Does a mosquito just scratch its belly? What you need to know about mosquito bites!

When it rains a little, especially in the evening, mosquitoes come out in droves, right? This can be a real nuisance in a house with small children. You might think that a mosquito bite is nothing more than a little itch. But this little insect can be more dangerous than we think. So today, let's talk about all about these mosquito bites.

Why do these mosquitoes bite us?

It's very simple. Only female mosquitoes bite us. Male mosquitoes live by drinking things like nectar. But female mosquitoes need the protein in our blood to develop their eggs. That means they bite us to breed their young.

These mosquitoes lay their eggs in clean, stagnant water. Look around our homes. They can lay their eggs in even the smallest puddles of standing water, such as coconut shells, old tires, yogurt cups, saucers under flower pots, water tanks, and rain gutters.

What really happens when a mosquito bites? Why does it itch so much?

Mosquitoes have a long, needle-like snout. We call it a ``proboscis.'' When a mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin with that snout and sucks your blood. But as it sucks blood, it injects some of its saliva into your blood.

This is when our body comes into play. Our immune system treats the mosquito's saliva as a foreign invader, an allergen to be precise. So our body releases a chemical called histamine to fight the invader. This histamine is what causes the area where the mosquito bit us to swell, become red, and itch unbearably.

A small bite, but a big illness! Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes

The biggest danger of mosquito bites is that they are "vectors" that transmit diseases. When a mosquito bites a sick person and then bites a healthy person, the disease germs from the sick person's body are transferred to the healthy person's body.

Another dangerous thing is that mosquitoes do not drink blood from one person until they are full. They drink blood from several people in small amounts. This is called `(sip feeding)`. Because of this, there is a high chance that a single patient will spread the disease to several people very quickly.

In addition to the well-known dengue fever in Sri Lanka, there are several dangerous diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

How to reduce itching? What should you do?

The first and most important thing to do is not to scratch the itch, no matter how much it itches. When you scratch, you can damage the skin and cause bacterial infections. If you do, the wound will fester and become a bigger problem.

Try these simple things to reduce itching:

• Apply ice: Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on the bite for about 10 minutes. This will reduce both swelling and itching.
• Aloe Vera: Apply a small amount of aloe vera directly to the area. Its natural properties help reduce itching and pain.
• Honey: Apply some pure honey to the area. Honey can also prevent infection and reduce swelling.
• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste and apply it to the affected area. Rinse after a few minutes.
• Medicated creams: You can ask a doctor for an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching. But do not use anything without medical advice.

Most importantly: How to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

Prevention is better than cure. So, be sure to do these things to avoid mosquitoes.

• Keep your surroundings clean: Walk around your house at least once a week to check for standing water. Remove things like coconut shells, tires, yogurt cups, etc. Clean gutters and tanks.
• Use mosquito nets: It is very safe to use a mosquito net, especially when small children are sleeping.
• Dress appropriately: If you are going out in the evening, wear light-colored, thick clothing that covers your body well. Mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics.
• Install screens on doors and windows: If possible, installing screens on doors and windows can go a long way in preventing mosquitoes from entering the house.
• Use mosquito repellents: If you use a skin-based mosquito repellent, choose a good quality one that contains DEET. But ask a doctor before using it on young children.
• Be careful in the morning and evening: Dengue mosquitoes are most active in the morning and evening. Minimize your time outdoors during these times.

When should I see a doctor immediately?

Usually, the swelling and itching from a mosquito bite will go away within a few days. However, if you have these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

• If symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting occur within a few days of being bitten by a mosquito (these could be symptoms of a disease such as dengue).
• If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, hives, or fainting, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
• If the mosquito bite becomes redder, more swollen, more painful, or pus-like after a few days (it could be a bacterial infection).