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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Alessia Armenise

I tested the tiny device that relieves itchy mosquito bites in seconds

The pocket-size device is easy to take with you on holiday - (Alessia Armenise/The Independent)

The constant itching of mosquito bites can be a real downer during a long-awaited holiday. Even if you’re someone who’s constantly applying the best mosquito repellents, there is always that one mosquito that manages to get you between applications. The insects’ bites are likely to leave you with a swollen red bump that will annoy you for the rest of your trip, but the Beurer bite healer can offer some relief.

Being born in a Mediterranean country, next to the sea, I’ve had to deal with mosquitoes for months on end every year of my life, and I’ve tried any bite healing method under the sun to try to stop the itch. From cold compresses to honey-based remedies and herbal concoctions – you name it, I’ve tried it.

Thankfully, modern technology has come to the rescue and now we have ways to relieve itchy insect bites without needing to forage for ingredients. The Beurer bite healer is tiny, battery-powered and promises to get rid of the mosquito bite itch for good, using heat alone. But does it actually work? I put it to the test to find out.

Read more: Best mosquito repellents to keep bites at bay this summer

The device features a small ceramic plate, heated to 52C, to help relieve itching from insect bites (Alessia Armenise/The Independent)
The device features a small ceramic plate, heated to 52C, to help relieve itching from insect bites (Alessia Armenise/The Independent)

Read more: Best carry-on luggage, tested by a travel expert

Beurer bite healer BR60

Rating: 5/5

Why we love it

  • Tiny and easy to take with you on the go
  • Effective at soothing bites
  • Two settings, including one for sensitive skin

This is not my first rodeo when it comes to electronic bite healers. As I said, when you come from a country plagued by mosquitoes in the summer, you have to find solutions to stop the biting and the constant itching.

I remember when my uncle first brought an electronic bite healer to the beach with him. The rest of my family and I had absolutely no faith in his latest discovery. But we were wrong. Even the early models worked pretty well when it came to alleviating the persistent itch provoked by mosquitoes. Since then, Beurer innovated further and the BR60 model is as tiny as it is effective.

For the purpose of this article, I tested the BR60 model, which is the classic and most popular option. There are other models available, including an even smaller travel-size healer that features a carabiner hook (£24.99, Amazon.co.uk).

However, the BR60 is still tiny and can fit in any bag or even in a pocket, to be easily carried everywhere. The size is definitely a plus when you are travelling and don’t have a lot of space. Plus, the fact that it’s battery powered means that you can put batteries in before you leave and never have to think about charging the device during your holiday. Considering how fast the device works on bites (mere seconds), those batteries are going to last for a very long time – definitely longer than your trip.

The Beurer bite healer is very straightforward to use. The device features a small, round, ceramic plate that heats up to 52C. Using heat therapy, the device offers relief against itching and helps the healing process. As no chemicals are used, the product can be used by the whole family, including children and pregnant people. Even those with sensitive skin should find the device comfortable to use, as the bite healer features both a six-second heat setting for most skin types and a three-second setting for those with sensitive skin.

Simply press the device’s button once or twice to select the three-second or six-second setting, respectively (Alessia Armenise/The Independent)
Simply press the device’s button once or twice to select the three-second or six-second setting, respectively (Alessia Armenise/The Independent)

I found both settings help with itching. During the testing period, I spent almost three weeks in Greece and had a short stint in Italy, where the device came in very useful. I didn’t expect to find a heatwave and an array of insects waiting to bite me in my garden in London on my return, but it was a great excuse to keep putting the bite healer to the test. After more than a month of usage, the batteries are still working and my skin is itch-free.

The bite healer is an emergency solution that doesn’t substitute mosquito repellents, but it’s a great ally to save your skin from weeks of irritation and scratching – all in a tiny, portable, and budget-friendly device.

Key specifications

Buy now £19.99, Amazon.co.uk

Is the Beurer bite healer BR60 worth it?

Considering the effectiveness, practicality and affordability of the product, I would say that the Beurer bite healer is a good investment if you’re heading to a destination where mosquitoes are particularly prevalent. The device is budget-friendly, can be used on the whole family, really helps relieve itching and may speed up healing. If you, like me, have bad reactions to mosquito bites that ultimately negatively impact your trip, I think investing in this little piece of tech could noticeably improve your holiday experience.

How I tested the Beurer bite healer BR60

I tried the Beurer mosquito bite healer BR60 in Italy and Greece, both in the city and near bodies of water where mosquitoes are usually more persistent. I have also used it at home in South East London, where mosquitoes now seem to thrive too. During testing, I considered the following criteria.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Alessia Armenise is a travel journalist and reviewer with a wealth of experience. During her travels around the world, she has tested several products for IndyBest, including the best carry-on luggage and packing cubes, and has experienced many encounters with biting bugs. There aren’t many mosquito repellents and bite healers that she hasn’t tried, from homemade remedies and natural products to heavy-duty DEET sprays, so you can trust her to bring you the solutions that actually work.

For more holiday essentials, check out our pick of the best sunscreens for your body

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