Ice and hydrocortisone, in that order.

The best way to reduce itching from a mosquito bite is to apply a cold compress immediately, then use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion, and you prevent infection by leaving it alone and keeping the area clean.

That itch is your immune system reacting to the mosquito’s saliva. Scratching makes it worse—breaks the skin, introduces bacteria, and the whole thing turns into a weepy mess. Cold numbs the nerve endings and reduces swelling. A bag of frozen peas or an ice cube wrapped in a paper towel for 10–15 minutes will calm it down fast.

Once the initial sting is gone, dab on some 1% hydrocortisone cream (that’s the anti-inflammatory gold standard) or calamine lotion if you prefer the old-school pink stuff. Oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) help if you’re covered in bites. Avoid Benadryl cream—it can cause contact dermatitis in some people.

For infection prevention: don’t scratch. If you absolutely must, slap it or press firmly with a finger instead. Keep the bite clean with soap and water. If it starts oozing or getting hot, that’s a sign of infection—see a doctor.

The real trick is patience. The itch will fade in a couple days. Future you will thank you for not turning a bite into a scar.