What Do Mosquitoes Bite With?
WouterHaving an itch after a mosquito bite is normal. It’s a sign that your immune system is reacting to a foreign protein. Usually, the itch will go away after a few days.
A few people experience a more serious reaction to a mosquito bite. They may have blisters, hives, or anaphylaxis. If your child experiences these symptoms, it’s important to take him or her to the doctor.
Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile viruses. These viruses spread when Aedes mosquitoes bite people during the day.
Pregnant women can attract twice as many mosquito bites as other people. The reason is that pregnancy increases the amount of carbon dioxide that is exhaled by the body. As a result, pregnant women are 1.26 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than non-pregnant women.
The female mosquitoes that bite humans use a special mouthpart to pierce the skin. This mouthpart is called a maximillae. It is a small, serrated structure.
When a female mosquito bites, she is trying to get a blood meal. Without a blood meal, the mosquito cannot produce eggs. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from this painful reaction.
You can apply Benadryl to your bite for relief. This medication is available without a prescription.
Several over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to relieve itching. These include a baking soda and water paste, a 1% hydrocortisone cream, and a topical anti-itch medication.
If you have a severe reaction to a mosquito bite, you might need to go to the emergency room. This type of reaction can be life-threatening.
