HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Most people have been bitten by a mosquito in their lifetime, some more than others. Those annoying little critters leave people with numerous itchy bites, but in the process can infect the individual with diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus.

It seems some people are more susceptible to attracting mosquitos than others, but why do mosquito bites itch so much? Well when a mosquito lands on your skin to feed on your blood, it leaves behind proteins from its saliva. Your immune system perceives these proteins as a threat and releases histamine, the same response it has to allergens, to combat them. The outcome? Those intensely itchy bumps that compel you to scratch incessantly. Fortunately, there are methods to swiftly alleviate mosquito bites, and the irritation typically subsides within two to three days.

Fortunately, there are changes that people can make and advice that they can follow, to prevent or reduce the number of bites that they get.

1. Wear Light Coloured Clothing

A good trick is to opt for light-coloured clothing. Mosquitos are attracted to dark-coloured clothing, such as black and dark blue. This is because, during their most active time, dusk, dark coloured clothing actually provides a contrast in colours, meaning they are immediately attracted. By wearing lighter coloured clothing, neutral colours are recommended, mosquitos won't be stimulated. Bear in mind that bright colours could attract other insects such as wasps, so you may want to also avoid these.

2. Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is seen as the best way to stop mosquitos in their tracks. They are one of, if not the best solution. There are an array of products available to buy, but, it's important to remember some contain a pesticide known as DEET. If you are using a product that contains DEET, make sure you read the instructions before applying it. Insect repellents are extremely effective, but always remember to use it before you go outside and that you may need to reapply it throughout the day.

3. Avoid Dusk and Dawn

Most mosquitos are active at dusk and dawn. This is due to the temperature being cooler and there being less wind. When they're active, you're more likely to get bitten. So it may be a good idea to take extra care when venturing out during these times. You could plan activities for when mosquitos are less active to be on the safe side.

4. Choose Your Clothing Wisely

Mosquitos will bite any area that is exposed. One way to combat this is to wear clothes that leave fewer areas exposed as it will dramatically reduce the chances of you being bitten. Long-sleeved shirts, for example, will stop you from getting bitten on the arm. Warm climates and overdressing don't suit each other, but if you can protect yourself by wearing clothes and hence reducing the amount of exposed skin on show, you will inevitably be of less interest to mosquitos.

5. Get an Insect Net

Bug nets are excellent protection against bites when you're sleeping. They're purpose-made to stop mosquitos from penetrating the material, and you won't end up a victim of a nasty bite. With mosquitos being active more during dawn, you're more than likely going to be asleep. So a mosquito net is a good idea so you can sleep soundly, knowing you won't be waking up with itchy bites. If you're travelling abroad to somewhere where mosquitos are active, you can always ring ahead to make sure there is a mosquito net around the bed for example.

6. Use a Fan

Fans are a great way to keep mosquitos at bay. One of the reasons that they are more active during dawn and dusk is because the wind speed has dropped. Contrary to popular belief, these pesky critters aren't strong fliers. By using electric fans and using them properly, you'll be able to blow the mosquitos away. They will have no chance of battling against the fan's power to get close to you, and after a few attempts, they will eventually give up on the lost cause. Make sure to position them correctly so that they are blowing away from you for this to be an effective preventative tool.

7. Remove and Avoid Standing Water

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos, a real hotbed environment. They actually thrive off of it. By making sure there is no standing water close to your accommodation, for example, it will definitely make it less appealing for mosquitos to visit. It can be as simple as removing glasses and mugs that have water left in them. If you go to the beach for a day out, remember that you should clean everything fully, but don't leave any water behind in the buckets for example. Have a quick check around where you are for anything that holds water, if there is any, get rid of it. That way you'll prevent mosquitos from paying you an untimely visit.

Keep Your Skin Itch-Free

By adopting these seven tricks, hopefully, you'll keep the critters at bay and keep your skin free from itchy, red bites that keep you awake at night and scratching all day. Remember, if you do receive a bite, an anti-histamine is a must-have for your bag to relieve you from the itchiness and hopefully reduce the swelling.

Are you emitting too much CO2?

Jonathan Day Ph.D, a mosquito expert and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, states that mosquitos primarily seek carbon dioxide (CO2) to locate potential food sources. When your heart rate is elevated, your body generates more CO2. Whether it's due to exercise, alcohol consumption, or the consumption of spicy foods, any activity that boosts your metabolic rate will result in increased CO2 production, rendering you more appealing to mosquitoes, according to Day. Regrettably, factors such as being overweight or pregnant can also elevate your CO2 output.

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