The stings of mosquito they are one of the greatest inconveniences that characterize the summer period; most of these insects are essentially harmless, except for specimens that are potentially hazardous to human health (such as, for example, the tiger mosquito).
When you are bitten by a mosquito, the body immediately activates its own immune defenses, by releasing histamine from the mast cells. This substance concentrates in the area of the puncture, causing dilation of the blood vessels present; the defensive reaction manifests itself locally in the form of redness and swelling of the area where the insect has buried its proboscis in the skin.
Adverse allergic reactions can also arise from a mosquito bite; although this is a rather rare possibility, it is still good not to underestimate this possibility, especially with regard to children. These reactions can manifest themselves through extensive and stinging skin lesions (wheals) while the most serious case is represented by a possible anaphylactic shock.
False remedies for mosquito bites
The remedies, of natural and non-natural origin, proposed to keep mosquitoes away and avoid being bitten are many; however, many are based on fundamentally flawed principles. It is not true, for example, that mosquitoes are attracted to light as well as some aromatic herbs (basil, thyme, mint, rosemary, lemon and cloves) have a particular repellent power on them.
MosquitosIn fact, they are attracted to the concentration of cholesterol present in the bloodstream and some substances found in sweat. Consequently, to avoid suffering the bites of these insects, it is advisable to put into practice a series of targeted measures.
Useful tips to avoid getting stung
Now let's see what to do to keep mosquitoes away and decrease the chances of being bitten. The main countermeasures to be implemented are:
- install mosquito nets on the windows (if the fixtures do not have them);
- avoid water stagnation; mosquitoes tend to deposit their eggs where water stagnates. It is therefore necessary to pay close attention to the drainage of saucers and always keep watering cans and other containers empty and dry;
- use specific mosquito repellents, both on the skin and on clothing. Products of this kind can also be easily purchased through online pharmacies such as Antica Farmacia Orlandi;
- keep particularly sweet foods and drinks away;
- if present in the vicinity of the house, remove nests of wasps, bees and hornets; this kind of operations must be entrusted to specialized technical personnel;
- use citronella candles; the advice is to place them on the windowsills or along the perimeter of balconies and verandas;
- take care of personal hygiene; if necessary, take a shower even more than once a day;
- reduce the consumption of sweet and alcoholic beverages and spicy foods; on the other hand, it is preferable to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables, to increase the intake of vitamins.
How to choose mosquito repellents
On the market there is a wide variety of products, especially in spray format, with an anti-mosquito repellent action. To identify the best and most effective, however, it is good practice to pay attention to some aspects; specifically, i should be preferred products registered as Medical Surgical Devices (PMC) and those that contain one of the active ingredients of proven efficacy ie diethyltoluamide (DEET), Icaridin (KBR 3023), ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) or Paramatandiol (PMD or Citrodiol).
If you want to opt for natural formulations, these must also be registered as PMC or 'biocide'; the products that guarantee an effective repellent action are those based on geraniol and eucalyptus. Others, containing lemongrass, cloves and other elements of natural origin, although widespread, do not guarantee the same effectiveness which, in turn, also depends on the concentration of active ingredient within them.
