Probably mosquito bites are one of the most annoying pitfalls of the summer season. In our country, "common" mosquitoes, fond of human blood, bite the most superficial layer of the skin, causing damage which, although ephemeral and fleeting, results in an irrepressible need to scratch. In the affected area, the skin appears highly itchy because the mosquito bite promotes the release of histamine, a powerful chemical mediator involved in allergic and inflammatory phenomena. In turn, histamine encourages the dilation of the small blood vessels just below the skin: this results in evident redness and a characteristic mosquito bite wheal.
Mosquito bites should not be underestimated: in small children and the elderly, in fact, the bites of these small insects can cause serious damage, such as scarring, slight bleeding caused by excessive scratching and, in the most extreme cases, an allergic reaction .
In the course of the article we will focus exclusively on the possible remedies against common mosquito bites; it must not be forgotten, however, that in other countries certain kinds of mosquitoes (eg Aedes, Culex, Anopheles etc. ) abound much more dangerous because they are possible carriers of diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever and malaria.
What to do
- Apply ice (wrapped on a soft cloth) directly on the wheal created by the mosquito bite: in this case, the vasoconstrictor effect of the cold is used as an anesthetizing and calming remedy
- Thoroughly washing and disinfecting the wheal induced by the mosquito bite is a good remedy to prevent any infection in case of small post-scratch bleeding
- Exerting slight pressure on the wheal with the tip of the nail and circumscribing the lesion with a ring are ancient remedies for temporarily masking the itching induced by the mosquito bite
- Rub a piece of rock alum moistened directly on the wheal: this is also an ancient, relatively effective remedy used to reduce the itching and itching from mosquito bites
- Applying a cream based on aluminum chloride is a valid remedy against common mosquito bites
- Apply a few drops of solution consisting of 1 glass of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the lesion caused by the mosquito
- Remove the insect-repellent spray or lotion from the skin before going to sleep at night
- Use corticosteroid-based ointments only in the event of relentless itching and particularly large wheals. Doctor's advice is recommended
What NOT to do
- Scratching: it is a good idea to try to bear the irresistible scratching caused by the mosquito bite. By rubbing the wheal, in fact, there is the risk of favoring the itch even more
- Wear black clothes: mosquitoes seem to be attracted by red and dark colors; therefore, it is advisable to prefer light clothes
- Open the windows at night: searching for a meal of blood, the mosquitoes enter the houses silently, waiting for the right moment to attack. To prevent the entry of these small insects into the houses, it is recommended to close doors and windows, especially in the evening. Alternatively, use mosquito nets.
- Use ammonia on the tip area from the mosquito: this remedy is absolutely not recommended because it is responsible for skin burns
- Apply mosquito sprays or lotions to wounds, cuts or skin sores
- Apply the insect-repellent product in case of hypersensitivity to one or more substances contained in the product
What to eat
- Take fruits, vegetables, yoghurts and prebiotics to strengthen the immune system
- Take lots of fruit and vegetables, as it is rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)
What NOT to Eat
- Avoid drinking alcohol and beer: mosquitoes seem to be attracted by smells emanating from alcoholics, especially if they are beer drinkers
- There is no scientific evidence that relates food to the improvement or worsening of symptoms induced by mosquito bites. It is recommended to follow a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in fat.
Natural Cures and Remedies
To mitigate the itching and edema induced by a mosquito bite, natural remedies are particularly indicated. More specifically, we recommend creams, ointments, ointments or oils formulated with active ingredients extracted from these plants:
- Chamomile ( Matricaria camomilla L.) → anti-inflammatory, soothing properties
- Sweet almond oil ( Prunus dulcis or Prunus amygdalus ) → antipruritic, soothing and nourishing properties
- Oat based creams ( Avena sativa ) → anti-reddening and antipruritic properties
- Camphor ( Cinnamomum Camphora ) → antipruritic, analgesic (bland) and soothing properties
- Borage oil ( Borago officinalis ) → soothing, calming, anti-itching properties
Herbal medicine also offers a series of remedies to prevent mosquito bites. Among the most suitable plants for this purpose, we include:
- Geranium ( Pelargonium ) geraniol and citronellol extracted from this plant boast repellent properties
- Rose essential oil: insect-repellent properties
- Essential oils extracted from bergamot ( Citrus bergamia ), eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus ), rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis )
- Neem oil: insect-repellent properties
- Tea Tree Oil: repellent properties
Pharmacological care
- Corticosteroid-based creams or ointments: exercise a powerful anti-inflammatory activity. These pharmacological products should only be applied to the skin in case of particularly annoying or extensive mosquito bites. Consultation with a doctor is recommended.
- Prednisone (eg Deltacortene)
- Administration of antihistamines: to be taken only after medical prescription
- To prevent mosquito bites, we recommend applying spray, roll-ons, lotions, emulsions, creams, gels, tissues and sticks formulated with insect-repellent substances such as:
- methyl phthalate
- etoesadiolo
- Dietiltoluamide or DEET (eg Autan)
Prevention
- Bring along repellent wipes or sticks to apply to the skin during the summer season, before a walk outdoors
- Avoid walking near ponds and rivers: mosquitoes are in fact attracted by particularly wet areas
- Mount the mosquito nets on the windows to prevent the passage of mosquitoes in the house
- Install the anti-mosquito lamps (equipped with adhesive foil): the insects seem attracted more by the light emitted by these particular lamps than by the skin of the man. Once you get close to the light, the mosquitoes get trapped
- Environmental prevention against the reproduction of mosquitoes (mosquito disinfestation)
- Small electric mosquito ovens, equipped with repellent liquids or platelets that release insecticidal molecules
- Light the zampironi, special pyrethrum-based insecticides indicated as a remedy against mosquitoes, to be used exclusively outdoors
Medical treatments
- In the vast majority of cases, mosquito bites do not require special medical treatment, except for multiple punctures in young children and the elderly, sometimes responsible for major allergic reactions. Anaphylactic shock resulting from repeated bites of common mosquitoes is a very rare event in our country. In the eventuality, it is recommended to immediately alert the health workers.
