Probably, mosquito bites are one of the most annoying pitfalls of the summer season. In our country, "common" mosquitoes, greedy for human blood, bite the most superficial layer of the skin, causing damage which, although ephemeral and fleeting, translates into 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: the result is a noticeable 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 even serious damage, such as scar lesions, slight bleeding caused by excessive scratching and, in the most extreme cases, allergic reaction .
During the article we will focus exclusively on possible remedies against common mosquito bites; it should not be forgotten, however, that certain kinds of mosquitoes abound in other countries (eg. Aedes, Culex, Anopheles etc.) much more dangerous because they are possible vectors of diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever and malaria.
The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of mosquito bites; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.
What to do
- Apply ice (wrapped on a soft cloth) directly on the wheal created by the mosquito bite: in this case, the vasoconstricting 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 infections in case of small post-scratch bleeding.
- Exerting light pressure on the wheal with the tip of the nail and circumscribing the lesion with a ring are ancient remedies to temporarily mask the itching induced by mosquito bites.
- Rub a piece of moistened rock alum directly on the wheal: this is also an ancient remedy, relatively effective, used to relieve 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 your skin before going to bed for a night's rest
- Use corticosteroid ointments only in case of relentless itching and particularly extensive wheal. Medical advice is recommended
What NOT to do
- Scratching: it is a good rule to try to endure the irresistible scratching caused by the mosquito bite. Rubbing the wheal, in fact, risks favoring the itching even more.
- Wear black clothes: it seems that mosquitoes are attracted to red and dark colors; therefore, it is advisable to prefer light-colored clothes
- Opening the windows at night: looking for a blood meal, mosquitoes silently enter homes, waiting for the right moment to attack. To prevent these small insects from entering homes, it is recommended to close doors and windows, especially in the evening. Alternatively, use mosquito nets.
- Use ammonia on the area bitten by the mosquito: this remedy is absolutely not recommended because it is responsible for skin burns
- Apply mosquito sprays or lotions to wounds, cuts, or sores on the skin
- Apply the insect repellent product in case of hypersensitivity to one or more substances contained in the product
What to eat
- Take fruit, vegetables, yogurt and prebiotics to strengthen the immune system
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)
What NOT to Eat
- Avoid drinking alcohol and beer: it seems that mosquitoes are attracted to the smells emanating from alcoholics, especially beer drinkers
- There is no scientific evidence that food relates to the improvement or worsening of symptoms induced by mosquito bites. It is recommended that you follow a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low in fat.
Natural Cures and Remedies
To alleviate the itching and edema induced by a mosquito bite, natural remedies are particularly suitable. More specifically, creams, ointments, ointments or oils formulated with active ingredients extracted from these plants are recommended:
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile L.) → anti-inflammatory, soothing properties
- Sweet almond oil (Prunus dulcis or Prunus amygdalus) → anti-itch, soothing and nourishing properties
- Oat-based creams (Avena sativa) → anti-reddening and anti-itching properties
- Camphor (Cinnamomum Camphora) → anti-itching, analgesic (mild) and soothing properties
- Borage oil (Borago officinalis) → soothing, calming, anti-itching properties
The herbal medicine also offers a number of remedies indicated for to prevent mosquito bites. Among the most suitable plants for this purpose, there are:
- Geranium (Pelargonium) geraniol and citronellol extracted from this plant have 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 treatment
- Creams or ointments based on corticosteroids: they have 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 with a medical prescription
- To prevent mosquito bites, it is recommended to apply sprays, roll-ons, lotions, emulsions, creams, gels, tissues and sticks formulated with insect-repellent substances such as:
- methyl phthalate
- etohexadiol
- Diethyltoluamide or DEET (eg Autan)
Prevention
- Bring with you wipes or repellent sticks to apply on the skin during the summer season, before a walk outdoors
- Avoid walking near ponds and rivers: mosquitoes are in fact attracted to particularly humid areas
- Install mosquito nets on the windows to block the passage of mosquitoes into 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 human skin. Once approached to the light, the mosquitoes remain trapped there
- Environmental prevention against the reproduction of mosquitoes (disinfestation of mosquitoes)
- Small electric mosquito repellent ovens, equipped with repellent liquids or platelets that release insecticide molecules
- Turn on 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 bites in young children and the elderly, which are sometimes responsible for major allergic reactions. The 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 emergency services.
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