Why You Get Bitten
Does Stress Repel Mosquitoes?
AP
If you've ever wondered why mosquitoes leave you alone while your friends are eaten alive, you may have your stress to thank.
It's no secret to scientists that sense of smell attracts mosquitoes to certain people. But with the human body producing over 300 chemical odors, it has been a challenge to isolate which ones are responsible for drawing mosquitoes in or pushing them away. However, new findings from Rothamstead Research in the UK have been able to do just that, reports the Wall Street Journal.
During their study, researchers used two groups of volunteers: One group of people who attracted mosquitoes and another who did not. After culling chemicals from both groups they were able to isolate the various chemical odors each group released. They found the group who was largely left alone by the bugs had a larger concentration of chemicals associated with stress. "There are certain humans who do not attract mosquitoes -- they produce natural repellants. These are chemicals [found in everybody], but produced in higher concentrations in certain individuals." says James Logan, a researcher at Rothamstead. "The interesting thing is that everybody has these sorts of chemicals in their bodies, it's just certain individuals that have high concentrations [of them]."
Previous studies have focused mostly on which chemicals attract mosquitoes. One study by Ulrich Bernier, a chemist now at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, showed that many common chemicals, especially those produced after we exercise, were attractive to these blood-sucking insects. However, The success of this new study is built upon the shift in focus to which naturally-occurring chemicals actually shooed them away.
These recent findings could signal a new approach to mosquito repellent that won't just stave off a leg full of bites, but actually save lives. Mosquitoes spread dangerous diseases such as malaria and West Nile Virus by infecting the blood of those they bite. In fact, a new product using these chemicals in high concentrations has already been tested on human volunteers. "In the latest research in Africa and Brazil we find that the chemicals are extremely effective," says Logan. He can't say exactly when these types of formulas will be available in stores, but predicts you’ll see them sometime within the next year.
*additional reporting by Mary Kearl
Click through our gallery of natural mosquito bite remedies below. Note: You will have to disable your pop-up blocker.
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Mosquito Bite Relief
by Vicki Salemi
Lemons
Lemons may taste bitter, but they can help shrink swelling and prevent scratching bites due to anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effects, says Neal Schultz, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist who recently launched DermTV. He suggests applying the juice with a cotton swab. If you don't feel like squeezing lemons yourself, you can also use fresh lemon juice as long as it's not from concentrate.
Lemons
Lemons may taste bitter, but they can help shrink swelling and prevent scratching bites due to anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effects, says Neal Schultz, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist who recently launched DermTV. He suggests applying the juice with a cotton swab. If you don't feel like squeezing lemons yourself, you can also use fresh lemon juice as long as it's not from concentrate.
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Mosquito Bite Relief
by Vicki Salemi
Lemons
Lemons may taste bitter, but they can help shrink swelling and prevent scratching bites due to anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effects, says Neal Schultz, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist who recently launched DermTV. He suggests applying the juice with a cotton swab. If you don't feel like squeezing lemons yourself, you can also use fresh lemon juice as long as it's not from concentrate.
Epsom salt
This household item can work wonders. Soak a cotton washcloth in cold water that's been mixed with Epsom salt (two tablespoons per cup) and apply it to the mosquito bite. Another option is to add a teaspoon of Epsom salt to a cup of hot water until it dissolves. After the solution has been chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes it may be applied to the mosquito bite. "Basically, anything that itches or burns the skin, Epsom salt can soothe," notes Joe Matusic, M.D., a pediatrician in Charleston, W.Va., and an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Charleston division of the West Virginia University School of Medicine.
Toothpaste
Although it's commonly used for your teeth, toothpaste just got a bit more versatile, moonlighting as a mosquito bite healer. "You could apply it several times a day without any problems," says Betty Pillsbury of GreenSpiralHerbs.com. "Toothpaste [especially peppermint] rubbed on the site of the mosquite bite relieves itching. The peppermint exerts a cooling sensation on hot, inflamed (i.e. bitten) skin," adds Jennifer Crain, a holistic pediatrics specialist.
Baking soda
Baking soda is one sure-fire way to simultaneously deal with multiple mosquito bites. Sue G. DeCotiis, M.D., a board-certified medical internist recommends creating a concoction of one-third baking soda and two-thirds water, particularly when you have multiple bites. "When you have a lot of bites, get into a bath tub and soak in it for about 20 to 30 minutes." It acts as an anti-inflammatory to relieve skin irritation..
Garlic
After cleaning the bite, Dr. DeCotiis suggests putting fresh garlic on it. In fact, she says it could work well on any wound, in particular to help healing if it is put on the raw tissue. She recommends leaving it on for about 20 to 30 minutes and then reapplying later on in the day.
