Why do mosquito bites itch so much. How can you alleviate the discomfort of mosquito bites. What are the most effective home remedies for mosquito bite relief. How does the body’s immune response contribute to mosquito bite itching. Which over-the-counter treatments work best for mosquito bites.

The Science Behind Mosquito Bite Itching

Mosquito bites are a common nuisance, but the reasons behind their itchiness are more complex than you might think. When a mosquito pierces your skin, it injects saliva containing an anticoagulant and various proteins. These foreign substances trigger your body’s immune system, leading to the release of histamine – the primary culprit behind the itching sensation.

Histamine serves a crucial role in your body’s defense mechanism. It helps white blood cells reach the affected area, causing inflammation, swelling, and that persistent itch. This reaction can vary from person to person, with some individuals experiencing more intense symptoms than others.

Factors Influencing Bite Reactions

• First-time exposure: Some people may not react to their first mosquito bite as their body hasn’t yet developed a response to the foreign proteins.
• Tolerance buildup: Over time, certain individuals may develop a tolerance to mosquito bites, experiencing less severe reactions.
• Individual sensitivity: The intensity of the reaction can differ greatly among people due to genetic factors and overall immune system health.

The Itch-Scratch Cycle: Why Scratching Makes It Worse

Have you ever wondered why scratching a mosquito bite seems to intensify the itch? This phenomenon is known as the itch-scratch cycle. When you scratch a bite, it causes further inflammation of the skin, which in turn triggers more itching. This can lead to a vicious cycle of scratching and increased discomfort.

Moreover, excessive scratching can break the skin, potentially leading to secondary infections. These infections can cause even more itching and discomfort, prolonging the healing process. Understanding this cycle is crucial in managing mosquito bite symptoms effectively.

Immediate Action: The Rubbing Alcohol Trick

One of the quickest ways to address a fresh mosquito bite is by applying rubbing alcohol. This method can be particularly effective if used immediately after being bitten. The alcohol serves two purposes: it cleans the area and provides a cooling sensation as it evaporates, which can temporarily relieve itching.

To use this method, simply wipe the bite area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. However, it’s important to use this remedy sparingly, as excessive use of alcohol on the skin can lead to dryness and irritation.

Natural Remedies: Harnessing the Power of Nature

Nature offers a variety of remedies that can help soothe mosquito bites. These natural solutions often have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, or cooling properties that can provide relief from itching and swelling.

Honey: Nature’s Antiseptic

Honey is renowned for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s not just a sweet treat; honey can be a powerful ally in treating mosquito bites. Its natural composition helps reduce inflammation and can even aid in preventing infection.

To use honey for mosquito bite relief, simply apply a small amount directly to the affected area. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before gently washing it off. Remember, while honey is effective, it’s best to use it indoors as its sugary nature can attract more mosquitoes if used outside.

Oatmeal: A Soothing Solution

Oatmeal has long been recognized for its skin-soothing properties. It’s particularly effective in alleviating itching and inflammation associated with insect bites, allergic reactions, and even conditions like chicken pox.

There are several ways to use oatmeal for mosquito bite relief:

1. Oatmeal bath: Add colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater for full-body relief.
2. Oatmeal paste: Mix colloidal oatmeal with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply this directly to the bite.
3. Oatmeal-honey mask: Combine oatmeal with honey for an extra soothing effect.

After using an oatmeal treatment, be sure to moisturize your skin to lock in the benefits.

Tea Bags: Not Just for Drinking

Green and black tea bags can be surprisingly effective in reducing the swelling and itching associated with mosquito bites. The tannins in tea have natural astringent properties that can help shrink swollen tissue and provide relief.

To use this method, steep a tea bag as you normally would, then chill it in the refrigerator. Once cool, apply the tea bag directly to the affected area for a few minutes. This can be particularly soothing for larger or more irritated bites.

Herbal Remedies: Basil’s Itch-Fighting Power

Basil is more than just a culinary herb; it contains chemical compounds that can effectively relieve itchy skin. This common kitchen ingredient can be used in several ways to soothe mosquito bites:

• Basil oil: Apply diluted basil essential oil directly to the bite.
• Homemade basil rub: Boil dried basil leaves in water, let cool, and apply with a washcloth.
• Fresh basil leaves: For a quick fix, crush fresh basil leaves and rub them directly on the affected area.

