Mosquito bites are one of the annoying things we experience. That is why we really need to know the best ways of preventing mosquito bites. Other than the little prick we feel when mosquitos bite, it also leaves a red bump on our skin which eventually becomes itchy. When you get bitten by a mosquito then you start scratching, did it ever crossed your mind why mosquito bites itch?
Why Only Female Mosquitoes Bite
Only the female mosquitoes bite because they use blood to make eggs. There are a few things that happen when a mosquito bites you. First, it uses all its feeding stylets to prick your skin. These styles include a pair of maxillae and a pair of mandibles.
After piercing through your skin, it will search for a blood vessel and will start draining it off. Though mosquitoes are small, they are able to suck forcefully which can make the tiny blood vessels collapse or rupture. While mosquitoes suck your blood, their saliva is pumped into your body.
The Role of Mosquito Saliva
Mosquitoes’ saliva acts as an anticoagulant. It helps prevent your blood from clotting on the spot where you are bitten. It also helps mosquitoes to feed quickly before you notice them stealing your blood. Specifically, saliva is the main reason why mosquito bites itch. You get an allergic reaction from it which results in an itchy bump on your skin.
What Happens in Your Body
How does mosquitoes’ saliva make our skin itch? Their saliva contains proteins and enzymes which bypass our bodies’ natural coagulation system resulting in an allergic reaction to our body. Our body’s immune system releases histamines which respond to these allergens.
According to some scientists, the first mosquito bites we receive introduced the allergens to our body which made us sensitive to the components of the mosquito’s saliva. This causes our body to send immunoglobulins to the mosquito bite. Immunoglobulins are responsible for breaking down tissues and mast cells which release histamines that cause our skin to itch.
Mast cells are helpful in healing wounds, however, they can cause allergic reactions and inflammations. These histamines, on the other hand, can be combatted with antihistamines which stop the itching.
The Problem with Scratching
Knowing why mosquito bites itch, however, will not stop us from scratching once it becomes itchy. Though, scratching these bites will make them become itchier and might lead to breaking the skin. When the skin breaks, dirt and other contaminants might enter the wound and might cause infection. If you can’t stand the annoying itchy feeling on your skin,
How to Stop the Itch
If you’re struggling with itchy mosquito bites, here are some ways to find relief:
Let It Heal Naturally
Try not to scratch. Let the bite heal on its own. Focus on other activities to distract yourself from the urge to itch.
Clean the Area
As soon as you notice a bite, clean the area. This helps prevent infection and speeds up healing. Use baby wipes or a small amount of alcohol, but don’t overdo it to avoid irritating your skin.
Use Itch Creams
Over-the-counter antihistamine creams or lotions can help reduce itching and swelling. These are easy to find in pharmacies.
Apply Honey
Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can soothe inflammation and promote healing. However, don’t use it outdoors—it may attract more mosquitoes.
Take an Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties that help with itching and allergic reactions. You can add it to a warm bath or make a paste to apply directly to the bite. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Moisturize afterward.
What to Avoid
Some home remedies might sound helpful but can worsen irritation. Avoid applying:
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Baking soda
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Lemon or lime juice
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Toothpaste
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Vinegar
These can dry out or irritate your skin further.
How Long Do Bites Last?
Mosquito bites can last for a few hours up to a few days. The length of time can vary depending on the size of the bite, and the immune system of the person bitten. Some people who have sensitive skins may also notice some small dark marks left on their skin once the itching subsides. To avoid these, try using creams with vitamin C or E.
More Than Just Itching: Disease Risk
Besides being itchy, mosquito bites can carry serious health risks. Mosquitoes are known to transmit several diseases, including:
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Malaria
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Dengue
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Chikungunya
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Encephalitis
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Yellow fever
This makes prevention even more important.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
It’s kind of tough to stop mosquito bites from itching. That’s why preventing to be bitten is one of the best ways to avoid it. One great way is using insect repellants especially when you are traveling to different places.
If you have noticed that there are lots of mosquitoes at home, spray some Stop The Bites mosquito repellant around your surroundings. You can also limit the risk of mosquito bites by avoiding being exposed to the things that attract them such as, sweat and body odor, heat, dirty places, lactic acid, and carbon dioxide.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know why mosquito bites itch and how to deal with them, you can be better prepared during mosquito season. Practice good hygiene, avoid scratching, and use proven remedies to reduce discomfort. Better yet, take steps to reduce mosquito populations in your surroundings—like cleaning up standing water and using repellents—so you can enjoy the outdoors itch-free.