Swelling, spots, allergies and itching from mosquito bites, how to smear them?
Content:
- I. Mosquitoes - carriers of diseases
- II. Temperate mosquitoes
- Mosquito bite symptoms
- Allergy to mosquito bites
- Why is the malaria mosquito dangerous?
- How to smear mosquito bites?
- Folk remedies
For the average resident of Russia, a mosquito bite is a slight itching and quickly disappearing rashes. In most regions of our country, especially in Western Siberia and the Arctic Circle, mosquitoes greatly annoy people during the period of mass flight. There are known places where mosquitoes are carriers of infection.
I. Mosquitoes - carriers of human diseases
Diseases associated with mosquito bites are malaria, fevers, encephalitis, and some helminthiasis. In Russia, imported and local forms of diseases are registered.
According to the WHO, up to 200 million sick annually with malaria alone, and up to 600 thousand people die around the world.
The introduction of the pathogen into the human body occurs after a mosquito pierces a capillary or a blood vessel. Diseases transmitted by arthropods are called vector-borne diseases.
Infection of people from the bites of blood-sucking insects occurs in the following climatic zones:
- in tropical countries - all year round;
- in regions of temperate climate - seasonally, if
- the average daily air temperature is above 16-20 o C is kept for 35 or more days in a row;
- in any area, if there are moist biotopes for the development of mosquito larvae and the favorite animals live in large numbers - the victims of these insects.
The danger of vector-borne diseases is as follows:
- a person usually does not notice mosquito bites;
- the first symptoms of the disease may not appear for a long time;
- diagnosis of most of these infections is difficult for doctors in prosperous regions;
- treatment has its own characteristics (antibiotics are useless for protozoal, viral and helminthic diseases, they are used only as auxiliary agents for some transmissible helminthiasis).
The causative agents of diseases transmitted by mosquito bites are of different biological nature:
The simplest, nosological form:
malaria, its types - tropical, three-four-day fever, oval-malaria.
Viruses, nosological forms:
-
Yellow fever;
- Murray Valley encephalitis;
- Encephalitis St. Louis;
- Japanese mosquito encephalitis;
- Fevers (Ross, West Nile, Tyaginya, Dengue, Karelian rivers).
Microorganisms, nosological form:
Mosquito bite tularemia.
Helminths (filariasis), nosological forms:
- Brugios,
- Wuchereriasis;
- Human dirofilariasis;
- Human setariosis.
Our list of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is far from complete. Vector-borne diseases are widespread in countries of the subtropical and tropical zones (Africa, Asia, South and North America, South Europe). Mosquitoes of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) are dangerous. In Russia, sporadic outbreaks of local vector-borne diseases are detected in the Southern, Central and Siberian Federal Districts. Outbreaks of imported tropical diseases are recorded in any region of the country.
Recommendations on how to distinguish an anopheles mosquito from an ordinary one
When visiting a disadvantaged region, remember!
- Mosquitoes - carriers of pathogens, belong to several genera and dozens of species. Mosquitoes of certain genera (species) are specific carriers of infections. However, it is impossible to distinguish an anopheles mosquito from a safe mosquito without special entomological training.
- Any insect bite in tropical countries should be considered a potential health hazard!
Recommendations on how to recognize infectious diseases after mosquito bites
For three to six months after a trip to the tropics, you need to control your well-being. Mosquito-borne diseases share common features. Identification of three or more symptoms (see below) some time after visiting tropical countries, especially if the fact of a mosquito bite has been recorded, is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
1. General signs of protozoal, bacterial and viral vector-borne diseases:
- The incubation period is from several days to two months after a mosquito bite.
- The manifestation of diseases in the form of:
- fever (increased body temperature) of a persistent or recurrent type, often a pathognomonic (main) symptom;
- lesions of the brain and meninges in the form of stiff neck muscles, headaches, impaired consciousness, vomiting, seizures, epileptiform seizures, hyperkinesis, paresis, paralysis;
- Complications after the disease in the form of a deficiency in the functions of the nervous system. Damage to other organs and systems is possible.
