Due to moisture, there are currently a lot of mosquitoes. What is the ideal way to protect ourselves from them?

Mosquitos are very active in the summer months. The are mostly present near stagnant water, so it is necessary to expect their attacks when visiting a natural swimming pool and fish ponds. Repellent sprays are an effective way of preventing mosquito bites. A broad range of such sprays are available, differing in their composition and means of application. They can be applied to bare skin and to clothes, always from a distance of 20-30 cm. Some patients also praise the  time-proven effect of vitamin B1, which is taken in the form of a tablet and is later secreted from the body during metabolization. Its odour is repulsive to mosquitoes. However, repellents remain the primary means of prevention.

Based on what criteria should we choose a high-quality repellent?

When choosing a suitable repellent, it is ideal to look for one that contains the ingredient DEET, which was developed by the American military to protect soldiers from mosquitoes and was later released for civilian use. It isn’t necessary to be concerned about it, as it is absolutely safe when used correctly. At the pharmacy, we can also find repellents based on natural ingredients, containing essential oils or the substance IR3535 derived from the amino acid beta-alanine. It is also appropriate to check how long the given repellent provides protection and to reapply it based on that. Depending on its composition, a repellent’s period of effectiveness ranges from two to ten hours.

When coping with mosquito bites, what is the best way to treat them so that they don’t itch?

Gels with the active ingredient dimetindene or diphenhydramine can be used to alleviate itching. We can apply such gels to bites two to four times per day as needed. After applying a product with dimetindene, it is good to protect the given area from the sun. Those who prefer natural products can use essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil to alleviate itching. If the itching is very intense, anti-itch medication can be purchased in the form of tablets, as well as drops for younger children.

Some children and even adults literally scratch the bumps raw after getting bitten. Does that create a risk of infection? What happens to the skin? How should such a wound be treated?

If the itching is very intense, causing constant scratching, local and general antihistamines – i.e. allergy and anti-itch medications – or a chilled gel pad can be used to alleviate these unpleasant manifestations. If a bite is scratched until it bleeds, it is necessary to disinfect it in order to prevent the wound from getting infected. Anti-itch gels can be applied only to bites that are not bleeding or festering. Bites that have been intensely scratched and have formed scabs can be treated with a cream containing the disinfectant chlorhexidine in combination with the healing agent dexpanthenol.

Is it possible to be allergic to mosquito bites?

In most cases, a small, slightly swollen, red spot appears as a reaction to a mosquito bite. Besides sucking blood, mosquitoes release saliva into the body. This saliva contains substances that act as allergens in the body, causing the site of a mosquito bite to become red, itchy and swollen. In the case of allergy sufferers, a more intense reaction may occur, such as severe swelling, general weakness and, in rare cases, anaphylactic shock. Typical symptoms of this are shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, cold sweat and nausea. In the event of a more severe reaction, it is appropriate to take a general antihistamine such as loratadine or cetirizine. If anaphylactic shock is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Are infected mosquitoes present in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic, mosquitoes are considered to be a nuisance rather than a danger. Despite that, however, it is always recommended that patients keep an eye on their health condition and changes to their skin after being bitten by a mosquito. As a consequence of climate change, mosquitos from tropical regions may appear in parts of Europe where they were not previously present. These mosquito species may carry malaria, yellow fever or dengue fever, which of course do not occur in our country. Before travelling to areas where these diseases do occur, it is recommended that patients get a vaccination or prophylaxis.