Honey
The same way honey is soothing to your sore throat, it is also soothing to your skin. "Honey is good for anything that's irritating," notes Dr. Schultz. "It has all sorts of wonderful qualities due to its anti-inflammatory effects." He recommends diluting honey with one-third's part water and then using a Q-tip to apply it directly to the mosquito bite.
Tea
"The herbs could work as an anti-inflammatory," says Dr. DeCotiis. Make sure the tea is about room temperature and then put the tea bag on [the bite] for about 20 to 30 minutes. By the second day, the redness should subside. "For a chamomile tea bag, I'd leave it on for about 20 minutes or so."
Ammonia
Want to immediately stop the itching sensation from nasty mosquito bites? Applying ammonia will interfere with the conduction of nerve fibers and stop the itching sensation. "Ammonia functions as a nerve anesthetic. Use a Q-tip in the smallest amount and coat the bite with the liquid," explains Dr. Schultz.
Milk
Not just for cereal anymore, doctors say milk has soothing properties. Mix a solution using skim milk and water (at room temperature) in equal parts and the protein of the milk will decrease the itching sensation. Dr. Schultz recommends dabbing an old t-shirt or handkerchief in the solution and leaving it on for a few minutes. "This is wonderful to relieve the itching."
Ice cubes
What could be more inexpensive and simple than good old-fashioned ice? "The cold ice cube will stop itching immediately," according to Dr. Schultz. He says that ice is an extremely effective way to soothe mosquito bite itches. You may apply an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth directly onto the bite every few hours.
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Recent Comments
Alsarah01 11:56:33 PM Sep 10 2009
i am extremely allergic to mosquitoes. must take prednisone and ice packs for three days with each bite. i recently discovered if you place ice directly on the bite for the first 4-5 hours after the bite it really decreases the swelling. believe me ,this is truly a big help. i have seen allergist,internist and dermatologist without success.hopefully the new research in england will be a cure. also,confusing as i am a very stressed,type a personality......and mosquitoes just think i am caviar!!!!!!!
Holstm 07:38:30 PM Sep 07 2009
When I was younger the bugs did not bite me at all, and they attacked my Mom. Now all of a sudden the bugs have notice me and I am the one they attack and leave everyone else alone. I recently diagnosed with diabetes, and I wondered if they could be the problem? I have tried everything and cannot get the bugs to leave me alone.Mari
Jkimble250 06:52:57 PM Sep 07 2009
Type your own comment here Yes, I think it is true that being stressed in an open invitation to those awful little vampires! But--I think that cute Ms Salemi should know that lemons are really sour...not "bitter".
Jkimble250 06:38:21 PM Sep 07 2009
Type your own comment here I believe stress really is an invitation to those little vampires. I enjoy the cute Ms Salemi but she should know that lemons are sour, not "bitter".
CYCLONECY1 06:35:02 PM Sep 07 2009
I tried that skin so soft and it did nothing for me, besides it tastes awful.
Rhonni 925 06:14:32 PM Sep 07 2009
I don't agree with their findings, at least not in my household. I'm the one that stays stressed, while my husband is real laid back and never gets stressed. Mosquitoes use me as their buffet and never touch him. At least here, stress does not repel mosquitoes.Shipes 8, Try Skin So Soft from Avon for your granddaughter. At least it doesn't have the chemicals that bug repellant has. It was never intended to repel mosquitoes but works well. Also, you can now get repellent that you clip to your clothing rather than spray on your body, which is much safer. It costs a little more, but at least you aren't putting the stuff directly on your skin or clothes.
Sganat 05:58:30 PM Sep 07 2009
I too, question the logic behind this study. Even when I wear repellent, I still get "eaten alive" but those pests and I am a very high strung stressed person!!?
Sharonharbin1 05:44:30 PM Sep 07 2009
YES.................I ALSO GET THOSE HORRIBLE GERM CARRYING, FILTHY, ROTTEN, GOOD FOR NOTHING, DANGEROUS, DISEASE CARRIERS...............If STRESS draws them................I can see why they are after meSomeone told me to try the INSIDE OF A BANANA PEEL after they bite to ease the hurt and swelling etc ................IT WORKS VERY WELL FOR MY FAMILY AND ME..For THIS we are very THANKFUL.........Anything that you believe works better..........I'd appreciate knowing...........Many Thanks!
Hotnani223 05:35:14 PM Sep 07 2009
sorry people, I am under constant stress,have high blood pressure and the mosquitoes just love me to death.
Hsunshine48 05:28:20 PM Sep 07 2009
The easiest method I have found to prevent mosquito bites is an Avon product called Skin So Soft. Try it, you might like it.............