2. General signs of parasitic diseases - transmissible helminthiasis:
-
The incubation period after the bite and introduction of the parasite larva into the human body is from 3 to 18 months;
- Clinical manifestations of the acute period of the disease in the form of lesions:
- lymph nodes with lymph congestion and an increase in certain parts of the body;
- eyes with partial / complete loss of vision;
- subcutaneous tissue - migration of dirofilariae: a person feels the movement of the helminth under the skin;
Severe headaches, fever, and allergic rashes are characteristic. If untreated, a person is doomed to long-term carriage of helminths.
What to do to prevent mosquito-borne infections?
It is necessary to get vaccinated against dangerous tropical infections in advance before the upcoming trip to countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation. The protective (protective) properties of vaccines are formed for a long time.
The current lists of disadvantaged countries in this regard and the addresses of vaccination points in the regions of Russia are annually updated and posted on the official website of Rospotrebnadzor.
For example, as of 2014, there were 35 vaccination stations throughout Russia, which had all the conditions for vaccination against yellow fever.
Not all tropical diseases can be avoided by vaccination. Use personal protective equipment (repellents, insecticides, canopies, Pavlovsky mosquito nets, fumigators, electronic repellents) when visiting potentially hazardous natural sites.
Usual precautions are effective in preventing vector-borne diseases.
Which repellent to choose?
Repellents are used to repel mosquitoes and ticks. These products are intended for use on skin and clothing. The active ingredients of mosquito repellents are one of three types:
- DEET in concentrations from 1 to 50%, the minimum concentration is suitable for children, the maximum for adults in field conditions);
- DMF - dimethyl phthalate, which is used to a limited extent, since it is ineffective against ticks (soak mosquito nets);
- IR3535 at a concentration of 10% is allowed for use on the skin of a child from one year old.
Sometimes essential oils of plants (geranium, juniper) are used as repellents. The effectiveness of such protective agents is significantly lower than that of special chemical compounds. Aromatic oil repellents should only be used in urban environments.
Attention! Individual intolerance to repellents, including plant ones, is possible.
Repellents are available as:
- aerosol - application to exposed skin and clothing;
- cream, milk, gel - application to the skin;
- electronic devices (do not contain DEET).
Popular brands of repellents:
Raptor, Mosquitail, Gardex, OFF !, Reftamid, DEET, Komaroff, OZZ, Ultraton, ThermaCell - electronic portable devices, BugSTOP - mosquito bracelets for children and adults. The best remedies effectively protect against bites within 4 to 8 hours.
When choosing a product abroad to eliminate the risk of acquiring an insecticide disguised as a repellent, be guided by the name of the active substance - DEET (DEET) or IR3535. Require a certificate and state registration of goods (possible in some countries). Buy repellents from pharmacies.
Which insecticide to choose?
Insecticides kill mosquitoes and other insects. It is forbidden to apply such formulations to the skin. Insecticides should only be used on outerwear with coarse aerosols or indoor air sprays.
Pyrethroids
Pyrethroids are the only group of modern insecticides. These are synthetic analogs of natural substances (pyrethrins) formed by the flowers of African chamomile species. They are produced industrially in the form of an oily liquid under the trade names:
- Alpha allethrin (English d-allethrin, Pynamin, d-allethrin, d-cisallethrin, Bioallethrin, Esbiothrin, Pyresin, Pyrexcel, Pyrocide, trans-allethrin);
- Transfluthrin (English Baygon, Baythrin);
- Pralletrin (English Prallethrin) or Etok (English Etoc).
In insecticides, low concentrations of the active substance are used. When buying, be sure to pay attention to its percentage. Low concentrations are suitable for children and in normal conditions, high - for short-term use in harsh conditions - in the jungle, savanna.
