Are you the target of mosquitoes? Find out how to avoid them

The female insect is producing bites and introduces certain chemicals to promote absorption of proteins of the blood it needs for the development of their eggs and continue their reproductive cycle. Mouthparts have to make small holes in the skin that have no males. By biting and secrete saliva emit a substance that causes a chemical reaction in the individual different intensity, which also depends on your predisposition.

Who do mosquitoes bite?

There is individual susceptibility to mosquito bites. These bite in relation to a number of factors such as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by breathing, lactic acid (it is removed by sweating during exercise), the color of the skin.

In addition to individual predisposition, there is a difference in intensity of responses to bites. Thus, there are banal reactions with the appearance of a point sting to generalized reactions that can be serious, and are known as anaphylactic reactions.

The most common is a wheal or wheal, reddish and high color, appears accompanied by itching. One of the complications that can occur frequently, especially if the lesions are scraped, are secondary infections by bacteria.

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes

The main serious disease by the bite of mosquitoes are malaria (Asia, Africa, Central America and South America), Yellow Fever (Africa and South America), Dengue (tropics and subtropics) and Virus West Nile virus as well as topical as Zika.

The mosquito population we have in Spain fortunately is not like other regions such as Asia, Africa or South America, where they can transmit serious diseases. In our area , generally produce only a local and limited involvement.

anti - mosquito measures

Mosquito repellent

Repellents are products which, applied to the skin, are used to prevent the approach of mosquitoes that can bite humans. Ideal repellent characteristics are: high efficiency over a large number of species of mosquitoes, low toxicity both topical and systemic, long persistence of action, few interactions, ease of application, not stain the skin or clothing and a low price.

There is no repellent that completely fulfills all these features.

Remember that repellents do not kill the insect, just keep it away from the area where it has been applied. Generally they provide protection of 4 to 8 hours after application. In the market we will find different formulations (lotions, milks, sprays, roll-on, stick, wipes, etc.), some with a single active ingredient, others combine several at once.

The most common components repellents are DEET, Picaridin, Citronella, Eucalyptus derivatives, aminopropionate (widely used in formulations for children), among others.

Other preventive measure against mosquito bites are the use of long clothing that covers the skin in the spring and summer mosquito nets.

mosquito repellent bracelets

The antipicaduras bracelets that have appeared in recent years on the market carry in their repellent interior, the most common of which is the citronella. Currently they have not demonstrated sufficient scientific evidence as to its effectiveness, being the most effective repellents are applied directly to the skin.

Treatment for insect bites

Once it occurred the insect bite cold application can be useful in introducing an anti - inflammatory effect. If the reactions are more intense than normal, you can also be used an antihistamine drug -by means orally to block the action of histamine and inflammation, thereby decreased itching be obtained.

It is effective also apply topical corticosteroid with anti - inflammatory effects locally.