The natural compounds in basil can provide quick relief from itching and may also help reduce inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Solutions: Antihistamines and Topical Treatments

When natural remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can offer effective relief from mosquito bite symptoms. These products work by targeting the body’s histamine response or by numbing the affected area.

Antihistamines: Targeting the Root Cause

Antihistamines work by reducing the body’s histamine levels, which in turn decreases inflammation and itching. These medications are available in both oral and topical forms:

• Oral antihistamines: Medications like Benadryl or Claritin can provide systemic relief, especially for multiple bites.
• Topical antihistamines: Calamine lotion is a popular choice for direct application to bites.

When using antihistamines, always follow the instructions on the packaging and be aware of potential side effects, such as drowsiness with some oral antihistamines.

Numbing Agents: Quick Relief

Topical creams containing lidocaine or benzocaine can provide rapid, albeit temporary, relief from itching and pain associated with mosquito bites. These numbing agents work by blocking nerve signals in the affected area.

For enhanced benefits, look for creams that combine numbing agents with cooling ingredients like menthol or peppermint. These can offer a dual-action approach to itch relief.

Aloe Vera: Nature’s Healing Gel

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and healing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for mosquito bites. This succulent plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and itching.

To use aloe vera for mosquito bite relief:

1. Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
2. Apply the gel directly to the affected area.
3. Gently massage it into the skin.
4. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

If you don’t have access to a fresh aloe plant, pure aloe vera gel from a health store can be equally effective. Look for products with minimal additives for the best results.

Prevention: The Best Form of Treatment

While knowing how to treat mosquito bites is important, prevention is always better than cure. There are several strategies you can employ to reduce your chances of getting bitten in the first place:

• Use insect repellents: Look for EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants can provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.
• Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so remove any sources around your home.
• Use mosquito nets: When sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito populations, nets can provide effective protection.

By combining these preventive measures with the treatment options discussed earlier, you can significantly reduce the impact of mosquito bites on your comfort and well-being.

Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases

While most mosquito bites are merely annoying, it’s crucial to be aware that some mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases. Understanding these risks can help you take appropriate precautions and seek medical attention when necessary.

Common Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

• Malaria: A potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes.
• Zika virus: Can cause mild symptoms in adults but may lead to serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
• West Nile virus: Often asymptomatic, but can cause severe neurological complications in some cases.
• Dengue fever: Causes flu-like symptoms and can occasionally develop into a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• Chikungunya: Characterized by sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain.

If you experience unusual symptoms following a mosquito bite, especially if you’ve recently traveled to an area known for these diseases, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most mosquito bites can be treated effectively at home, there are situations where professional medical care may be necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or hives require immediate medical care.
• Signs of infection: Increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus around the bite site may indicate a secondary bacterial infection.
• Fever or flu-like symptoms: These could be signs of a mosquito-borne illness, especially if you’ve recently traveled to an area with known outbreaks.
• Persistent symptoms: If bite symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen over time, consult a healthcare provider.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

Innovative Mosquito Control Technologies

As the fight against mosquito-borne diseases continues, scientists and researchers are developing innovative technologies to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of bites. These advancements offer promising solutions for both personal protection and community-wide mosquito management.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

One groundbreaking approach involves releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes into the wild. These mosquitoes are designed to produce offspring that don’t survive to adulthood, potentially reducing mosquito populations over time. While controversial, this method has shown promising results in some trials.

Smart Traps and Repellents

Advanced mosquito traps use a combination of CO2, heat, and light to attract and capture mosquitoes. Some newer models even incorporate AI technology to adapt their attraction methods based on local mosquito species and behavior patterns.

Similarly, researchers are developing “smart” repellents that can adapt to individual body chemistry and environmental conditions, offering more effective and longer-lasting protection against bites.

Biological Control Methods

Scientists are also exploring biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators or bacteria that target mosquito larvae. These approaches aim to reduce mosquito populations without relying on chemical pesticides, which can have negative environmental impacts.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they may offer new ways to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases on a larger scale.

The Global Impact of Mosquitoes

While mosquito bites may seem like a minor nuisance in many parts of the world, it’s important to understand the broader global impact of these tiny insects. Mosquitoes are often referred to as the world’s deadliest animal due to their role in spreading diseases that affect millions of people annually.

