Developed by

Mosquito Bites

Culex morsus (Latin name)

By Bjarne Lühr Hansen PhD, MD and Philipp Skafte-Holm MD, Mentor Institute

We all know mosquito bites. They are annoying but extremely rarely dangerous. Some respond particularly to mosquito bites and can develop very large swellings. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe adrenal gland hormone on prescription. There may be inflammation of a mosquito bite, which requires antibiotics.

Mosquitos bites you to soak blood. When the mosquitoes bite, saliva comes into the wound. It is spit that gives the reaction to the skin. It is not poisonous, as in the case of wasp sting or bee sting.

The skin responds to mosquito bites with swelling and itching. There is a big difference - from person to person - how strong the swelling becomes. Some just get a little red spot, while others develop large raised areas - up to 10 centimetres in diameter.

Allergic reactions - as seen by bee and wasp sting - almost never seem to occur. Mosquito bites in Europe are therefore never dangerous.

When you scratch a mosquito stick, you can transfer bacteria to the wound. This can cause inflammation of the skin that is being treated with antibiotics. In case of inflammation the swelling increases and the skin becomes more tender, red and hot.


What can you do?

If you know that you react strongly to mosquito bites, take special precautions. Mosquito bites can be prevented with clothing covering the skin and the use of mosquito balsam, available at the pharmacy bought over the counter. If you sit out in the evening, you can put your stockings up over your trousers leg - it prevents mosquitoes from biting the ankles.
Allergy medicines (antihistamines) available bought over the counter relieve the itching.


Contact the doctor tomorrow

If itching is severe, despite the use of antihistamine.
If the skin reaction is over 5 cm in diameter.
If you suspect skin inflammation.

Contact the doctor immediately

Never necessary.