Wellness

5 min read

The Almost Imperceptible Threat of Mosquitoes

25 September 2023




Understand the reason why mosquitoes bite us! Parasidose presents tips and solutions to avoid and deal with these bites that cause so much discomfort.

 

WHY DO MOSQUITOES BITE US?

The mosquito is a flying insect that basically feeds on plant nectar, but females benefit largely from the intake of animals' blood. Although they do not depend on it to survive, mosquitoes need blood for the production and development of their eggs, which is why, in the spring, we are all potential targets.

Parasidose

Generally, mosquito bites are not painful, but the itching they cause is highly annoying. In addition to allergic reactions and the possible transmission of diseases by some species of mosquito, considered the most deadly animal in the world (such as Lyme Disease, Zika, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Malaria or Chikungunya), another possible complication of the bite is the secondary infection caused by scratching the lesions.

WHAT ATTRACTS THEM?

Mosquitoes also have preferences and there are people who are more susceptible than others. There are certain factors that cause mosquitoes to identify their victims, such as odor and body heat, for example. It is not impossible that, in the same place and in the same time, one person suffers numerous bites and another has only one or two bites. There is no scientific data to explain it, but there seems to be a clear predilection for men, overweight people, pregnant women and type O blood.

What is certain is that most mosquitoes are most active in the morning and late afternoon, when there is less heat, and it is during these times that we must be more careful.

WHY DO THE BITES ITCH?

Before sucking blood, mosquitoes inject their own saliva, which, in addition to having anti-coagulant properties to prevent blood from clotting, it contains several proteins that our bodies recognize as intruders. As a result, our immune system is on high alert, releasing histamine (which helps our body's immune cells to flow freely towards the location of the bite) and causing itching and swelling, most of the time located.

Symptoms usually appear about 20 minutes after the bite and can cause discomfort for a few days, depending on the extent and intensity of the reaction on the degree of sensitivity of each person.

Generally, throughout life we develop some resistance to the bites, causing the reactions to become less intense. It is in children that mosquito bites tend to cause the most symptoms.

SCRATCHING IS ALWAYS BAD IDEA!

The urge to scratch a mosquito bite is almost uncontrollable. But it is important to realize that scratching increases inflammation and promotes an increase in our body's immune response and therefore itching.

In addition, it increases the risk of infection at the same time, since we easily damage the skin, which creates a gateway for bacteria.

Thus, whenever we are surprised by a mosquito bite we must choose to apply some calming care capable of relieving discomfort, preventing us from scratching the location of the bite.

ESSENTIAL TIPS TO PREVENT BITES

There are some precautions that we must take to reduce the risk of insect bites. This advice becomes even more important for those who have already suffered an allergic reaction to the bite or for those who are going to travel to a risk zone:

  • Reduce the exposure of the skin, using long sleeves and pants at the times of day when insects are most active, such as sunrise and sunset;
  • Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes;
  • Wear closed shoes, ideally keeping your feet and ankles covered;
  • Keep food and drinks in closed containers, especially sweets;
  • Be especially careful when you are near flowers, garbage and standing water, such as lakes and swamps;
  • Do not dispense with repellent and renew your application whenever necessary.

TRUST THE SAFEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE REPELLENT

Repellents tend to be somewhat aggressive products for the skin, with potent chemicals, an unpleasant odor and are not recommended for children, with the aggravation of reducing the photoprotection of sunscreen, essential these days.

As a general rule, we associate the repellent with a product that is dangerous for children, in addition to being sticky and smelly, which we must handle with care so as not to damage and stain clothes. But that's not necessarily the case anymore!

Parasidose

Formulated with 25% Icaridine, one of the molecules recommended by WHO, which makes it an extremely effective and innovative product, Insect Repellent Spray Temperate Zones offers 12 hours of effectiveness in a hypoallergenic formula adapted to all skin types, including sensitive skin.

A solution developed for the whole family (including babies from 6 months of age) with a milky texture and an unprecedented pleasant fragrance, which leaves the skin hydrated and protected, without staining clothes.

In addition to its unique protection characteristics, Parasidose can be used in conjunction with sunscreen, as it does not change the sun protection rates. For total effectiveness against UVA / UVB rays and mosquitoes, it is recommended to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before the repellent, otherwise the protector may reduce the effectiveness of the repellent.

Available in 100ml "familly format" and 50ml "travel format" for easy transport in an airplane cabin.

For trips to tropical areas, Insect Repellent Spray Tropical Zones provides 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes, such as chikungunya, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika virus and Lyme disease transmitted by ticks.

If you did not protect yourself in time and were surprised by mosquitoes, Parasidose After-bite care reduces redness and swelling, soothes and relieves itching, providing an intense and pleasant immediate cooling effect.

To restore comfort and relieve irritative symptoms immediately, Parasidose is also the solution! With unique properties, in Gel or Roll-on Calming format, these cares have 0% alcohol, 0% perfume and a hypoallergenic formula, non-photosensitizing and adapted to sensitive skin, which allows them to be used since birth.

 

Available exclusively in pharmacies and parapharmacies, Parasidose is your protection anywhere in the world!




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