That's why mosquito bites itch - simply explained
Mosquito bites, and above all the associated itching of the skin, are unpleasant side effects of mild summer nights. And as much as we hate mosquito bites, mosquitoes are an important part of our ecosystem.
Mosquito bite - that's why it itches
The mosquito bite is not painful at all. On the contrary: until we even notice that we have been stung, most of the mosquitoes have long been gone.
- After the mosquito has pierced the skin with its proboscis, the insect immediately injects a saliva secretion into the wound. On the one hand, this secretion prevents the blood from clotting and on the other hand it ensures that we usually do not notice anything about the bleeding. However, it is precisely this saliva secretion that later causes the mosquito bite to itch uncomfortably a short time later.
- Our body's immune system defends itself against foreign proteins by releasing histamines. At the same time, our body often reacts with swirling swellings, redness and the well-known itching sensation. As is known, you should not give in to this as far as possible, as this will further distribute the histamines on the skin. The risk that the inflammation focus will increase and the risk of infection will increase significantly.
- Of course, it's easy to talk or write about it theoretically, not scratching it, if you're not exposed to a mosquito bite that itches like a murder. We have also put together a few very practical tips on how to prevent the unpleasant itching of a mosquito bite.
Mosquitoes - that's why they bite us
Many bird species, bats feed on mosquitoes. Even amphibians, such as frogs, appreciate a snack of mosquitos in between. In contrast to us, for whom the society of the little pests is not really a pleasure.
- In the case of mosquito bites, however, the male insects are completely innocent. In fact, it is only the female mosquitoes that vampire-like take over our blood. However, at least from a mosquito perspective, for a good cause. The mosquito absolutely needs the blood for egg formation - and what you don't do for the offspring.
- The fact that the female mosquitoes pounce disproportionately on their female counterparts probably has nothing to do with women's solidarity. An essential factor that a mosquito chooses its victim for is body temperature. Since the body temperature in women is usually higher than in men, they are also pricked more often. The same applies to children, by the way. Mosquito bites are particularly unpleasant for babies.
- Another factor is probably body odor, although it is still not really clear which smell attracts insects. Quenching is said to be strong garlic smell for mosquitoes. However, it is questionable whether this is really true.
True to the motto "prevention is better than aftercare", we have put together a few tips that should help you to avoid mosquito bites from the outset.