Economic and Social Impact

The impact of mosquito-borne diseases extends far beyond individual health. These illnesses can have significant economic consequences, particularly in developing countries. The cost of treatment, lost productivity, and disease prevention measures can strain healthcare systems and hinder economic development.

Moreover, the fear of mosquito-borne diseases can affect tourism and international trade, further impacting local and global economies. Understanding this broader context highlights the importance of both personal protection measures and larger-scale mosquito control efforts.

Climate Change and Mosquito Populations

Climate change is altering the distribution and behavior of mosquito populations worldwide. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, mosquitoes are expanding their range into new areas, potentially exposing more people to mosquito-borne diseases.

This changing landscape underscores the need for ongoing research and adaptation of mosquito control strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of individual awareness and proactive measures in preventing mosquito bites, even in regions where they may not have been a significant concern in the past.

Mosquito Bite Myths and Misconceptions

Despite the wealth of information available about mosquitoes and their bites, many myths and misconceptions persist. Addressing these can help people make more informed decisions about mosquito prevention and bite treatment.

Common Myths Debunked

• Myth: Eating garlic or taking vitamin B1 will repel mosquitoes.
  Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to support these claims. Effective repellents are still the best defense.
• Myth: Mosquitoes only bite at night.
  Fact: While many species are more active at dawn and dusk, some mosquitoes bite during the day.
• Myth: Mosquitoes are attracted to sweet blood.
  Fact: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, heat, and certain chemical compounds in sweat, not blood type or sweetness.
• Myth: All mosquitoes transmit diseases.
  Fact: Only certain species of mosquitoes can transmit specific diseases, and not all individual mosquitoes within those species carry pathogens.

By dispelling these myths, we can focus on proven methods of mosquito control and bite prevention, leading to more effective protection against these pesky insects and the diseases they may carry.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch? Plus 10 Tips for Itch Relief

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Mosquito saliva can trigger histamine production. Certain at-home remedies, such as applying honey or corticosteroid cream, may help relieve the itch. But some popular remedies can increase skin irritation.

Many people get bitten by mosquitos each year, but bites can affect people differently. When mosquitoes bite, they draw out blood while injecting some of their saliva. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant and proteins.

The proteins are foreign substances that trigger the body’s immune system. To fight them the body’s immune system releases histamine, a compound that helps white blood cells get to the affected area. Histamine is what causes the itchiness, inflammation, and swelling.

Sometimes if a person is bitten for the first time they won’t have a response. This is because their body hasn’t formulated a response to the foreign invader. And some people may not notice bites at all. Others may build up a tolerance over time.

When an irritating bite does appear, it’s good to know what remedies work to ease the itchiness.

Q:

Why do mosquito bites itch more after you scratch them?

Anonymous

A:

When you scratch a mosquito bite, this causes the skin to become even more inflamed. Since inflammation causes your skin to itch, you can get into a cycle where scratching will cause even more of an itchy sensation. In addition, by continuing to scratch you run the risk of breaking the skin and causing an infection, leading to even more of an itch.

Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, CNE, COIAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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It may take a little experimentation to see what works best for you and your bite. Most of these remedies can be used as many times as needed to soothe the area. For medications, follow the instructions on the bottle.

If you catch the bite soon after the mosquito bites you, quickly wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when it dries, which may relieve itching. Avoid using too much alcohol as it can irritate the skin.

Honey is an antiseptic and antibacterial ingredient that also has wound healing properties. It’s shown to reduce inflammation and can also help prevent infection. Don’t wear it outside, though, because the honey’s sugar can attract more mosquitoes.

Read more: Honey for allergies »

Oatmeal has active properties that help soothe insect bites and allergic reactions, chicken pox, and dry skin. You can add oatmeal to a bath or apply it as a mask on your bug bite. Make a paste by adding a little water to colloidal oatmeal and apply to the affected area. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. You can also add honey to your paste for extra benefits. Moisturize with a cream after.

Green and black tea’s antiswelling effects may not just be useful for swollen eyes. Tea’s anti-inflammatory effects may help with the swelling. Soak a bag of green or black tea and pop it in the fridge to cool it down. Apply the cold tea bag over the bite to ease the itchiness.

Basil has chemical compounds that can relieve itchy skin. You can apply basil oil like a lotion or make your own at home. To make your own rub, boil 2 cups of water and 1/2 an ounce of dried basil leaves. After the mixture cools, dip a washcloth into the pot and apply it on the affected area. For a more immediate treatment, chop up fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin.