Outdated active ingredients of insecticides - FOS (organophosphorus compounds dichlorvos, chlorophos, karbofos, dust, DDT) are prohibited for use!
Insecticides are marketed in the following forms:
- Liquid (processing of outerwear, open spaces, premises);
- Electrofumigator plate (indoor spraying of insecticides in the form of ultra-low-volume aerosols);
- Aerosol (spray in the form of coarse sprays indoors and on outerwear).
Popular brands of insecticides and repellents are the same. There are trademarks that produce exclusively insecticides (Fumitox, Veles).
When choosing an insecticide abroad, as well as when buying a repellent, be guided by the name of the active ingredient. Ask for a certificate, state registration for the purchased product. Buy insecticides from local pharmacies.
How to choose a mosquito canopy or a Pavlovsky net?
Some hotels in the tropical zone provide mosquito-proof bed canopy, be sure to use it. Going on an individual tour or on a business trip to hot countries, take a portable bedspread with you.
When choosing, be guided by:
- weight;
- the quality of the material from which the net is made;
- the size of the cells;
- strength of seams.
Mosquito Net Pavlovsky
This is a simple personalized attachment to protect your head, neck and upper body from insect bites. There are goods for sale from different manufacturers. The mesh is impregnated with one of the repellents, usually DEET (diethyl toluamide) or DMF (dimethyl phthalate).
The advantages of Pavlovsky's net are light weight, no need to apply insecticides to clothes and dressing in a special uniform. Certified nets impregnated with a composition according to the recipe developed by academician E. N. Pavlovsky, have a deterrent property up to two months. When visiting places with a high density of the midge population, you need to additionally use a mosquito net - a hat and a mosquito net - a net.
How to make a Pavlovsky mosquito net with your own hands?
On knitting needles made of cotton or linen yarn, you need to knit a mesh cape in the form of a scarf, scarf or collar. The yarn should be chosen hygroscopic (well absorbing moisture). The finished product must be impregnated with one of the repellents (see above) and dried. To be worn by an adult or a child over the shoulders of clothes. Its duration is up to 10 days after a single impregnation. If necessary, the mesh can be reprocessed. A certified net sold in a retail network has a longer repellent effect - up to 2 months.
How to make a mosquito net - a canopy for a stroller?
The material for the canopy can be thick gauze or a special mosquito net, which is sold in a store. It is necessary to determine the required size, sew an elastic band or braid along the edge, cover the stroller with the resulting canopy and tighten the edges to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
II. Temperate mosquitoes
With a small number of natural enemies feeding on insect larvae, the population of mosquitoes in the Russian central zone, Western Siberia and the Polar region reaches enormous sizes. Diptera (mosquitoes, midges, biting midges, horseflies, flies) form a community of blood-sucking insects, which have a common name - gnat.
Types of local mosquitoes may well be carriers of infections dangerous to humans. However, the development of pathogens in the mosquito and human infection does not occur. In most regions of our country, the sum of summer temperatures sufficient for the development of an infectious agent in a mosquito is not observed. For the necessary conditions for the development of infectious agents, see above.
The main limiting factor in the spread of vector-borne infections in temperate and harsh climates is the short active life of the mosquito.
How long does a mosquito live after being bitten?
The bloodsucker is exclusively a female mosquito. Blood is used by it as the main source of energy necessary for the development of fertilized eggs.
The developmental cycle of a mosquito consists of four stages:
- the egg is in the body of the female;
- larva - in the reservoir, four ages of mosquito larva have been established;
- pupa - in a pond, wet substrate;
- an adult (an adult) is a male (a lymphophage that feeds on plant juices), a female is an obligate parasite, partially a lymphophage.
The duration of the stage of development of fertilized eggs depends on the ambient temperature. For example, at a temperature of 16 of C is 2-4 days. This period is the lifetime of a mosquito after being bitten. Repeated activity of the female for the purpose of bearing offspring is unlikely (there is no biological expediency). After laying eggs, the individual dies.
