Doctors caution against viral hot spoon mosquito bite remedy

Summer’s return brings swarms of mosquitoes—and the maddening itch that follows their bites. As soon as a buzzing pest lands on exposed skin, it pierces the surface to draw the blood it needs for egg production, injecting saliva at the same time. That saliva triggers our bodies’ defenses, resulting in the familiar red bump and relentless urge to scratch.

Recently, a TikTok hack has claimed the internet: heat a spoon in microwaved water, then press it onto the bite for instant relief. The idea is simple: warmth stimulates nearby nerve endings, briefly blocking the itch signal from reaching your brain. In countless videos—some viewed over two million times—users demonstrate holding a hot spoon against their skin for just a few seconds, marveling as the itch subsides almost immediately.

Dermatologists confirm that heat can distract the nerves and bring short-lived comfort, much like a parent’s soothing kiss on a skinned knee. Dr. Calvin Williams of the Essential Dermatology Group explains that while the hot spoon hack won’t heal the bite or reduce the swelling long-term, it can offer a welcome reprieve that lasts anywhere from a few precious minutes to a couple of hours.

Still, experts warn against relying on this trick as a cure-all. Overly hot metal pressed against sensitive skin risks burns, and the underlying inflammation from the mosquito’s saliva remains unaddressed. For more lasting relief, they recommend tried-and-true remedies such as over-the-counter anti-itch creams, cold compresses, or oral antihistamines. That way, you can enjoy the spoils of summer without suffering the sting—and the scratch—that come with it.