Antihistamines help lower the histamine count in your body and reduce inflammation. These are available over the counter and help with itchiness and swelling. You can take them orally (Benadryl or Claritin) or apply topically (calamine lotion) over the affected area.

Lidocaine and benzocaine are numbing agents in over-the-counter creams. They offer temporary relief from itchiness and pain. For extra benefits, look for creams that contain menthol or peppermint.

Aloe vera gel is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties for wound healing and calming infections. The cool feeling of the gel may also soothe any itchiness. Keep an aloe vera plant around the house. You can cut the leaves and apply the gel directly.

Doctors recommend corticosteroid creams for itching. These creams are known to help with inflammation for skin irritations, but avoid using them on open wounds or on your face. Long-term use can also cause side effects like thinning or worsening of skin, excessive hair growth, and acne.

Some creams use garlic extract due to its wound healing and anti-viral properties. But don’t rub garlic directly on your skin. Raw garlic can increase skin irritation and inflammation. Instead, dilute minced garlic with coconut oil and apply that to the affected area for a few minutes.

These home remedies could increase skin irritation or cause unwanted side effects such as acne, burning, dry skin, and more.

• baking soda
• lemon or lime juice
• toothpaste
• vinegar

If your bite causes anaphylaxis seek medical attention. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition. You can tell if someone is having this reaction if they:

• break out in hives
• start wheezing
• have difficulty breathing
• feel as if their throat is closing up

Someone in anaphylactic shock will need an EpiPen injection. But anaphylactic shock for a mosquito bite is rare and more commonly caused by other stinging insects.

Read more: First aid for bites and stings »

For other people, mosquito bites can cause more serious symptoms, such as:

• blisters,
• lesions
• hives
• high fever
• swelling in the joints

See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms along with your mosquito bite. An antihistamine like cetirizine, fexofenadine or loratadine, are all available over the counter. These medications may help curb these bodily responses.

If you’ll be traveling to certain countries, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Seeing a doctor is also important if you’ve been living or traveling in certain areas of the world where bloodborne diseases like Zika and malaria are common. Mosquitos can spread these diseases from person to person. There are vaccines available for some of these diseases.

A mosquito bite can last for hours to a few days. The length of a mosquito bite and its symptoms vary depending on the size of the bite and the person’s immune system. Itching or scratching the bite can increase the length of time it lasts.

Sometimes mosquito bites leave small dark marks long after the itching and bite itself have faded. People with sensitive skin tend to have these lingering marks, but they don’t have to be permanent. To avoid hyperpigmentation, look for creams with vitamin C, E, or niacinamide. Don’t forget to apply SPF 30 sunscreen on areas exposed to the sun.

The best way to avoid mosquito bites is preparation and prevention. Use insect repellant if you are going to places where mosquitos are. Natural insect repellants are effective, but you may want to use commercial ones if you are traveling to another country.

Limiting or avoiding exposure to certain things may help minimize your risk for mosquito bites. Below is a list of things known to attract mosquitos:

• sweat and body odor
• light
• heat
• lactic acid
• carbon dioxide

Alcohol intake is also shown to be associated with a higher probability of being bitten. You may want to avoid drinking the night before you’ll be in an area with mosquitos. It may also be a good idea to keep some travel-size aloe vera and alcohol wipes handy.

Keep reading: 10 natural ingredients that double as mosquito repellants »

Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Get Relief

Tips for How to Avoid Getting Mosquito Bites in the First Place

To minimize your bite risk, try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk — times when humidity often peaks. “The higher the humidity, the better for mosquitoes, so dawn and dusk are times when they tend to be active,” Day says.

He explains that mosquitoes are fragile insects, and their bodies dry out quickly if they’re exposed to arid conditions or extended stretches of bright sunlight (which is another reason they prefer hunting at dawn and dusk, as opposed to midday). They’re also weak fliers, he says, so any kind of breeze or fan-generated wind tends to keep them at bay. If you can find a place that’s exposed to wind, or you have a strong fan handy, both can prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Long pants and shirtsleeves — especially tightly woven synthetic fabrics such as the types used in so-called athleisure garments — tend to keep mosquitoes off your skin. Repellents also work well, Day says. The CDC suggests looking for products that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus, or p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). (6)  Apply these products to your ankles, wrists, forehead, elbows, and all the other knobby, bony places where the blood is up near the surface of the skin. Mosquitoes love to feast at these sites.