In Western Siberia, only one generation (generation) of mosquitoes is recorded. In subtropical conditions - 3-4 generations, in hot countries - up to 8-10 generations. In hot and temperate climates, the individual life span of a bloodsucker does not differ significantly.
The life expectancy of mosquitoes (males and females) that did not receive blood in the summer is from several days to four months.
The lower the ambient temperature, the longer the life span of the mosquito.
At low temperatures, mosquitoes are in an inactive state most of the time, they do not take part in reproduction. For this reason, pathogens do not develop in cool climates. Vector-borne diseases that circulate for a long time in the fauna with the participation of susceptible wild and domestic animals are called natural focal diseases.
The transmission of infections from mosquitoes to humans and animals occurs transovarially. This is a way of spreading the pathogen inside the body, when, when a sick person (animal) bites, the pathogen is absorbed by the mosquito along with the blood, after which the infection passes into the eggs of the female mosquito, and from there into the larva (pupa), and completes development in the imago to:
- invasive larva with helminthiasis - the stage of the parasite, infectious for a susceptible object (human, animal), other stages do not have the ability to infect;
- a full-fledged pathogen (protozoan, bacteria, virus).
As a result, all the next generation of adults becomes carriers of the infection.
Mosquito bite symptoms
At the time of the bite, the mosquito releases substances that are biologically alien to the human body, which prevent blood clotting. Sucking is one of the adaptations to parasitism, so for most people the bite and absorption of blood is invisible.
The first symptoms appear after a while in the form of itching, burning, inflammation of local parts of the body. Symptoms of a bite from infectious and sterile mosquitoes are practically the same.
Red spots after mosquito bites
The formation of small red blisters at the site of a mosquito bite is a natural response of the body. A blister is a variant of the primary rash in the form of a small swelling on the skin that disappears without a trace within a short time.
Red spots and a rash that appears on the skin long after the bite is a reason to exclude an infectious or invasive disease. To establish the cause of the rash, clinical examination, microscopy, allergic and immunological methods are used.
Clinical observation:
The rash, characteristic of vector-borne diseases, is accompanied by fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
Laboratory methods:
- Blood test for malaria. A drop of blood is applied to a glass slide (thick drop method), the sample is examined under a microscope in order to detect Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. Differentiation of the type of malaria is carried out in a thin layer of blood stained by the Giemsa method.
- Research to rule out allergies. It is carried out using a skin test to determine IgE reagins in the patient's blood. A high level of reagins indicates helminthic invasion or atopic allergy.
Itching from a mosquito bite
Itching and burning are common companions of a mosquito bite. These unpleasant symptoms are removed with special solutions, creams and gels when rubbed into the affected skin. Also, folk remedies for mosquito bites can come to the rescue.
Attention! For this purpose, do not use repellents and insecticides in the form of gels, creams and aerosols. They will not relieve your itching.
Mosquito squeaking often causes debilitating nervous itching in people, especially at night. For a comfortable sleep it is necessary to use fumigators.
Recommendations for the use of mosquito fumigators
The principle of the fumigator is based on heating and spraying insecticide in a plate or in liquid form. The safety of the drug for humans is guaranteed by a particularly small volume of the substance in the environment. The process of thermal sublimation of insecticides occurs in the device from:
- electrical network (stationary version);
- pocket battery (portable device, convenient for use in nature).
Portable fumigators have been developed for individual wearing on the body in the form of bracelets or compact devices attached to a belt. Such devices can be used even while moving.
Recommendations on how to make a DIY fumigator
You will need:
- stearic candle, matches;
- metal (tin) container;
- insecticide in liquid form (see above) and plain water.
A clean, empty tin can is suitable as a container. The insecticide should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 100 and a small amount (5-10 ml) should be poured into the jar. The jar with the insecticide solution must be heated with a burning candle. Complete evaporation of such a volume of insecticide (5-10 ml) is enough to destroy mosquitoes that have flown into a tourist tent (small room). Repeat the procedure, if necessary, ventilate the tent, carry out the treatment at least three hours before going to bed.
