mosquito Bite Prevention: Experts Offer Advice as Warm Weather Arrives
Istanbul, Turkey – As warmer weather approaches, experts are offering guidance on how to prevent mosquito bites and manage discomfort following an encounter with the insects. Recommendations from Professor Jonathan F. Day and dermatologist Melissa Piliang focus on behavioral adjustments, protective clothing, and the use of repellents.
The advice comes as concerns about mosquito-borne illnesses remain, though this article does not detail specific disease risks. The focus is on minimizing bites and alleviating symptoms.
Preventative Measures:
Experts suggest several strategies to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
Timing: Shift outdoor exercise routines to the evening hours.
Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin with clothing when outdoors. Fisherman shirts and long-legged outdoor trousers are particularly effective. Air Circulation: Mosquitoes are deterred by wind. Utilize fans or seek out breezy areas.
Repellents: Sprays containing 5% DEET provide approximately 90 minutes of protection. Experts recommend showering and then applying repellent for maximum effectiveness.
Post-Bite Care: Avoid scratching bites. Apply ice to reduce swelling and itching. Anti-itch creams can also provide relief. In severe cases, antihistamines may be considered.
Lifestyle Factors & Attraction:
Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, highlighted the role of lifestyle factors in mosquito attraction. “If your body heat is high, if you are exercising and moving a lot; you are also more attractive for mosquitoes,” she explained. She specifically noted that consuming alcohol outdoors can increase the risk of being bitten.
The article also notes that individual reactions to mosquito bites vary depending on allergy to the chemicals in the mosquito’s saliva.
Note: The original article included several unrelated “related content” links to other news stories on the Milliyet* website (regarding Syrian politics, a dangerous breathing game, and bank promotions). These have been omitted from the rewritten version to maintain focus on the core topic of mosquito bite prevention. The rewrite aims to present the information as a standalone, informative piece.