Also good to keep in mind: Mosquitoes are attracted to both the carbon dioxide humans exhale and the natural odors our bodies produce — stuff like sweat and foot odor. If you’ve been exercising, you’re likely to be both sweaty and producing higher amounts of carbon dioxide. Better to cool off and shower up indoors before heading outside. (7)

Follow all these precautions, and you can largely dodge mosquito bites all summer long.

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articles from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

Vergazova Asya Nikolaevna

Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist

Clinical Hospital “AVICENNA” GC “Mother and Child”

Mosquitoes, midges

Mosquitoes and midges are not poisonous, but when they bite, an anticoagulant gets under the human skin (a substance that prevents blood from clotting). Therefore, the bite site is very itchy.

At the site of a mosquito bite, redness and a small itchy blister appear, the bite itself is not painful. But the bite of the midge is generally not immediately felt. Itching, burning appear the next day, and they are much stronger than with a mosquito bite, plus the midge bite site is very red and swollen.

What to do: To relieve itching, apply something cold (ice). You can also make a compress with a solution of soda (half a teaspoon per glass of water). The bite can be lubricated with an antihistamine cream (gel, ointment) or special Post-Bite Balm .

Important: care must be taken that the child does not comb the bites, otherwise the wound may become infected. The bite of the midge heals for a long time.

Horsefly

Horsefly is a large fly that loves damp places and sunshine. The bite of this insect is very painful.

A large blister immediately appears at the site of the bite of , which is very itchy.

What to do: Wash the bite with soap and water or treat with an antiseptic. To relieve itching and swelling, you need to apply cold, the same soda compress, antihistamine cream (gel, ointment) will help.

Important: horseflies are completely harmless in the shade and attack only on sunny lawns, closer to water bodies. If the bite is combed, then it will heal for a long time.

Bees, wasps, bumblebees

Bees, wasps, bumblebees, hornets (huge wasps) – these insects do not just bite, they sting and with the help of the sting introduce a strong protein poison into the human body. When bitten, bees leave a sting in the wound, so they bite once, but the rest of the stingers can attack again.

Burning pain, redness, swelling and itching of the skin appear at the site of the bite , the area around the wound becomes hot, if a bee has bitten, then a sting is visible. Sometimes, due to poison, intoxication or severe allergies can occur: the child has a headache, he is weak and lethargic, he is sick or even vomits, he has impaired coordination, his body temperature rises, rarely, but there is also loss of consciousness. The same reaction happens if several insects have stung at once.

What to do: remove the stinger if there is one (it is better to do this with tweezers). Wash the wound with soap or treat with hydrogen peroxide. Apply cold. You can lubricate the sore spot with antihistamine cream (ointment, gel) . If there is swelling and severe redness on the skin, give the child an antihistamine by mouth. After a bite, you need to watch the baby for about half an hour. In case of complications, a doctor should be called.

Important: if there are several bites, if they are in the mouth, on the face, neck, then it is better to go to the hospital or call a doctor: swelling is very widespread in these places.

Tick

Tick digs into the skin and secretes a large amount of saliva into the wound, along with it pathogens of various infections can enter the human body, the most common: encephalitis and borreliosis (Lyme disease). By itself, the tick bite is not felt in any way

A black dot of various sizes is visible at the site of the bite – this is the tick itself. There is no swelling or itching.

What to do : remove the tick. It is better to do this in an emergency room or hospital, because if there is no skill, then it is easy to tear off the body of the tick, and its head and proboscis will remain in the skin. But if the doctors are far away, then you can try to unscrew the insect with tweezers, like a screw (you can’t pull, just twist it). It is useless to drip oil on a tick and wait for it to fall off on its own. It is advisable to take the removed tick for analysis to find out if it is a carrier of the infection.

Repellents

• These substances protect against bites, but it must be understood that poisons that are dangerous for insects are also dangerous for humans. It is necessary to use repellent only if there are really a lot of insects or their bite causes a strong reaction in the child.
• It is necessary to apply only a baby product with a low concentration of the active substance (up to 10%). The repellent must not contain diethyltoluamide ( DEET ). It is toxic, so in children under 6 years old it is not even used for clothing.
• Do not spray on the face – only cream, ointment or gel. Do not treat areas with scratches, wounds, inflammation, lips and eyelids with repellent. It makes no sense to treat skin areas hidden by clothing.
• After the walk, change clothes, take a shower and wash off the remains of the substance from the child.
• If there is an allergy, then it is better not to use the repellent at all.