Attention! Individual intolerance to insecticides is possible. Install fumigators at a distance of more than one meter from the bed.
Swelling after a mosquito bite
Mild swelling of exposed parts of the body occurs in a person who is not sensitive to allergens. With a massive attack of mosquitoes, numerous edema is possible, disappearing within one to two hours.
Extensive swelling, accompanied by suffocation and dim consciousness after being bitten by a mosquito or using an insecticide (repellent) is a sign of allergy.
Allergy to mosquito bites
Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites is possible in adults and children. An adult prone to allergies can take action on their own to prevent bites. An attack by gnats (mosquitoes) on a child with delicate skin causes more negative consequences. In addition, in some cases, a rash caused by a mosquito bite can be mistaken for an infection or allergy.
How adults react to a mosquito bite
Some hypersensitive people react violently to mosquito bites. The reaction manifests itself quickly as:
- hives;
- vasomotor rhinitis;
- symptoms of bronchial asthma.
If signs of anaphylactic shock (Quincke's edema) appear, the patient must be put to bed and an ambulance must be called immediately. You can enter prednisone intramuscularly or take one of the drugs that prevent the development of allergies, in the form of pills (tablets). Antihistamines of different generations:
- the first (Diazolin, Tavegil, Suprastin);
- the second (Zodak, Parlazin, Zirtek, Tsetrin, Cetirizin);
- third (Claritin, Erius, Telfast).
The maximum daily dose, possible side effects and contraindications are indicated in the instructions for the drugs.
Children's reaction to a mosquito bite
Normally, the mark from a mosquito bite disappears in a child within a few hours if the bite site is not combed. When in doubt, to determine the type, danger of a rash and the consequences for the body, you need to compare different types of rashes.
Recommendations for differentiating rash on the child's body:
- Acne of newborns - microscopic yellow bumps, appear from the first days of life, localization - forehead, chin, back, disappear by the second week of life;
- Chickenpox - a viral rash (causative agent - herpes Zoster), begins in the form of a roseolous-vesicular rash, then a vesicle, localization - head, groin, mouth, accompanied by fever, vomiting;
- Atopic dermatitis or diathesis (systemic allergy) - redness on the cheeks, occurs after eating berries, chocolate and other highly allergenic foods.
It is necessary to call an ambulance if there is a rash on the child's body, combined with:
- an increase in body temperature;
- swelling of the face;
- pain syndrome;
- difficulty breathing.
Pay attention to any symptoms that you think are dangerous. In other cases, you need to consult with your local pediatrician. To prevent mosquito attacks on your child, use an approved mosquito repellent based on IR3535 or plant-based essential oils during outdoor walks. In some cases, use DEET-based repellents with an active ingredient concentration of no more than 1%.
Attention! There are age restrictions for children to apply repellents to their skin.
For the prevention of mosquito bites in children who are allergic to chemicals, use a choice of:
- mosquito canopy over the bed, stroller;
- electronic devices ThermaCell;
- Pavlovsky mesh (the repellant does not come into contact with the skin, the mesh is easily removed, the drug applied in advance does not evaporate quickly, therefore, the risk of allergies is much lower).
Why is the malaria mosquito dangerous?
Malaria is annually brought to Russia by people who have visited tropical countries. In 2013, two deaths were recorded. There was a time when malaria was eliminated in our country, for a long time this disease was not remembered. A whole generation of doctors has grown up who have no idea about malaria. Therefore, in some cases, difficulties arise with the timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
For the treatment of malaria, it is necessary to use drugs from the corresponding pharmacological group - antimalarial drugs:
- Fansidar (Switzerland);
- Hydroxychloroquine (Canada);
- Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (China);
- Delagil (Poland or Hungary);
- Immard (India);
- Lariam (Switzerland);
- Plaquenil (Great Britain).
