ELLE Beauty Radar: Why Pimple Patches Are A Strange (But Genius) Way To Treat Mosquito Bites

Summer is all about sunny days, beach trips, and… relentless mosquito bites. One moment you’re soaking up the sun, the next, you’re scratching like crazy. But the internet might have a quirky fix—pimple patches! Yep, those little stickers we use for breakouts might just be the secret weapon against itchy bites. Before you stock up, let’s find out if this hack actually works! 

The Itchy Truth About Mosquito Bites

When a mosquito bites, it injects a bit of its saliva into your skin. This saliva contains proteins that our bodies recognize as foreign invaders, triggering an immune response which causes swelling, redness, and that telltale itch that drives us all crazy. Traditionally, we’ve reached for calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or even just tried to grin and bear it. But what if pimple patches could offer a more stylish (and less messy) alternative?
For those not in the know, pimple patches are small, often transparent stickers made of hydrocolloidmaterial. Originally designed to speed up the healing of acne, they work by drawing out impurities from a pimple and creating a moist environment that promotes skin repair. The patches are designed to be left on for several hours, usually overnight, and are loved for their ability to reduce redness and prevent picking at your skin—a habit that can make pimples and mosquito bites worse.

But… Can They Really Work on Mosquito Bites?

When I first heard about using pimple patches for mosquito bites, I was intrigued but sceptical. After all, acne and mosquito bites are two very different skin issues. But as I looked into it further, the idea started to make sense. The hydrocolloid in pimple patches works by absorbing fluid from wounds, which in the case of a mosquito bite, could mean drawing out the inflammatory fluids causing that itch and swelling. Another potential benefit is that, much like with pimples, the patch can act as a barrier, protecting the bite from bacteria and preventing you from scratching, which can reduce the risk of infection and scarring.

Putting It to the Test

I decided to try this hack out myself. I waited until the inevitable happened—an evening walk that ended in a collection of mosquito bites. (I don’t know about you, but it seems like mosquitoes find me especially tasty!) After cleaning the area, I slapped a pimple patch on each bite, feeling a little ridiculous as I did. At first, it felt a bit odd. The patches are small, and while they covered the bites, I wondered if they were really doing anything. But after some time I wasn’t scratching anymore. The bites didn’t feel as irritated, and when I removed the patches, the swelling had gone down. They weren’t entirely gone, but they were definitely less noticeable.

Should You Try It?

It's easy to carry around and apply on the go. No need for creams or lotions that can leave residue and act as a barrier to protect the skin and reduce the risk of infection. It’s kind of fun to use them. Plus, they’re tiny, so they won’t draw too much attention. If anything, they might even be a conversation starter. However pimple patches are small, so they may not work well for larger bites or multiple bites. They help with the itching but won't stop an allergic reaction. And let’s be honest, if you’re dealing with a mosquito massacre, these little patches won’t cover every bite. But for the occasional welt, they’re a fun, no-mess option.

Next time you’re travelling, consider throwing a pack of pimple patches into your bag. They might just save you from a seriously itchy situation. And even if you don’t get a mosquito bite, at least you’re prepared for any surprise breakouts.

Image credits - Starface