Mosquitoes are the enemies of our summer evenings and nights and our walks in the wilderness. Their bites cause itching, redness, and pain.
How can we treat them and relieve them quickly? What can we do to avoid them? What are the signs that should be of concern? We tell you all about mosquito bites.
The good days are back. So are the mosquitoes! They are rampant in every area of bare skin and even through clothing.
But what causes those little red itchy pimples after a mosquito bite? You should know that only female mosquitoes bite humans.
They need blood to reproduce. When a mosquito bites us, it pumps some of our blood and at the same time injects its saliva containing an anticoagulant.
It is precisely this saliva that causes a slight inflammatory reaction that causes the mosquito bite.
How do you treat a mosquito bite?
Before relieving the itching caused by the bite, disinfect the area. Apply soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
This step is very important because it helps prevent infection of the pricked area in case of intensive scratching that has caused a lesion.
Our nails carry bacteria that can penetrate under the skin at the slightest wound. Once the bite has been disinfected, you can apply a soothing treatment to relieve itching.
How to relieve a mosquito bite?
A mosquito bite almost always causes itching. This is caused by histamine, a substance that our body naturally secretes in response to the injection of the mosquito's saliva.
The itching sensation is felt quickly and intensifies for several minutes after the bite.
The urge to scratch then becomes uncontrollable. Bad idea! Scratching a mosquito pimple with frenzy increases the itching sensation and can cause irritation or lesions with infection.
Here are some simple natural reflexes to immediately relieve the discomfort of a mosquito bite :
Soak a compress in cold water or ice. Cold is effective in relieving itching, but not for long;
Use a compress soaked in hot water or a hot tea bag. The heat has a soothing effect on inflammation and pain;
Apply essential oils known for their soothing properties. These include peppermint, lavender aspic, clove, eucalyptus, and chamomile essential oils. The choice is wide! Place one or two drops on a handkerchief, then apply to the mosquito bite;
Apply a little menthol-based gel. Its cold effect will relieve itching. Products indicated against the feeling of heavy legs usually contain menthol. Test the product on the arm before applying it to the mosquito bite to check that you are not allergic to it;
Consider aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties;
Apply a compress soaked in cider vinegar and water to the bite. Vinegar contains acetic acid, a natural antiseptic that instantly soothes itching;
Rub the bite with the leaves of plants with soothing and antihistamine virtues: plantain, mint, parsley, or dandelion.
How to protect yourself from mosquitoes?
The first thing you can do to avoid getting bitten is to avoid areas where mosquitoes like to breed as much as possible. Move away from areas where there is standing water. These small insects like heat and humidity.
A second summer reflex is to apply a repellent solution to your skin before going out or before going to bed with the window open.
Opt for a product whose effectiveness lasts several hours, suitable for all geographical areas, and recommended for use both indoors and outdoors.
Preferably choose natural non-toxic products such as lemon eucalyptus essential oil, geranium essential oil, or fresh lemon balm leaves.
The choice of your clothes is also important. Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Indeed, mosquitoes are attracted by dark colors and can bite through tight clothes.
Finally, to protect yourself from mosquitoes indoors, mosquito netting hung on windows and around beds remains an effective prevention solution.
Why do I always get bit by mosquitoes?
We are not all equal when it comes to mosquito bites. Some people get bitten more than others. Scientists have found several explanations for this phenomenon:
The carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale attracts mosquitoes. The insect can detect it from more than 10 meters away. That's why people who release a lot of it are their favorite targets.
This includes pregnant women, who emit more CO2 than other people;
Body odor. Mosquitoes love the smell of urine, sweat, and the smell of perspiration after drinking beer. The substances they contain (ammonia, lactic acid, or butyric acid) attract mosquitoes.
Mosquito bites: when to worry?
Mosquito bites are usually benign. They cause itching, redness, and sometimes a slight pain that subsides and disappears after two or three days.
So there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, there are some signs that should alert you after an insect bite. If the sting causes painful swelling, it may be an allergic reaction.
Put on ice and consult a doctor who will prescribe corticosteroids and antihistamines.
In the most severe cases (very rare), a mosquito bite can cause anaphylactic shock. The face then begins to swell, with a risk of choking. You should go to the emergency room immediately.