How to prevent a bite

Preventing an insect bite is easier than treating it later:

• Cover sweet fruits and desserts, otherwise they will attract a lot of insects. Before you give your child juice from a cup or a piece of watermelon, you need to see if a wasp or a bee is hiding there. And after eating, it is worth wiping the baby’s lips with a wet napkin.
• Bright and colorful dresses strongly attract insects. They also love floral scents. So in nature it is better to dress discreetly and not eat sweet food.
• It is better for a child not to walk barefoot on grass or sand – there may be a bee or a wasp sitting there.
• When walking in a forest or meadow (a place that is very fond of ticks), you need to wear clothes with closed sleeves, trousers with cuffs at the bottom (or tuck them into shoes). Put on a cap or panama on your head. Every hour it is worth carefully examining the clothes and body of the child.

Insects like to bite especially children, because their skin is thin, and blood circulation is very active.

A child can get a wasp or bee sting by inadvertently stepping on an insect with a bare foot, or if the child eats some sweet fruit that the insect has suddenly landed on.

All bloodsuckers look for prey, primarily by body temperature. To “hot” people they fly up faster. Insects are also attracted by the special smell of sweat.

Be careful when using smoking coils – the baby should not inhale their fumes, they can be toxic. The same applies to electrofumigators (with plates or liquid). They can only be used indoors with open windows.

If you live or often walk in an area where a baby can be bitten, always carry an antihistamine with you. It may be urgently needed if the child develops a severe allergy after a bite.

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Why does a mosquito bite itch so much

Oh, that long-drawn-out squeak above the ear – both during the day and even more so at night, a meeting with a small arthropod from the Diptera order of the common mosquito, apart from irritation, brings nothing at all. Moreover, irritation, both emotional and physical. And now the picnic is no longer a joy, and sleep is not like that of a baby, we only have time to pat ourselves in some places while we desperately comb others – without this momentary relief, life is not the same.

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Netlenka

Biology

Nature

Plants

Insects

Imagine that you are a mosquito and you urgently need to satisfy your blood hunger. True, even if you are a man, you must imagine yourself as a female mosquito, since the males of these arthropods are true vegans and feed exclusively on nectar and plant juice. Blood, on the other hand, is a source of more concentrated and useful nutrients, such as lipids, and its most important role in the diet of mosquitoes is the production of proteins as a building material for the production of eggs, that is, offspring.

You, as a hungry female mosquito, eager to bear many children, see the prey in several ways. First of all, the mosquito reacts to an excess of carbon dioxide, which all warm-blooded animals, including you and me, actively exhale. Let’s call this system early detection. Further, sensors for detecting heat emitted by animals or humans are turned on, as well as a whole chemical bouquet of lactic acid molecules and other elements. Of the 72 types of olfactory receptors located on mosquito antennas, 27 are tuned to detect chemicals excreted in the sweat of animals and humans.

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It’s funny how nature has adapted these bloodsuckers: those receptors that in other Diptera are designed to protect the body from hypothermia, in mosquitoes have been transformed into a kind of mosquito thermal imager. Moreover, scientists from Harvard managed to find out that this thermal imager is most sensitive in the temperature range from 30 to 37 degrees Celsius. That is, the typical temperatures of most warm-blooded animals.

So, you, sorry, mosquito, have chosen a place to land and in anticipation of a meal. Before proceeding to the meal, it is necessary to pierce the skin of the victim. In children, it is much thinner, which is why they are overcome by bloodsuckers much more often, but everyone without exception gets it: children, adults, and other animals with much denser skin. With your teeth, which are called maxillae, you pierce the skin, and do it as carefully as possible so as not to get into the nerve ending. With mandibles (mandibles) you hold the skin being pierced, as a tailor holds the canvas with one hand while the other works with scissors. Next comes the turn of the labrum – this is a special probe that detects a blood vessel under the skin and pierces it. Further, the blood through the sting, which is actually a bundle of tubes, the blood enters the stomach. Moreover, the mosquito does not suck anything: the blood itself fills it due to the difference in pressure in the blood vessel and in the external environment. In addition, the hypopharynx (a specific uvula) creates a vacuum in the same way as an infant suckling its mother’s breast, which further facilitates the selection of blood from the victim.