Heat it, healer of insect bites
ZDNET Highlights
- The Heat It is available on Amazon for $30 for a limited time.
- It gets heated by your smartphone and reduces swelling and itching caused by insect bites.
- Although its power consumption is modest, it will take some charge from your phone.
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As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors (and someone who suffers from Lyme disease), it’s surprising how often I forget to apply insect repellent. Just last night, I spent the last half of a five-mile hike in a thick, irritating cloud of houseflies. Irritating, but at least they don’t bite.
Not like horse flies… now those things know how to bite! I’ve seen them come up my sleeves and nibble at the fabric. These things are dangerous, their bites cause extreme itching and scratching them increases the risk of them getting infected.
Also: My new favorite key chain holder can hold up to 14 keys (and can be tracked by phone)
So, I’m interested in testing anything that can help heal insect bites. So, when I found a product called heat it upA Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Treater My curiosity was piqued. This isn’t something I’d ever heard of before, so imagine how interested I was when I found out it was a little dongle that fits on your key chain.
This is how it works. First, you download the app on your phones (both). iOS And Android versions available), plug the dongle into your smartphone (there is one). USB-C for Android and new iPhones and a Lightning Edition for older iPhones), use the app to heat the tip of the dongle to a maximum of 124°F/51°C, then press the tip to the bite site, and wait for the timer to tell you the treatment is complete.
Heat This is the perfect size to put on your key chain.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The app also has different modes for adults and children, a sensitive skin mode, and short, medium and long application times.
Don’t worry if this sounds complicated; The app guides you through all this.
Applying heat to insect bites has been proven to reduce swelling, especially if you do so right after the bite. According to the manufacturer, the device is clinically proven to work, and each application takes less than 0.1% of your smartphone’s battery.
Also: Why doesn’t my iPhone have a solid-state battery yet? I found out (and I can’t even be mad)
I’ve tested it on many bites: horse fly bites, mosquito bites, dog flea bites, and other random insect bites I found, and yes, it works. Really good, in fact – far better than any over-the-counter cream or ointment I’ve used (and I’ve used a lot). I used it at the maximum duration setting, and although the business end got mildly warm, it wasn’t painful in any way.
This is the USB-C version that works with Android smartphones and the new iPhones.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I found that the itching-busting effect lasts for a few hours, so for more bothersome bites, I needed to take several naps throughout the day, and for particularly itchy ones, I found that taking a nap before bed helped relieve the bites in my sleep.
Also: This USB-C accessory gave thermal imaging powers to my Android and iPhone — and it’s on sale
I like the small form-factor of the Heal It, and it has no use-by dates or requires charging or any ongoing care. As long as I have a smartphone, I’m ready for those pesky bites.
Thermal image of the commercial end of Heal It in action.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s shopping advice
At $40 (or $30 on sale at the time of writing), heat it up It’s not cheap, but for effective bite relief it’s a price I’m happy to pay. I’ve probably saved more than that in creams and ointments, and I’ve certainly had less side effects from bites getting worse because I can’t stop myself from scratching them.
If you’re someone who ventures out into Mother Nature, and you have to deal with the little things, I highly recommend this unusual product. It’s definitely got a place in my kit.
