Mosquito bites can often prove to be dangerous, as they may be responsible for various diseases including malaria, dengue, chikungunia and even zika. Mosquitoes carry various pathogens and when they bite humans, they can transfer these diseases.
It is interesting to note that mosquitoes generally decide on their human victims depending of the smell of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other chemicals present in their sweat. The mouth of female mosquitoes is long and has tubular parts that help these insects to perforate the human skin and feed on their blood. As a mosquito bites, the insect injects its saliva into the human skin and then keeps siphoning the victim's blood. The saliva of a mosquito contains protein which causes allergic reactions in most people. As a result, your immune system becomes active, resulting in visible reddish bumps that are accompanied by itching.
Soon after a mosquito bites you, you will observe a round, swollen bump, possibly having a small mark in the middle. After a while, the bump will become reddish and firm with a little swelling. In fact, an individual may get more than one bite at about the same time. Generally, children have more potent reaction to mosquito bites compared to adults. In case your immune system is impaired, it is likely that you will experience even more severe reaction. Some people may even get hives, which is basically a big, red patch of swelling. In some cases, the sufferer may also have swollen lymph nodes.
A number of people may also experience a stinging sensation because the female mosquitoes penetrate the skin. The most bothersome symptom of a mosquito bite is, however, itching, which follows soon after. Nearly on all occasions, the reactions of a mosquito bite are somewhat mild and it disappears in just a few days. However, the reaction is likely to be more worrisome for children. Although rare, when a person develops severe allergic reactions following a mosquito bite, it may result in headache, body aches and even fever.
Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, mosquito bites can also spread a variety of diseases. When the saliva of mosquitoes comes in contact with a human's bloodstream, it offers an ideal condition for transmission of microbes and, thereby spread of diseases. Some of the diseases spread via mosquito bite include malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, yellow fever and the West Nile virus. The zika virus is also spread by mosquito bites.
However, the occurrence of the diseases discussed above is largely subject to geographic locations. Hence, when you are travelling, particularly to regions lying in the tropical belt, you should essentially visit a clinic before embarking on your journey. This will help you to know the threats you are likely to face from mosquito bites as well as from other insects in the region you are planning to visit. Moreover, as you will be well equipped against such threats, you will possibly not require any additional treatment for mosquito bites when you are actually bitten by an insect in your place of visit.
In case a mosquito bite victim experiences abnormal symptoms as many as five days after the bite, they will not benefit by undergoing the standard treatment. In such situations, the victims should visit a physician right away. In fact, unusual symptoms may include skin rashes, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle pains and even disorientation.
You should rinse the affected area using soap and warm water immediately after a mosquito bite. In case you have several mosquito bites, it is advisable that you apply anti-itch medications topically with a view to alleviate pain as well as itching. Applying an ice pack may also be effective in providing relive from acute itching caused by mosquito bites. If your child is struggling with itchy mosquito bites, ensure that his/ her fingernails are short. At the same time, advise them to refrain from scratching the itchy areas. Although severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites are rare, it is advisable that you check with your physician if you experience headaches, body aches or fever. It is possible that they are symptoms of any of the diseases borne by mosquitoes.
There are several ways to avoid or lessen mosquito bites. Below are some tips that may prove to be useful to you and others.
First and foremost, you should wear shirts having long sleeves, long trousers, socks, shoes and a hat when you are going outdoors. Moreover, you may also spray mosquito repellents on your clothing, as mosquitoes are capable of biting through thin clothing. In addition, it is advised that you use mosquito nets, especially when you are in a place having a high concentration of these insects.
You should also wear light colored clothes, as dark colored clothing usually draws more mosquitoes. Also refrain from wearing perfumed products, as perfumes and other aromatic substances attract mosquitoes. At the same time, try to avoid being outdoors during the early mornings and evenings, as these are the times when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. To get instant relief from the itching and pain caused by mosquito bites, it is advisable that you apply the Elma After Bite ointment, as it is effective in alleviating itching and swellings.
