Mosquito bites are caused only by the female mosquito. There are several factors that attract mosquitoes such as heat, body odor, sweat, light, carbon dioxide and lactic acid. When the mosquito lands on an area of the body, she inserts her proboscis into the skin. The saliva of a mosquito contains proteins which have anticoagulant properties. This prevents the human’s blood from clotting. The mosquito then sucks the blood into her stomach, until she is full. After the bite occurs, the saliva of the mosquito still remains in the area and the proteins present in it trigger an immune response in the body. This results in swelling and itching of the affected area. The swelling slowly subsides, but the itching may continue until the proteins are broken down by the immune cells.
Mosquito bites often cause a great deal of discomfort and irritation. Even though, the itching could be intense, it is advisable to refrain from scratching the area as it could lead to further aggravation and infection. When a mosquito bite occurs, one should wash the bitten area with water and a gentle soap. There are many lotions and ointments available over-the-counter which help to alleviate the itching. In most cases, medical attention is not required. However if certain symptoms such as nausea or dizziness occur, it could be indicative of an allergic reaction and in such cases it is advisable to consult a doctor.
There are many home remedies as well which help to relieve some of the discomfort arising from mosquito bites. One such common remedy is the use of baking soda. Add some water to a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and mix into a paste. Apply this over the affected areas for relief from itching. White vinegar may also be used to treat mosquito bites. It has disinfectant properties which help to ease swelling and itching. A few drops of white vinegar may be diluted with some water and applied to the bites using a cotton ball. Another effective remedy for mosquito bites is banana peel. The peel of a banana contains antioxidants and potassium which work well in reducing the discomfort caused by a mosquito bite. One can also rub a slice of lemon over the affected areas to prevent infection. A great herbal remedy for mosquito bites is tea tree oil. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps to fight infection as well as promote healing of the skin.