These dipteran arthropods can be seen on any continent, the only exception being Antarctica, where they cannot survive due to the low temperature. This class of insects has more than 3,000 species, 100 of which can be found in our country. With the development of transport links between continents, many species of insects successfully migrate, carrying with them diseases and infections that are not typical for certain latitudes. The appearance of mosquitoes in an apartment is due to the fact that some representatives of this class feed on the blood of warm-blooded creatures. Even one flying arthropod can cause a lot of trouble and cause the development of serious diseases.
Symptoms
A person rarely notices the moment of the bite, despite the fact that the blood-sucking insect makes a nasty squeak. Mosquito bites appear within a few seconds, and the following symptoms are observed:
- Itching in the affected area;
- The skin in the area of the bite swells;
- Redness appears.
In appearance, a mosquito bite looks like a small blister with a bright tint in the center. The area near the affected area becomes slightly inflamed. The mosquito is not poisonous, so it is impossible to get poisoned. Then the question arises, why does a mosquito bite itch? The fact is that insect saliva contains enzymatic elements that prevent blood clotting. Because of this, local allergic reactions are observed, causing unbearable itching.
The site of a mosquito bite is easy to detect visually. In addition, tingling and redness of the skin is noticed almost immediately. The area immediately begins to itch very much, however, you should not scratch it, as this will cause increased swelling.
Antihistamines
So what should you do if you are bitten by a mosquito? The most optimal solution in this situation is to use antihistamines. To make red spots from insects go away faster, it is best to use this particular group of drugs. The fact is that very often children, due to the characteristics of their body, may experience acute reactions to the bites of various parasites. Therefore, it is advisable that in every child’s home there is a special ointment that will alleviate the baby’s condition in a short period of time.
Of course, if adults often encounter this, then they will always keep antihistamines at home and also take them with them on vacation. An acute reaction to such an irritant is not uncommon, so you need to immediately know how to remove hyperemia. As practice has shown, antihistamines have a better effect than conventional ointments that cool the skin.
Possible complications
It is better to avoid mosquito bites; for this you need to use special protective equipment. If you are still bitten by mosquitoes, complications may arise:
- Allergic reactions. Allergies can occur in both adults and children. It is expressed in the form of severe redness of the damaged area of the skin, increased body temperature, and headache. Allergies also include severe runny nose, cough, malaise, and nausea. In severe cases, severe itching occurs, as well as swelling spreading not only at the site of the bite, but throughout the entire body. When allergic reactions occur, the question arises of how to treat. To relieve symptoms, you need to take an antihistamine and protect the skin from subsequent damage by blood-sucking insects.
- The appearance of diseases. Mosquitoes can carry various types of diseases. Thus, the malarial species is considered a carrier of viral and parasitic diseases. Mosquitoes living in the southern regions of Russia exclusively transmit malaria. The difficulty of treating the disease is that symptoms can appear after six months. To avoid serious problems, a person, before going outside, must think about how to protect the skin from bites. This could include barrier creams and sprays or light, long sleeves and pants.
Types of mosquitoes common in the CIS
Mosquitoes belong to the Diptera family; there are more than three thousand species of these blood-sucking insects in the world, and not all of them live in our regions. The most popular species found here are four types of mosquitoes.
culex
Culexes. Or the mosquitoes are real. The same individuals that do not allow us to sleep peacefully. This species is distributed throughout the world; people are more familiar with the small brown culex than with other blood-sucking insects.
biters
Biters. A tropical and subtropical insect that loves to live near people. Biters are distinguished from their “brothers” by white specks on their black body and legs. Some subspecies of this variety carry infections.
Anopheles
Anopheles. Well-known malarial mosquitoes, distributed throughout the world, except in regions with harsh climates (for example, Antarctica). This is a dangerous species for humans, since Anopheles are carriers of Plasmodium parasites.
karamory
Karamora. Or long-legged mosquitoes. Due to their large size and frightening appearance, many are afraid of these insects, often mistaking them for malaria mosquitoes. However, they are safe for humans, since caramoras feed only on plant nectar.
Necessary actions
If a person is bitten by a mosquito, what should be done to relieve the itching or an allergic reaction? There are several ways to treat the affected area of the skin:
- Pharmacy methods;
- Essential oils;
- Folk recipes.
Each method is effective; the drugs can reduce irritation so that the bite site does not itch.
Pharmacy methods
You can cure mosquito bites with the help of pharmaceutical products. They are considered the most effective and efficient. Ready-made formulations contain the necessary elements that soothe the skin. But, before you get results, you should stop scratching the area, as this can only worsen the situation.
