Mosquito Bites

The first sign of a mosquito bite appears innocent enough. Relatively painless, mosquitoes lightly prick the skin, often so lightly you can hardly feel it. Later, as the swelling at the bite scene takes place, mosquito bites can turn even the most calm and collected person into an itchy, uncontrollable mess.

Over the counter remedies at hand, victims aim to fight the symptoms of the bite. What is it about mosquito bites that can keep even the most active outdoorsmen seeking cover come dawn and dusk? And what, if anything, can be done to prevent their brutal bites?

Get to Know Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are flying insects with very delicate body features. Their wings are light and billowy, and their legs are long and spindly. Equipped with piercing mouthparts, it is the female mosquito that is a force to be reckoned with, as she possesses the blood sucking habits associated with the insect.

Male mosquitoes get their nutritional needs from plant nectar, whereas the female mosquitoes rely on blood protein so they can mature their eggs and carry on the reproductive life cycle of the insect.

When a female mosquito takes the first stab at the flesh of a human, she injects her saliva into the skin along with anticoagulants, digestive fluids and enzymes. Along with the saliva passed into the body, mosquito bites also carry major blood borne illnesses from one victim to another. Mosquitoes have been known to spread fatal illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and many other serious diseases. Although adults fall prey to mosquitoes, young children and babies are most often the victims of mosquito bites. When paired with the dangerous blood borne illnesses that may be transmitted, it makes sense to protect yourself and loved ones from the bite of this dangerous insect.

Taking Cover

Mosquitoes naturally flock to things that resemble nectar or flesh. To avoid attracting mosquitoes, wear light colored clothing when outdoors, as bright or floral prints tend to trigger mosquito attacks. Avoid the use of perfumes, body lotions and scented shampoos prior to heading outdoors. In addition, many people avoid being outside from dusk to dawn, when female mosquitoes are active and seeking their next blood sucking meal.

Why They Itch

Usually mosquito bites don’t itch the first time a person has been bitten. Subsequent bitings, which carry an abundance of foreign proteins into the body, are usually the cause of red, swollen, and itchy bumps within 24 hours. In the case of a mosquito attack, many bites will follow the first and swollen hives or a wheal may begin to develop within minutes of the bites.

On a hopeful note, some people develop an immunity to the saliva and enzymes injected into the skin and may withstand regular biting without the itchy bumps that are common and expected with this insect. Others may develop severe allergies that need special treatment.

Treating Bites

There are several over the counter itch remedies that may curb the itching associated with the bite until it naturally heals. For those suffering extreme cases of itching or swelling, a physician’s visit may be in order.

For prevention, remember to cover up whenever you’re outdoors between dusk and dawn and protect yourself with an insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET. Citronella candles tend to ward off mosquitoes in small outdoor spaces. It is important to avoid scratching mosquito bites to prevent infection and added misery. With knowledge at hand and proper prevention and treatment, most people can enjoy the outdoors without fear of mosquito bites.