All of the above drugs specifically inhibit the activity of the plasmodia of malaria and other protozoses, relieve the phenomena of malarial fever. The drugs are registered by Roszdravnadzor in the Russian Federation. They are effective in prescribed doses, but there are contraindications.
The danger is the formation of stable natural foci of malaria in the southern regions of Russia with the participation of mosquitoes and their main victims - small rodents.
Since the middle of the last century, only imported cases of all forms of malaria have been recorded in the USSR. These incidents did not have epidemic consequences. Since 1995, the situation has worsened due to the importation of three-day malaria from Central Asia into Russia.
Currently, up to 80% of imported cases are three-day malaria from Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Tropical malaria is imported from Africa, and only three-day malaria is imported from Asian countries.
Unfortunately, cases of local malaria other than imported malaria began to be registered in Russia. This means that there is a risk of natural foci of malaria in the regions of our country. Isolated cases of local three-day malaria were reported in the following areas:
- Moscow;
- Lipetsk;
- Nizhny Novgorod;
- Samara;
- Rostov;
- Orenburg;
- Sverdlovsk;
- Krasnodar Territory.
The greatest danger in the spread of three-day malaria is posed by the foci located in the Republic of Dagestan. The nearby territories of foreign Asia can influence the formation of stable epizootic foci of malaria.
How to smear mosquito bites?
If the mosquito has already bitten, you need to use drugs for external use, relieving unpleasant itching and burning. There is a large selection of gels, foams and creams on sale. Products in this group do not contain repellents or insecticides, and they may not be considered medicines.
It is the funds that are sold only in pharmacies that have the best effect. The main active ingredient of such drugs is dimethindene from the pharmacological group "antihistamines".
Fenistil gel
The manufacturer of the drug is Novartis, Switzerland. Fenistil (active ingredient dimetindene) is a blocker of histamine H1 receptors, has a sedative effect. It is used to eliminate itching, urticaria and other phenomena in case of skin irritation, it is also used for allergic rhinitis. Fenistil is available in two forms: gel and drops.
Attention! There are contraindications to Fenistil and the threat of individual intolerance. It cannot be used in children under one year old, there are also restrictions on use during pregnancy. Fenistil is not recommended for children on large areas of the body. Due to the sedative effect, it is forbidden to use this drug by people when performing important work that requires attention (drivers, equipment operators).
To prevent mosquito bites from itching
The group of drugs recommended to protect the skin from itching after mosquito bites are not drugs. These are Mosquitail products. They are available in the form of a spray-balm, foam-balm, gel-balm. All products are made on the basis of an antibacterial complex with silver ions. Their effect is based on:
- quick relief of itching and skin irritation;
- anti-inflammatory and calming action of the components.
The herbal remedies for mosquito bites recommended for children are called Gardex Baby. These products are available in the form of a cream, cream gel, pencil, foam, balm stick, bracelet. Gardex Baby products also protect baby's delicate skin from sunburn.
Folk remedies for mosquito bites
If there are no special preparations at hand for treating skin after mosquito bites, you can use one of the following:
- balm Gold star;
- table vinegar lotions;
- brilliant green;
- lemon juice;
- potassium permanganate in the form of a weak solution;
- mint leaf, plantain;
- aloe or calendula juice;
- a tea bag after a single brewing;
- pieces of ice.
Soda for mosquito bites
Apply a cotton pad moistened with warm boiled water to the soda poured into a clean dish, and then to the site of the mosquito bite for up to one minute. Repeat the procedure no more than three times a day. The swelling of the skin disappears after one or two treatments.
Anti-mosquito bite toothpaste
Itching and burning of the skin at the site of a mosquito bite can be relieved with mint, but if you do not have it on hand during the hike, take a mint toothpaste. Squeeze a little paste onto the tip of your finger and gently apply it to the bite. Do not rub, you may be allergic to the components of the paste. Pain and swelling will disappear after a single use.
Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist
Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist
