How about mosquitoes?
Why does a mosquito bite itch? How to prevent mosquito bites? How to protect yourself from attacks?
The hour has come for the end of these little bloodsucking insects!
You will know everything and finally manage to defend yourself!
Contents
- 1 Invasive mosquitoes
- 2 Why does the mosquito bite?
- 3 What are the symptoms of a mosquito bite?
- 4 How to treat a mosquito bite?
- 5 Mosquito bites what to do?
- 6 Possible consequences of mosquito bites
- 7 Protect yourself from mosquitoes
- 8 How to cure a mosquito bite naturally?
- 9 Natural mosquito repellents
- 10 How to calm mosquito itch?
Invasive mosquitoes
The mosquito is the biggest predator of humans.
It is responsible for millions of bites and millions of deaths around the world, carriers of various human and animal diseases, and causing terrible allergic reactions.
The mosquito is responsible for transmissions of Zika virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue.
Why does the mosquito bite?
Only the female mosquito is interested in your blood.
It feeds on it because it is a source of protein during the maturation of her eggs.
With a needle-shaped proboscis, it penetrates the skin to reach the capillaries.
When it stings, it also injects its saliva which contains an anticoagulant to thin the blood for better aspiration.
It is this saliva that itches and irritates the skin.
Some species of mosquitoes also inject an anesthetic substance so that the target does not notice its wrongdoing.
The itching starts a few hours later.
Note that outside this period when the female carries her eggs, her diet is mainly the nectar that she gathers at dusk.
What are the symptoms of a mosquito bite?
The most common symptoms of a mosquito bite are:
- itching
- rash
- redness
- swelling indicative of inflammation
How to treat a mosquito bite?
1- The ice cube for immediate relief
Place an ice cube in gauze, apply it to the skin for a few minutes.
The cold will help reduce inflammation, loosen the area and relieve the itching.
Tip: if you don’t have ice on hand, a simply frozen sachet placed in a tea towel can do the trick.
If you have nothing icy available, run the area under running cold water for a few minutes.
On the other hand, avoid a hot shower or bath which may make matters worse.
2- Antihistamines
The special feature of h1 antihistamines in cream or gel form is that they kill itching.
You can apply an antihistamine cream such as Benadryl to stop scratching.
In the event of multiple bites, a skin allergy tablet will be more effective (cetirizine).
3- Topical hydrocortisone creams
Steroid creams work very quickly against inflammation and therefore itching.
However, you must use a minimum amount because hydrocortisone creams are very powerful.
Remember that a tiny amount on one finger can treat the surface area of two hands.
Also, avoid applying steroid ointments to the face.
4 – Painkillers
Pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are useful for treating pain and inflammation.
5- Prevent infection
The itching caused by mosquito bites is terrible and the urge to scratch is overwhelming.
Nevertheless, it is preferable to restrain yourself because the risk of infection is present due to the germs potentially present under the nails.
In addition, frantic scratching leads to a sore on the skin which is a natural barrier against germs.
It is, therefore, necessary as soon as you are stung to wash the area with soap, place ice for a few minutes then not scratch to avoid infection.
If you could not restrain yourself and have damaged the skin, it is good to apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandage so as not to leave the wound vulnerable to germs.
Mosquito bites what to do?
Insect bites weaken the dermis.
It is, therefore, necessary to hydrate the skin deeply when it has been traumatized.
Likewise, it is recommended to apply sunscreen on the lesions so that the skin does not pigment during its healing.
Possible consequences of mosquito bites
We are often stung and quickly forget these little mishaps.
However, the potential consequences of mosquito bites do not immediately manifest themselves.
If, upon your return from vacation and within 12 months, you experience flu-like symptoms, fever, pain, and stiffness, talk to your doctor.
It can be yellow fever, malaria, or dengue.
It is important not to forget these bites if these symptoms appear.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes
The best way to avoid mosquito bites is always to repel them.
1- DEET, an effective insect repellant
The deet spray (#ad) or diethyltoluamide is an excellent synthetic repellent when applied to the skin (not clothing).
Like sunscreen, its application must be renewed regularly.
