Background: Mosquito
bite reaction is a common skin disease. Topical steroids and oral
antihistamines are the conventional treatment. However, the side effects from
prolonged use of topical steroids are the limitation of the treatment.
Recently, herbal extracts are emerging interest for an alternative
anti-inflammatory dermatoses therapy. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of
herbal extracted gel containing, Perilla frutescens, Portulaca oleracea, Ipomoea pescaprae, Aloe vera, Centella asiatica and Broussonetia
papyrifera in comparing with 1% hydrocortisone (HC) gel. Material and
Methods: An experimental
study was conducted on 50 mosquito bite hypersensitive volunteers (15 - 19
years old) with double-blinded split randomized control method. After the
volunteers were exposed for one bite on their arms by a non-infectious
mosquito, Aedes albopictus, the
drugs were applied twice daily. The diameter of lesion, pruritus analog score,
erythema and melanin index were measured at 2, 6, 24 hours and 2, 3, 4 weeks.
The volunteers “self-satisfaction” and side effects were recorded. Results: The mean age was 17.42 ± 1.14 years
old. The diameter of lesion, pruritus analog score, erythema and melanin index
were decreased on both sides at each visit with significant difference (p < 0.05).
There was no significant difference between two agents of all parameters and
the satisfaction of the volunteers (p > 0.05). The post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation rate of 1% HC and herbal gel was 64% and 54% respectively
without significant difference (p = 0.267). Conclusion: The herbal gel was as effective as 1% HC for the treatment of
acute and late reaction of mosquito bite reaction in adolescent. It may be used
as the alternative treatment for mosquito bite reaction.