Doctors explained the reasons for the increased interest of mosquitoes in some people

With the onset of the mosquito season, many people notice that insects bite some people much more often than others. According to doctors, the reason lies not only in blood type or body odor, but also in the peculiarities of metabolism, genetics, the composition of the skin microbiome and the immune system. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

How mosquitoes choose their prey

The attractiveness of humans to mosquitoes is largely determined by genetics. According to Natalia Berezkina, a pediatrician at the Atribyut clinic, studies show that 62-83% of the individual attractiveness for these insects is due to hereditary factors. Mosquitoes perceive humans as a source of heat and certain chemical signals, and the bite is the result of the body's coincidence with the biological mechanisms of the mosquito's prey search.

The specialist noted that people with a more active metabolism are of particular interest to bloodsuckers. These include athletes after intense physical exertion, pregnant women, and people with large bodies. They emit more heat and exhale more carbon dioxide, which serves as one of the main reference points for insects.

There is also a widespread opinion about the effect of blood type on the frequency of bites. According to some studies, people with the first blood type are indeed more likely to become the object of insect attention. However, experts emphasize that this factor is inferior in importance to the volume of exhaled carbon dioxide, the metabolic rate and the characteristics of the skin microbiome.

The body's reaction to bites

Asya Tkhakokhova, a dermatovenerologist at the Nouvelle clinic, explained that when bitten, a female mosquito injects saliva with anticoagulants into the skin, which causes an allergic reaction. Normally, an itchy papule appears on the body, but in some cases severe swelling or systemic reactions such as urticaria are possible. The risk group includes children whose immunity is not yet familiar with insect saliva proteins, and people with immunodeficiency.

The serious danger is not so much the bite itself as its combing. Damage to the skin opens the way for the penetration of bacteria and the development of infections, including streptoderma and staphylococcal skin lesions. Patients with diabetes mellitus and venous insufficiency, in whom bites can develop into ulcers, should be especially careful.

Methods of treatment and prevention

Berezkina noted that today medicine does not have reliable methods that can completely reduce the body's sensitivity to mosquito bites. Nevertheless, many people develop a natural tolerance to substances contained in insect saliva over time, and the severity of reactions gradually decreases.

If the bites were previously accompanied by severe allergic manifestations, doctors may recommend preventive use of antihistamines. However, the selection of a treatment regimen should be carried out individually after consultation with a specialist.

In turn, Thakokhova recommended using cold compresses to relieve symptoms after a bite, which reduce swelling and itching, as well as special antipruritic gels. If necessary, second-generation antihistamines can be used.

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Doctors reassured that the disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Berezkina emphasizes that any preventive and treatment measures should take into account the characteristics of a particular patient.

Experts also do not recommend treating open combed wounds with alcohol tinctures, as they dry out the skin and increase irritation. If the blister persists for more than two days, increases in size, suppuration appears or body temperature rises, it is necessary to seek medical help. Such symptoms may indicate an infection or the development of a severe allergic reaction.