There are more than 3000 mosquito species buzzing around every corner of the planet. And that's ok, but they are excused to leave my room at night.
While mosquitoes that manage to make it to adulthood outdoors survive for an average of 2 to 3 weeks, the average mosquito can survive for up to a month indoors. When a mosquito lands on your skin, it will feed on your blood—but once it leaves, the proteins in its saliva stay behind. Your immune system sees this is a threat and pumps out histamine (the same response it has to allergens) to attack these proteins.
The result? Unbearably itchy, red welts you can’t help scratching. Luckily, there are natural ways to get rid of a mosquito bite.
But it's not just bites you need to worry about, the aftermath can be unpleasant too.
Mosquitoes can carry all sorts of intense diseases. That’s why preventing mosquito bites in the first place should be a priority during the warmer months.
CHEMICAL REPELLENTS
First of all, let's demonstrate why chemical repellents are not good for us.
Most repellents contain DEET.
DEET is an insect repellent organic compound.
Although DEET is known as the most effective insect repellent, research shows that it may trigger toxic side effects in some situations.
And with more than 500 products containing DEET on the market — with different concentrations and ingredients — choosing the safest repellent for you and your children can be confusing. Precaution and proper application is essential.
Most cases of serious side effects caused by DEET involve frequent or whole-body application of the repellent. DEET may cause minor to serious reactions and conditions, including the following concerns (source www.draxe.com)
1. Allergic Reactions
Applied to the skin, especially for an extended period of time, it can cause adverse reactions like redness, rash, swelling and hives.
2. Seizures and Brain Malfunction
In some cases, ingestion of DEET can lead to seizures. There are also reports of DEET-induced seizures in children.
According to a case analysis published in Human and Experimental Toxicology, clinical reports of children under 16 years old who suffered from brain damage indicate that symptoms can be caused by not only the ingestion of DEET, and repeated and extensive application, but also brief exposure to the insect repellent.
3. Carcinogenic Properties
DEET contains carcinogenic properties that can produce dangerous effects when inhaled or applied to the skin.
4. Toxic to Pets
If DEET is sprayed in a pet's eyes, it can cause issues like conjunctivitis, scleritis, corneal ulceration and blepharospasm. If this happens, you need to flush it out of your pet's eyes for at least 15 minutes.
If your pet inhales DEET, this can cause airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. General exposure to DEET may also cause gastrointestinal issues or side effects including disorientation, shaking, vomiting, tremors and seizures.
5.Environmental Impact
DEET is toxic to birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates. When testing DEET on freshwater fish and insects, it was toxic at extremely high levels.
These are the precautions they list in order to use DEET safely:
Do not apply to irritated skin, cuts or wounds
Do not apply to hands, or close to eyes and mouth
Do not use on young children
Do not use under clothing
Only apply to exposed skin (and minimise exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and pants)
Don't over apply
Wash product from your skin with soap and water after use
Wash clothes that have come into contact with DEET before wearing it again.
If we read all this, why should we still use this product? If it affects our brain, skin, sight and nature? And if there are natural solutions , why not use them ?
Most people are not even aware of the existence of these substances. We work with the knowledge that we have.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Let's broaden our knowledge and learn new natural ways to fight mosquito bites and itching.
Nature has solutions for everything. Let's use them!
What are natural ways to keep them out, to prevent mosquito bites and when it's too late, which remedies help against the mega annoying itch?
Natural Repellents
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: Cinnamon- Peppermint- Cedar - Citronella - Lemongrass - Patchouli - Catnip - Lavender -
OILS: Lemon - Eucalyptus - Lavender - Cinnamon - Thyme - Citronella Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile substances. In order to be used safely on your skin as a repellent , they should be diluted in another safe substance. There are several safe Natural skin care oils that you can use to make your favorite repellent blend. Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil Make your own blend of essential repellent oils from the list of skin safe oils above.
2. PLANTS : Lavender - Citronella Geranium - Lemon Balm - Citronella Grass - Peppermint Catnip - Marigolds - Smoked Sage or Rosemary
3. AVOID STILL WATER:
4. AVOID PERFUMED PRODUCTS
Natural Treatments Read on this following link
https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites How to use Oatmeal - Crushed ice - Heat - Honey - Aloe vera - Baking soda - Basil - Vinegar - Onion - Thyme - Peppermint oil - Lemon balm - Arnica - Chamomile tea - Garlic as natural treatments against the mosquito bite itches.
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