Effectiveness of ammonium solution in relieving type I mosquito bite symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of ammonium solution with placebo in relieving type I symptoms caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on 25 healthy subjects. Each subject was bitten once under laboratory conditions by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on the volar aspect of each forearm, and then received the treatment with ammonium solution and placebo, respectively. Compared with placebo, the ammonium solution significantly (p<0.0001) decreased itching/burning/pain immediate type symptoms from 5 to 90 min. Complete and partial relief of the symptoms was noted in 64% in the ammonium solution group compared to none in the placebo group.