According to a 2021 study published in the journal Foods, oat beta-glucan or OBG found in oats possess soothing, moisturizing, and anti-itching properties.
“Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and lipids. It’s anti-inflammatory with itch-relieving benefits, helps restore the skin barrier, moisturizes the skin, and reduces inflammation to soothe irritated and itchy skin due to any cause,” explained board-certified physician, Dr. Keira L. Barr (via Well+Good).
Instead of scratching a mosquito bite, you may want to try this home remedy the next time you’re back home from a long hike. Colloidal oatmeal, ground up oat grain, is the best food for the job. You can either get it from the store directly or grind up regular unflavored oats in a food processor to make a powder at home. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is an effective ingredient for all kinds of itchy skin problems, like eczema, hives, psoriasis, poison ivy, dry skin, and even sunburn. This is why oatmeal baths are recommended to soothe a rash. Speaking of oatmeal baths, there are some expert-recommended ways to turn to this food for itchy mosquito bites.