Insects are everywhere. You can’t avoid them and they have an amazing ability to adapt and survive in almost any environment from the cold northern states of America to the hot and desert dry or humid tropical climates of Africa, India and beyond. Some are benign, others are a downright nuisance and some are quite dangerous to health. The pesky mosquito belongs to the latter two categories. Not all of them are disease carrying and in this case the mosquito bite leads to an annoying and itchy local reaction, a red raised area on the skin that will settle down over time. Mosquito bite treatment is available as lotions, creams and medications to soothe the irritation.
Most of these bites will occur at sunset and in the evening so this would be the time to be extra vigilant. Only female mosquitoes bite and they are attracted to body heat, movement, the breath that we exhale and moisture. You can make use of sprays, repellants, nets, coils and other products designed to keep them at bay and to allow you a peaceful night’s sleep. You could also try wearing long sleeved tops and pants to cover your legs and taking vitamin B supplements which mosquitoes seem to have a distaste for.
However in some areas of the world the bloodsucking mosquito is downright dangerous and its bite is fatal, leading to many thousands of deaths each and every year from such diseases as malaria, yellow fever and dengue. Spraying repellants that contain DEET have been proven to be an effective preventative treatment but this need to be applied sparingly because otherwise the toxic effect of this chemical on humans may itself cause serious health problems. mosquito nets at night are also very effective and completely safe.
Prevention against malaria when travelling to malaria endemic areas is strongly advised and comprises taking specific medication such as chloroquin and quinine substances which must be begun some time before travel.
author: Abun J
See Mosquito Bite Treatment for all facts, advice and tips on mosquitoes and mosquito bite prevention and treatment.