5 days ago
This new bug bite zapper plugs into your phone — how it works to ease itch in seconds
Buggin' out? There's a hot new way to stop the itch.
Powered by your smartphone, the pocket-sized gadget skips creams and chemicals in favor of heat to soothe insect bites.
The Post spoke with Dr. David Bank, a board-certified dermatologist, to find out how the tiny tool works and other smart ways to stop scratching yourself silly this summer.
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4 Most bug bites cause symptoms like itching, redness and swelling that usually subsides within a few days.
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But first: why do bug bites itch?
When a bug bites, it injects saliva into your skin.
'The proteins in this saliva create an inflammatory reaction, during which a chemical called histamine is released,' Bank explained.
'This histamine is responsible for most of the redness, itching and swelling associated with insects' bites,' he added.
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Enter: Heat It
Engineered by German researchers, 'Heat It' launched in Europe in 2020 and buzzed its way into the US market in 2023.
The device — no bigger than a bumblebee — plugs into your smartphone and uses its battery to generate concentrated heat.
4 Heat It is safe for use in children as young as three years old.
heat it
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When applied to a bug bite, it delivers a quick blast of warmth that eases pain and itching from mosquito, horsefly, bee and wasp stings.
Users can customize the treatment with a companion app, adjusting the temperature and duration to suit their skin sensitivity.
Does heat really stand up to bug bites?
'Heat can cause a breakdown of the proteins in the insect's saliva,' Bank said. 'This reduction in proteins leads to less histamine being released, thus, less redness, itching and swelling.'
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He also pointed out that heat can affect nerve endings in the skin, dialing down those itch signals being sent to your brain.
4 Americans are more likely to be bitten by bugs in the summer due to increased outdoor activity and favorable conditions for insects.
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When researchers put Heat It to the test in a 2023 study involving more than 1,750 participants, they found that itchiness dropped by 63% within just two minutes of using the device — and after ten minutes, it plunged 78%.
Old tricks vs. new tech
Heat It may be the world's first smartphone-powered bug bite relief device, but humans have been using heat to ease their insect woes for ages.
For years, home remedies like warm compresses or metal spoons run under hot water have been go-to tricks for calming those pesky stings.
4 Heat It is chemical-free and is safe to use with sensitive skin.
heat it
'The problem with these is that they lack the precision of Heat it,' said Bank, speaking on behalf of the brand. 'If they are not warm enough, they are ineffective; if they are too hot, they may burn the skin.'
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He said the magic range for treating bug bites is 122°F to 125°F. Heat It delivers a steady 124°F — with adjustable settings for kids or adults with sensitive skin.
Other ways to beat the bite
First things first: Resist the temptation to scratch. It will only make things worse.
For mild cases, over-the-counter creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion can help. Bank also recommended oral antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine to reduce itching and other symptoms from the inside out.
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If the bite is painful, reach for medications like like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
And if things take a turn — like signs of infection or an allergic reaction — don't wait. Bank advised seeking immediate medical attention.
