German Smartphone Bug Bite Treatment ‘heat it’ Now Available in the U.S.

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This week, the German-based company heat it announced that its smartphone bug bite treatment device is now available in the U.S.

The treatment works by plugging the device into a smartphone, and then placing it directly on your bug bite. The device blasts the bite with up to 126 degrees of heat to relieve itching and pain. You can also adjust the settings using a phone app to treat different bug bites and age groups.

With more than 1,900 global reviews, the heat it device has garnered overall positive feedback on Amazon and REI. Most users report that it’s both easy to carry and actually works for a variety of insect bites, including bites from mosquitos, ants, wasps, bees, and more.

In the negative reviews, users say the relief is temporary and only seems to last about six hours. But the device is reusable, it’s powered by your cellphone, and doesn’t use any chemicals.

While heat it won’t prevent bug bites, applying heat is a scientifically proven way to manage discomfort. Alternatively, experts recommend washing the bite with soap and water, applying ice, and then anti-itch lotion until the pain goes away.

According to the company’s website, the heat it device was created in 2017 by a group of engineering students participating in a competition. And in 2019, Germany certified the company as a medical device manufacturer.

The lightweight heat it device is available in two configurations: one for the iPhone and another for Android phones. It retails for $40.