Ten Tips For Avoiding And Treating Mosquito Bites

Mosquito Bites Aren't Just Itchy

In much of the world, spring and summer are the height of mosquito season, although in the tropics it is mosquito season all year around. While we usually think of mosquitoes as the bearers of yellow fever and malaria, two diseases that have been largely eradicated in the developed world (although they are making a comeback), the fact is there are many new infectious conditions that mosquitoes spread.

Every year, epidemiologists estimate, over 700 million people worldwide are infected with diseases carried by mosquitoes, resulting in over 4 million deaths. Here are some of the most important mosquito-borne conditions and how to recognize their symptoms.

• Malaria kills over 3 million people a year. Occasionally striking tourists who do not take appropriate precautions while visiting the tropics, malaria causes anemia and "tidal fevers" that can continue for a lifetime. The condition can also cause anemia and flu-like symptoms, and when there is a secondary infection, the fever may not "ebb and flow" like the classic tidal fever. The disease develops severe weeks after the mosquito bite.
• West Nile virus infects nearly 50% of Egyptians who live in the Nile River valley. First appearing in the United States in 2002, it is now found in the entire United States except Hawaii. While most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, very young children and very elderly seniors may develop flu-like symptoms and flaccid paralysis, in which muscles can be moved passively but they do not respond to the central nervous system.
• Dengue fever, also known as "break bone fever" is a mosquito-born viral infection that is endemic in the tropics but that has spread to extreme South Texas and Arizona in the United States. Causing an unmistakable "saddle back" rash 3 or 4 days after infection, it also causes severe joint pain, extreme headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Mosquitoes bite humans to feed on their blood. During the day, mosquitoes locate their human meals by detecting movement, especially when people are wearing dark clothing. At night, mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide, especially from heavy breathing, up to 100 feet (30 meters) away. Body odors that are unpleasant to humans also attract mosquitoes, as does beverage alcohol, as if mosquitoes preferred an after-dinner drink with their meal. People who are infected with malaria, ironically, attract more mosquitoes.

There are literally hundreds of products on the market designed to repel mosquitoes. In the United States, nearly 30% of the population uses some formulation of N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, also known as DEET. DEET is available in sprays, creams, towelettes, and pump sprays. It is marketed under the brand names OFF!, Ben's, Cutter, Repel, and many more.

There are problems with most DEET products. Even slight physical activity makes DEET up to 40% less effective. Using both DEET and a sunscreen makes the sunscreen up to 30% less effective. DEET can stain clothes and ruin contact lenses. DEET only works if it is sprayed or spread across the skin. Applying DDET to clothing or wearing a wristband or headband soaked in DEET has no effect on mosquitoes at all.

There are many alternatives, however, to the use of DEET.

What to Do If You Don't Want to Use DEET

You don't have to slather yourself with DEET to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some simple suggestions that work.

1. Citronella is a natural mosquito repellant extracted from the lemongrass plants Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. It's found in products such as Buzz Away, Green Armor, Herb Away, and Natrapel. It's also used to make mosquito-repellant candles. Citronella has to be applied more often than DEET, up to once an hour.

2. A eucalyptus extract called PMD is the main ingredient in OFF! Botanical and Repel Oil of Eucalyptus Repellant as well as several other products. This herb extract has been tested and found as effective as a 20% solution of DEET for up to six hours. PMD can cause eye irritation if it is squirted into the eyes, so use it with care around children.

3. Soybean oil, geranium oil, and coconut oil are used to make a product called Blocker. It protects against mosquitoes for up to 5 hours, but it is especially useful for protecting against blackflies, keeping them away for up to 10 hours.

4. Sweden has fierce summertime mosquitoes, and also produces some extremely effective natural mosquito repellants. Products such as MaxMedica MyggA RollOn and MaxMedica MyggA Spray offer DEET-free mosquito protection that works as well as DEET or a little better, and NoSkito Mygglotion even soothes the skin with aloe. An English product called Mrs. White's Unstung Hero not only protects against mosquitoes but also doubles as a lemony cologne.

5. Or you can always take the tropical explorer approach, and wear hats with drop-down mosquito netting for reliable protection that involves no chemical exposure at all.

What can you do if you get mosquito bites despite your best efforts. Here are five more important tips.

1. Do not apply Benadryl (diphenhydramine) lotions to mosquito bites. They can cause allergic reactions of their own that actually add to itching and irritation.
2. For allergic reactions to mosquito bites, try a lotion called After Bite. It contains about 4% ammonia that neutralizes the allergenic compounds in the mosquito's saliva.
3. If you use hydrocortisone creams to stop itching, don't use them for more than a day or two at a time. They can cause thinning of the skin and increase the skin's susceptibility to bacterial infections.
4. Calamine lotion stops itching by acting as a counterirritant. That is, it causes pain that overrides the sensation of itching. Calamine works, but it is not a good idea for small children.
5. Other home remedies that work include dabbing mosquito bites with dilute household ammonia, a teaspoon (5 ml) of ammonia in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of warm water, dilute apple cider vinegar (in the same proportions), witch hazel in baking soda mixed to make a paste, baking soda in water mixed to make a paste, rubbing them with lemon slices or half of a lemon, and, if you happen to live in the Philippines, rubbing the bite with a slice of atis fruit.