Note that the use of insect repellent significantly reduces sun protection.
It is therefore advisable to apply a sunscreen index SPF 30 or 50 to avoid sunburns.
It is also a good idea to apply sunscreen first and then repellent.
2- Adapted clothes
No matter what your protection, mosquitoes are always on the prowl.
Remember to protect yourself by wearing loose, long, and light clothing, even white.
Indeed, mosquitoes love bright colors and very conspicuous patterns, but black and dark colors do not repel them either.
3- A neutral scent
Mosquitoes love scents!
Whether your shower gel smells good, your moisturizer intoxicates you with its scent, or your cologne refreshes you, the mosquito will target you.
For a quiet summer and a happy vacation, avoid all products that smell too good … for mosquitoes!
4- Mosquito nets
The best prevention will always be a mosquito net above the bed (#ad) or a window net (#ad).
Note that the use of a fan is also effective at night to repel mosquitoes if it is oriented in the center of the room and not on yourself.
5- Avoid damp places
To avoid crossing paths with these little vampires, you must stay away from any source of stagnant water.
Stay away from ponds, swamps, even puddles, all those places where mosquitoes lay eggs.
How to cure a mosquito bite naturally?
There are also many natural solutions to relieve irritation.
– Aloe Vera insect bite
Aloe vera (#ad) has many benefits for the skin, it is also a natural antiseptic.
It is effective against sunburn, psoriasis, cold sores, chapped skin …
Applying a small amount to the bite helps reduce itching and heal faster.
– Honey for the skin
Well known for relieving sore throat, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that moderate irritation.
Apply a small amount to the lesion to reduce inflammation and lessen itching.
– Baking soda
The baking soda neutralizes the mosquito bite and prevents skin reactions.
Mix a tablespoon of water to make a paste then apply to the affected area for about ten minutes before rinsing off.
– Teabag
The tannins in tea provide astringent properties that quickly relieve irritation.
– Lemon and basil
Lemon has anti-inflammatory properties while basil contains eugenol with antiseptic and analgesic properties.
You can make a kind of paste by chopping basil and mixing it with lemon juice before applying it to the bites.
– Onion for mosquito bite
Onion is a very effective way to stop itching.
It also has antifungal properties which reduce any risk of infection.
– Garlic against vampires!
Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties.
It is particularly effective if the affected area begins to swell while itchy.
To avoid any unpleasant odor, finely chop the garlic and mix it with moisturizer or coconut oil.
Apply to the affected area and leave on for about ten minutes before removing it with absorbent paper.
Remember to clean the area well as garlic irritates the skin.
– Menthol mosquito bite
The numbing effect of menthol is radical in stopping itching and inflammation.
Macerate crystal menthol (#ad) in glycerin or any vegetable oil then apply this solution to the bites.
You will feel immediate relief.
Natural mosquito repellents
– Lavender essential oil
The peculiarity of lavender is that it contains alcohol which naturally protects the plant from insects … and mosquitoes hate it!
To use as a repellant, apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to your skin to keep them away.
You can also spray it in your home or even plant it in your garden!
– Tea Tree essential oil
Green tea essential oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and is one of the best repellents against mosquitoes.
It is advisable to spray it on your curtains and on the frames of doors and windows to benefit from its repellent effects.
This tea tree oil (#ad) is also effective against sting irritation.
Just apply a pure drop to the affected area for quick relief.
– Vanilla
If we love the scent of vanilla, mosquitoes hate it!
So make a spray of natural vanilla (#ad) by mixing 2 teaspoons of vanilla (sugar and alcohol-free) for a cup of water and sprinkle or spray your surroundings.
– Apple cider vinegar
Easy to make a repellant spray yourself by diluting the same proportion of apple cider vinegar and water and spray the solution on curtains, doors, and window frames.
If you go outside, spray it on your uncovered parts.
You can even add a few drops of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil to this mixture to enhance its repellent effect.
How to calm mosquito itch?
There you go. Now you are ready to face or avoid mosquito bites!
You know how to prevent them, how to treat them, you know where they are hiding, you know how they are stalking you, all you have left is to run away from them!
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