First of all, the bite site should be washed with warm water and blotted with a paper towel. Scratching is strictly prohibited, as the skin will become redder and the area of irritation will increase. After the initial treatment, apply special medicinal products.
What to put on mosquito bites? It is best to use an ointment or gel, since they contain a fatty component that allows the drug to remain on the skin for a long time. In addition, it is better to choose drugs that have a complex effect, so that they not only relieve the allergic reaction, but also moisturize and restore the skin.
Popular remedies for mosquito bites:
- Balm Zvezdochka (the drug should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area, with soft and smooth movements);
- Ointment Rescuer (relieves inflammation, removes swelling, can be used when the affected area is combed);
- Gistan cream (contains plant substances, is used to relieve allergic reactions, quickly and effectively relieves redness and swelling);
- Vitaon balm (used for babies, contains only herbal ingredients, quickly relieves itching and redness);
- Zelenka (promotes rapid healing of the wound).
A person should know how to treat mosquito bites to avoid complications. In addition, when traveling outdoors with children, you should always have a supply of specialized products to relieve the initial symptoms.
Essential oils
You can use essential oils for mosquito bites at home. Oil from tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender perfectly eliminates any redness, while having a soothing effect on the skin. The components of the product have disinfecting properties, so you don’t have to worry about the occurrence of infections.
It is necessary to apply essential oil in a small amount, a couple of drops is enough, and gently rub into the problem area with gentle movements so as not to increase swelling. The effect of the drug lasts for a long time.
Folk recipes
There are not always medications at home that relieve pain from bites. The question arises, what to do to prevent itching from mosquitoes. In this case, you can use folk remedies:
- Alcohol. For mosquito bites, to prevent the area from itching, you can use ammonia. The components of the drug quickly relieve irritation and prevent infection. It is not difficult to prepare the product; you need to dilute a small amount of alcohol with warm water, soak a piece of cloth, and apply it to the affected area. This method should not be used for children under 3 years of age, as they have sensitive skin and ammonia can corrode it. You can use rubbing alcohol for bites. To do this, dip a small piece of cotton wool in the solution and gently apply it to the skin area. Rubbing alcohol will help prevent infection, as well as infection from a mosquito bite.
- Soda. For mosquito bites, you can use baking soda. To do this, take three teaspoons of the product, dilute it with a spoon of water, and apply the resulting slurry in a thin layer to the affected area. After drying, rinse with water. Irritation decreases, itching stops, redness goes away. The method is approved for pregnant women.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice helps get rid of mosquito bites at home. To do this, apply a small amount to the affected area; the components relieve irritation and kill pathogenic microflora on the skin. It is allowed to use lime instead of lemon. It is prohibited to use lemon juice in direct sunlight as it may cause burns.
- Ice. Ice will help remove red spots from insect bites. Rub a small piece onto the affected area, the irritation will go away soon.
If you don’t have special products at home, it’s worth remembering what to apply to mosquito bites, using homemade recipes. They are also effective, will help relieve irritation, and destroy pathogenic microflora.
Mosquito repellents
There are many ways to protect yourself from attacks by blood-sucking insects. The choice of mosquito repellent should be based on the location where it will be used. Of the most basic methods of combating “bloodsuckers,” these seven are the most widely used.
mosquito net against mosquitoes
Mosquito net. On stuffy evenings, it is impossible to ventilate the room without letting mosquitoes in. And special nets leave no chance for insects to enter your home. In extreme cases, a piece of gauze can replace the mesh.
repellent
Repellents. Electrical devices that disinfect a room from mosquitoes using a toxic volatile substance in the form of liquid, tablets or plates. The most popular repellents are “Raid”, “Raptor” and “Veles”.
fumigator against mosquitoes
Fumigators. They work on the same principle, but not with electricity. They need to be set on fire and extinguished almost immediately so that smoke comes out. It will smoke the room, paralyzing mosquitoes. The best products are “Dust”, “Pierce” and “Fumitox”.
ultrasound against mosquitoes
Ultrasound. An electrical device that acts on the nerve cells of annoying insects with single-tone signals. The human ear cannot hear this sound, but it is destructive for mosquitoes. The device is absolutely safe and has no contraindications.
aerosol
Aerosols. As well as emulsions and balms that are applied to the skin. For mosquitoes and midges, such products emit unpleasant odors, preventing them from flying close. Ideal for open areas, especially Off, Taiga and Picnic.
mosquito trap
Traps. The operating principle of the device is an ultraviolet lamp that attracts mosquitoes. They are then either sucked into the container or electrocuted. There are many models of structures, but the actions of all traps are similar.
anti-mosquito bracer
Bracelets. A new product that appeared not so long ago, but has already gained popularity. These bracelets are made from silicone and then soaked in oil, which repels mosquitoes. These products are stylized as a watch strap and have a pleasant appearance. But one bracelet is enough, alas, for only a week.
