Science
Almost all of us have encountered an annoying mosquito at least once in our lives, but few people have seen what really happens up close.
French scientists conducted a study using a microscope to see how mosquitoes feed on our blood from within. The video shows how the mosquito uses its long proboscis to search for a blood vessel in a mouse.
A team led by Valerie Choumet from the Pasteur Institute in Paris demonstrated how the malaria mosquito transmits pathogens.
Although at first glance it seems like a mosquito's proboscis looks like one long needle, its oral apparatus actually consists of several sections that pierce the skin and penetrate inside. The proboscis itself is quite flexible rather than rigid as a needle.
The video shows how the proboscis begins to explore the layers of the skin to find a suitable blood vessel. Cube-shaped objects are skin cells, and red tubes are blood vessels.
The mosquito in the video is a species called Anopheles gambiae and bites a mouse, although the same thing happens when a person bites.
How to relieve itching from mosquito bites?
There are many mosquito bite remedies that help relieve swelling and itching.
– Clean the bite area immediately after the bite with alcohol, wet wipes or plain water.
– Stick a piece of scotch tape to the bite site and leave it for a couple of hours, then carefully remove it. This will help remove some of the saliva that causes itching and will speed up recovery.
– Anoint the bite site with an antiperspirant. The itching should stop almost immediately, as aluminum salts help absorb fluid from the bite.
– Apply baking soda and water paste to the bite site
– Try rubbing a damp bar of soap into the bite site and feel almost immediate relief.
– You can also lightly coat this area with plain toothpaste.
– A few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil reduce itching.
Allergy to mosquito bites
Most mosquito bites are fairly harmless, but they can sometimes cause severe swelling and redness. This allergic reaction is especially common in children.
Symptoms of an allergy to mosquito bites include:
– Large area of swelling and redness
– Subfebrile body temperature
– Rash
– Enlarged lymph nodes
In case of a serious allergic reaction to mosquito bites, the following remedies are recommended:
– Take an antihistamine (Zirtek, Claritin)
– Use an antipruritic agent (Psilo balm, Fenistil gel) or apply ice to the bite site for 10 minutes
– In case of an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you should immediately call an ambulance and inject epinephrine. If you are aware of the possibility of such a reaction, you should always carry the drug with you.