so bad (arms and legs) that I honestly looked like Popeye, my arms were so distorted. Ugh.

I second cold compresses, keep up with the Benedryl cream, and start taking some ibuprofen as well to help with the inflammation. I started using straight rubbing alchohol on them, because the sting was better than that godawful itch.

And maybe consider bringing a scarf/wrap to the event, in case they are still really noticeable?

Lil Red · Nine West

I like to try natural remedies whenever possible and I've had good luck with lavender oil. I don't think I have as strong of reaction as you though.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

They are so noticable! I am now going to have to wear a cuff bracelet to cover the 12 on my wrist. That's if I have one that will fit due to swelling. The ones on my upper arms and shoulders will be covered with a wrap. They legs will now have to have make-up applied in an attempt to cover (think I'll use the old sally hansen tan in a can stuff. airbrush tan)

I started thinking some of them might be chigger bites. But my co-worker thinks they look like flea bites! I got to thinking and I was playing with my friends outdoor dog on Tuesday night. I was swollen by Wednesday...

I know the ones on my shoulder and upper arms are mosquito.

I look gross!