What not to do if you get a mosquito bite
Why shouldn't you scratch mosquito bites? This results in itching or severe irritation that can spread throughout the body. In addition, if the area of inflammation is damaged, an infection can be introduced, which will lead to the development of serious diseases. It happens that a mosquito bite hurts, a person cannot bear it, and scratches the skin violently. The result is scars that last a lifetime.
What not to apply on mosquito bites:
- Fat cream. The cosmetic product will not be beneficial and will not relieve itching and redness. The fatty component, on the contrary, can contribute to blockage of the subcutaneous layer, resulting in the area becoming more inflamed.
- Iodine. When mosquitoes bite, the affected area should not be smeared with iodine. It is completely useless, does not stop inflammatory processes, and does not have a disinfecting effect.
- Potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate is not suitable for lotions because it causes chemical burns. In addition, its presence on the skin should be minimal.
- Soap. Some sources claim that soap is effective for bites. This is wrong. It is of no benefit and has no effect on the skin at the site of the lesion.
Everyone should understand what not to do if bitten by a mosquito. If used incorrectly, serious consequences can occur.
Bites of wasps, bees, hornets
Bee, wasp and hornet stings very often lead to the development of a serious allergic reaction. Sad statistics say that 3 times more people die from bee attacks than from poisonous snakes - about 500 insect bites are fatal to humans, and for some people with an allergy to bees, one or two are enough.
These representatives of insects “bite” in a special way, inserting a sting with poison into the human skin. Hymenoptera venoms are much more toxic than the venoms of midges and mosquitoes; a response always develops, but in each person it has a different degree of severity.
Comparative characteristics of insects
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| Aggressiveness | Average | High | Low |
| Sting | Serrated (remains in the skin) | Smooth, does not stay in the skin | Smooth, does not stay in the skin |
| Effect of poison | Destroys red blood cells, stimulates nerve structures, increases motor activity and vascular permeability, causes swelling, redness, pain and inflammation | Dilates blood vessels, causes pain and inflammation, redness promotes hemolysis of red blood cells, contracts smooth muscles | |
| Insect Feature | Dies after being bitten | They can bite repeatedly, but do not die after being bitten. | |
| Cause of death of a person | Stopping the respiratory center | Cardiac arrest, suffocation | |
Symptoms:
| LOCAL REACTION (usually for 1-2 bites) | GENERAL REACTION (multiple bites) | FEATURES OF BITES OF THE FACE AND HEAD |
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When urgent medical attention is required
Few people understand how dangerous mosquitoes are. In fact, small blood-sucking insects can create serious problems for a person, which can only be solved with the help of a specialist. It is known that only female mosquitoes bite, however, this does not change the occurrence of serious consequences for which it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor:
- Swelling of the airways;
- Malaise;
- Acute allergies;
- A large number of female bites on the child’s skin;
- Discharge of pus at the site of the lesion.
If symptoms appear, you should not think about what to apply to a mosquito bite; you should immediately go to the doctor for professional help.
Preventing mosquito bites
In order not to think about how dangerous a mosquito is to your health, it is better to protect yourself from its attack. How to avoid mosquito bites:
- Wearing clothes with tight-fitting sleeves;
- The use of special creams and gels while outdoors;
- Installing a mosquito net on the windows or in the baby's stroller;
- Avoid walking in places of high humidity and high mosquito activity;
- Take care of hand hygiene, trim your nails, and keep the area underneath clean, because when itching, you can scratch the area, and if there is dirt under the nails, it will lead to infection.
The most important thing is health, so you shouldn’t tempt fate, it’s better to protect your body from possible danger.
Subsequent treatment
After mosquito bites there may be consequences that require treatment: • If allergies occur, use Finistil gel, it relieves irritation, reduces the content of allergens in the body;
- Tsindol cream is used for severe scratching of the affected area, the components contribute to the rapid healing of the wound;
- Rescue ointment removes inflammation, relieves redness, and also soothes the skin and prevents the appearance of scars after strong scratching.
In any case, if pain or severe redness occurs, you should seek medical help to avoid serious consequences.
Blood-sucking insects always bring discomfort during outdoor recreation. In addition to the damage, a person hears their disgusting squeak. To avoid this, it is better to use special repellents that drive away insects with a spreading odor. If lesions appear that only occur after female mosquitoes, take possible measures to reduce inflammation. In serious cases, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
