Summer is here, why are my mosquito bites always rounder and more itchy than others?

Mosquitoes are a standard feature of summer. A summer without mosquitoes is like an idol drama without a domineering CEO, a Korean drama without car accidents, or a Legend of Zhen Huan without Zhen Huan... It always feels like something is missing!

But do you still think that being bitten by a mosquito is normal? After being bitten by a mosquito, some people get normal mosquito bites, some people get only small red dots, and some people react too strongly. Why is this? Some people say that if you get a big mosquito bite, it means your blood tastes good, and if it turns into a small red dot, it means your blood tastes bad. Pangke wants to dispel all the rumors here. This is actually mainly related to the degree of reaction of the immune system. Before explaining this question, let's first explain how you are bitten by a mosquito?

First of all, it should be made clear that it is female mosquitoes that suck human blood. Male mosquitoes are actually herbivores. They do not suck human blood. Instead, they fly among flowers and forests like bees, feeding only on nectar and plant juices.

Mosquitoes sucking blood is much more complicated than drawing blood in a hospital. Let's first look at the internal structure of mosquitoes sucking blood. The lower jaw is responsible for cutting the skin, and the upper lip is responsible for providing support. When everything is in place, the blood-sucking needle (tongue) will enter the wound, find blood vessels and suck blood. While the blood-sucking needle is drawing blood, the injection needle (tongue) will also inject mosquito saliva containing anticoagulant and anesthetic components into your body. Many terrible epidemics such as dengue fever and malaria are spread around with the mosquito's saliva.

As for why some people have red spots and others have big lumps, it depends on how the immune system reacts.

After the protease in the mosquito's saliva enters the blood, it is recognized by the human immune system, and the body produces antibodies to neutralize these antigens.

Simply put, if your immune system does not react in time and does not release the corresponding antibodies to neutralize the mosquito, then the mosquito bite will be a small red dot that is neither painful nor itchy.

However, if a strong reaction of the immune system is triggered, they will "close the door and release histamine!!!" They will summon a bunch of immune cells within seconds to produce substances such as histamine and cytokines. These substances will dilate the capillaries, increase the permeability, cause itchy feeling on the skin, and induce inflammation. At this time, a big itchy mosquito bite will appear.

However, as you are bitten by this type of mosquito more and more times, your immune system may not react so strongly, and then after you are bitten by a mosquito, the itching may only last for a while.

However, if you want to rely on "desensitizing the immune system" to resist the pain and itching caused by mosquito bites, it is almost impossible. Because of the different types of mosquitoes, changes in personal physique, and changes in the composition of mosquito saliva, the immune system will be awakened again, and large mosquito bites are still inevitable.

Since we can’t avoid itching, we can start from the source. There is still a way to avoid being bitten!

1. Remove excess water from your home promptly

Clean pots and pans, floor drains, sewers, flower pots and other places in the home where water is likely to accumulate in a timely manner, cover them if they have lids, and change the water frequently if necessary.

2. Screen windows and screen doors should be installed properly

Screen windows and screen doors can both ventilate and block mosquitoes. No matter mosquito lamps or mosquito coils, they are not as safe and reliable as physical mosquito prevention.

3. Plant mosquito repellent

You can grow a few pots of green plants at home, such as mint, lavender, mosquito repellent grass, etc.

4. Chemical mosquito repellent

Indoors: Electric mosquito coils. It is best to keep the mosquito coil about 3 meters away from the bed and place it in the upwind position. Infants, pregnant women, and people with respiratory diseases should not use mosquito coils.

Going out during the day: Mosquito repellent stickers. Do not contact the skin directly when using, just stick it on the clothes. Not suitable for people with allergies and pregnant women.

Going out at night: Floral water. Floral water containing DEET is less toxic, less irritating, and can repel mosquitoes for a longer time. You may want to pay attention to the ingredients before buying. Children should use mosquito repellent containing less than 10% DEET, and it is best not to use it for babies.

5. Wear light-colored clothes when going out

People with strong body odor, excessive sweating, and brightly colored clothing are more likely to be bitten. It is recommended to avoid playing near water or grass when going out, especially in the evening.

But it’s better to be safe than sorry. What should you do if you get bitten by a mosquito?

1. Common mosquito bites

You can use wind oil, cooling oil, etc., but they should not be used on the skin of the eyes, lips, etc., and near the junction with mucous membranes. It is forbidden to use in exudate areas and wounds.

2. Localized large lumps

You can choose hormone ointments such as Eloson, but it is best to apply it to the affected area in spots and thinly, avoid applying it in large areas, and do not apply it more than twice a day. If you apply it to a large area, it is best to wash it before going to bed.

Pangke would like to remind everyone that if you are bitten by a mosquito, you must avoid scratching excessively to avoid infection. If the bite is accompanied by fever, chills, and other symptoms other than redness and swelling, you must seek medical attention in time. Do not apply ointments at will. Finally, I wish that this summer, the mosquitoes will bite others, and the boss will love himself!

Creative team: China Science and Technology Museum New Media Team

Some of the content comes from: People's Daily, Life Times, Science World Magazine

The pictures are all from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us