After being bitten by a mosquito, everyone reacts differently. Some people have mild symptoms, while others may develop large swellings or even blisters. The large bumps caused by mosquito bites are called "insect bite dermatitis" or " papular urticaria."
When mosquitoes bite us, they not only suck blood but also "give back" their saliva to us. This saliva contains a variety of anticoagulant chemicals and allergens, such as formic acid, natural antigen proteins, adenosine deaminase, and pathogenic bacteria, which are all foreign substances in our bodies. The immune system then strikes quickly and releases histamine to remove these foreign substances. Histamine dilates the capillaries, filling the cells with fluid so that red and swollen lumps appear. Histamine also stimulates nerve cells, so there is an itching sensation after being bitten. How can you get rid of intense itching safely? Red light therapy is an effective method to stop itching and reduce swelling after a mosquito bite.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, is a breakthrough treatment that uses a specific wavelength of light energy, typically between (660 - 850 nm). But what makes this therapy stand out? The secret lies in the body's response to these frequencies. The red light targets the layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production – which is essential for overall skin health. At the same time, near-infrared light can penetrate deeper into your tissues, bringing benefits for pain recovery.
Red Light Therapy Therapeutic Uses for Mosquito Bites
Reduced Inflammation
Mosquitobites come in all shapes, sizes, and severity – from itchy red bumps to rashes and even large pieces of rotting flesh. Low-level laser therapy has been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory by modulating inflammatory pathways and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This can help alleviate the swelling and redness associated with mosquito bites.
Pain Relief
Mosquito bites often cause intense itching and discomfort. Red light therapy has analgesic properties that can target pain receptors by producing anti-itching molecules in the skin and reduce pain associated with skin injuries and chronic conditions, allowing you to effectively manage itching and overcome discomfort.
Accelerate Tissue Healing
Red Light Therapy promotes collagen synthesis and enhances the regeneration of damaged tissues by increasing the production of ATP, helping you speed up a swollen red bump's natural healing and rejuvenation. Many promising studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of RLT in various conditions, including skin injury healing and pain management. Further studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of its effect on cellular tissues.
How to Treat Mosquito Bites with Red Light Therapy?
After a mosquito bite, avoid scratching the swollen area. Because scratching may speed up blood flow in the capillaries, the anticoagulants in the mosquito's saliva can spread through the blood vessels to the surrounding tissue, and the local tissue will become more swollen and may even cause serious infection. Apply RLT by following these steps;
- Clean the bite area gently with mild soap and water to remove any dirt before applying red light therapy.
- While using a handheld device, position the light beam properly onto the swollen area and hold the device about 3-6inches away from the skin.
- It is advised to start treatment sessions within 5-10 minutes and be consistent in usage.
- Monitor for any reduction in swelling, itching, and redness after usage.. Depending on the severity of the mosquito bite, you can adjust treatment.
- RLT can also be used as a complementary treatment with other remedies, such as anti-itch creams.
Traditional Remedies vs. Red Light Therapy for Mosquito Bites
|
Criteria |
Traditional Remedies |
Red Light Therapy |
|
Mechanism of Action |
Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic |
Photobiomodulation |
|
Treatment Method |
Topical creams, ice |
Red light therapy |
|
Primary Benefit |
Temporary itch relief |
Accelerated skin repair |
|
Side Effects |
Possible skin irritation |
Minimal to none |
|
Usage Frequency |
As needed for itch relief |
Regular sessions for healing |
|
Effect Duration |
Short-term |
Long-term |
Conclusion
Red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and innovative approach to managing the aftermath of mosquito bites, especially in summer. It is not just only effective for mosquito bites but also has a multi-faceted role as a proactive component in daily skincare. It has the potential to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation and itching, making it a versatile device for managing mosquito bites. People with very sensitive skin or a history of skin conditions should take necessary measures before the use of red light therapy. If any adverse reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued, and a healthcare professional should be consulted.
References and Citations
[1] Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
[2] Hamblin M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMSbiophysics, 4(3),337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
[3] Simões, T. M. S., de Alencar Fernandes Neto, J., Nonaka, C. F. W., & de Vasconcelos Catão, M. H. C. (2022). Effects of photobiomodulation therapy with red LED on inflammatory cells during the healing of skin burns. Lasers in medical science, 37(7), 2817–2822. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03537-9
[4] Yadav, A., & Gupta, A. (2017). Non-invasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 33(1), 4–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12282
[5] Carvalho, É. D. S., Souza, A. R. D. N., Melo, D. F. C., de Farias, A. S., Macedo, B. B. O., Sartim, M. A., Caggy, M. C., Rodrigues, B. A., Ribeiro, G. S., Reis, H. N., Araújo, F. Q., da Silva, I. M., Sachett, A., Sampaio, V. S., Balieiro, A. A. D. S., Zamuner, S. R., Vissoci, J. R. N., Cabral, L. N., Monteiro, W. M., & Sachett, J. A. G. (2024). Photobiomodulation Therapy to Treat Snakebites Caused by Bothrops atrox: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA internal medicine, 184(1), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.6538
[6] Dompe, C., Moncrieff, L., Matys, J., Grzech-Leśniak, K., Kocherova, I., Bryja, A., Bruska, M., Dominiak, M., Mozdziak, P., Skiba, T. H. I., Shibli, J. A., Angelova Volponi, A., Kempisty, B., & Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska, M. (2020). Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(6), 1724. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061724
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