Ana Molina, dermatologist, on how to prevent mosquito bites: "The first thing would be to shower at the end of the day."
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With the arrival of warmer weather, the presence of mosquitoes also increases, and their bites can be not only annoying but even dangerous for those with allergies. Avoiding these insects is key to enjoying evenings outdoors without scratches or discomfort. Prevention becomes the most effective tool for protecting ourselves, and a few everyday actions can make a difference.
Dermatologist Ana Molina has explained on social media that it doesn't make sense to talk about "sweet blood" as a reason for attraction. " No, mosquitoes don't bite you because you have sweet blood . In fact, blood isn't sweet. If it had a flavor, it would be salty," she clarifies. According to the specialist, these insects follow a very defined and effective pattern based on four factors: body heat, sweat odor, skin moisture, and carbon dioxide emissions when breathing.
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"There's only one mantra in that mosquito brain: who am I going to eat today?" he says. He explains that mosquitoes prefer warm, moist skin with sweat, which emits more COβ , as occurs after a hot or physically intense day.
The most effective recommendations to avoid bitesThe dermatologist emphasizes a basic measure: " The first thing we should do is shower at the end of the day to remove all traces of sweat from our skin ." She adds the importance of wearing clothing that covers the body , especially the legs, a common area for bites. She also recommends using air conditioning , as it cools and dries the environment, exactly the opposite of what these insects seek.
Finally, he emphasizes the use of effective repellents: " Use repellents that contain DEET, which is the substance that has proven to be most effective." It's important to ensure that these products are authorized by the Ministry of Health, checking that the label includes their registration number, as the public agency itself reminds us.
@dr.anamolina HOW DO MOSQUITOES CHOOSE THEIR PREY? The only thing that fits in that mini-mosquito brain is a MANTRA that says: Who should I EAT today? And that word holds the key: β C for Heat π₯ (they like warm skin) β O for Body Odor π (they are very attracted to volatile substances present in our sweat) β M for Wet π¦ (they prefer damp skin) β O for Oxygenation π¬ (they love the carbon dioxide we emit when we breathe). HOW CAN WE EFFECTIVELY PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES? Let me tell you: β Shower at the end of the day to remove traces of sweat from our skin. β Wear appropriate clothing that covers our skin, especially our legs. β Use air conditioning because it dries and cools the environment, which mosquitoes hate. β Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET in their composition, which is the substance that has proven to be most effective, especially if we travel to tropical places where mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, etc. #Mosquitoes #Bites #Prevention #Repellent #DEET #Heat #BodyOdor #Humidity #Oxygen #Protection #Malaria #Dengue #TigerMosquitoes #TropicalTravel #AirConditioning #AppropriateClothing #Showering #BiteRelief β¬ original sound - Dr. Ana Molina
For children under two months of age, chemical repellents should be avoided and physical barriers such as mosquito nets should be used on cribs and strollers. From this age on, certain products can be used, although it is always advisable to check the manufacturer's instructions and consult a professional if in doubt. It is also essential to reduce breeding grounds in the environment. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so it is recommended to empty containers such as flower pot saucers, buckets, toys, or small pools to limit their proliferation.
El Confidencial