Reason for an Itchy Mosquito Bite

Do you ever have mosquito bites that are just itchy? You’re not alone. In fact, there are a few causes why mosquito bites itch. In this blog post, we will discuss the different reasons why mosquito bites itch and how to treat them.

Reason Why Mosquito Bites are Itchy

A mosquito that bites you injects a small amount of saliva into your bloodstream by sticking the tip of its mouthparts into your skin. Redness, swelling, and itching can result from your immune system’s reaction to the chemicals in the mosquito’s saliva.

In some cases, there is a more serious reaction in children, people with a weak immune system, and adults not previously exposed to the bite of a specific mosquito specie.

A mosquito bite could also lead to anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency because of life-threatening conditions like difficulty of breathing.

Relieving a Mosquito Bite

Here are some tips in order to relieve a mosquito bite: 

• Avoid scratching because it might increase swelling, and it breaks your skin, putting you at risk of infection.
• Use lotions or creams that are itch-relieving creams such as hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion.
• Consider over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines. 
• Using cold compresses like a wet towel or cold pack can help with swelling and itching.

The majority of mosquito bites should heal on their own in a few days. Consult a medical professional if a bite appears infected or if you experience any bite-related symptoms including fever, aches & pains, or headache.

Prevention of Mosquito Bite

The best way to prevent a mosquito bite (aside from not scratching) is to avoid the bite itself. Follow these guidelines to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Here are some tips:

• Put on some bug repellant. You should keep an eye out for active chemicals like DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus this helps in repelling mosquitoes.
• Wear long sleeves and pants. This may reduce the area where mosquitoes can bite.
• Opt for light-coloured attire. Mosquitoes are drawn to black and other dark hues.
• Avoid mosquito breeding season. Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid going outside at these periods if at all possible.
• Remove mosquito breeding grounds. Eliminate any stagnant water in containers like buckets or gutters. 
• Don’t let mosquitoes inside your home. Avoid leaving windows and doors open without screens. Verify the condition of the screens on your doors and windows.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? This is so that they can create eggs, which need blood. The female mosquito can create and lay her eggs after she has consumed a blood meal. 

According to Australian Museum, female mosquitoes lay about 200 eggs all at once! She’ll need another blood feast in order to lay another clutch of eggs. Mosquito males do not consume blood. They consume plant fluids and nectar instead.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch More When You Scratch Them?

According to Health, scratching a mosquito bite is a double-edged sword—it feels so good, but it also makes the itching way worse. This is because as you scratch, it will release more local histamine. Histamine causes swelling and itching. When your mosquito bites bleed, you will be prone to infection.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch More At Night?

Mosquito bites do itch more at night because our cortisol levels become lower. Cortisol is our bodies’ own anti-inflammatory hormone that is higher in the morning. 

Why Are Some People More Prone To Get Bit By Mosquitoes?

There are several factors that can be considered why some people are more prone to mosquito bites:

• your natural scent and components of sweat
• perfume or other scents
• the colour of your clothing
• the time of day
• your location (because you’ll have more exposure in wooded areas and along landscaping)
• And their blood type could be to blame. One study found that mosquitoes that were released in a controlled setting landed on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A, and people with Type B blood landed somewhere in the middle.

CPR First Aid Australia’s Available Courses

Learning the effects of mosquito bites on your body will help you to do precautionary measures. Also, you might want to consider upskilling on first aid skills. CPR First Aid Australia is offering a variety of first aid courses according to your needs. You can choose your preferred courses below:

• • HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation 
  • HLTAID010 Provide an emergency first aid response  
  • HLTAID011 Provide first aid –  formerly known as Level 2 or Senior First Aid. 
  • HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
  • HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
  • 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis
  • 22556VIC Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace

Do You Need General First Aid Qualification?

We recommend that the HLTAID011 Provide first aid.

• This also includes CPR qualification. The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated every 3 years.

Do You Need To Update CPR Qualification?

We recommend HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  

• The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated annually.

Do You Need First Aid Qualification To Work In The Childcare and Education Industry, that Includes Anaphylaxis and Asthma Training?

We recommend HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting.

Are You Working With Children?

You will also be required to obtain first aid training qualifications in Asthma and Anaphylaxis. You need to check with the employer before enrolling, so that client gets the correct training for his or her circumstance.

ABOUT CPR FIRST AID

RTO No. 21903: CPR First Aid was founded in 2007. We specialise in providing first aid training in CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis for a range of workplaces including childcare, schools and other industries in NSW, VIC, SA, WA and QLD. We are a Registered Training Organisation with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (No 21903). Our courses and Units are VET-accredited for workplaces in Australia.

Conclusion

One reason mosquitoes bite itch is because of the saliva the mosquito injects into your skin. This saliva contains proteins that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. When this happens, your body releases histamines, which are chemicals that cause swelling and itching. 

Prevention of the bite itself is very imp[ortant. Mosquito bites can also bring diseases that could be life-threatening due to complications. You may consider other first aid c purses to help you equip and prepare for emergencies.

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