All your summers are ruined by the discomfort of dozens of mosquito bites very uncomfortable? Unfortunately, while some people don’t even remember the last time they were bitten, others wake up every morning with new itchy spots. If many theories circulating around what would attract more mosquitoes or not, what is the real reason that makes that Some people get bitten more often than others. ? There is indeed a scientific reason, according to American dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, who shared 3 plausible explanations in a recent TikTok video.
Mosquitoes: Here are 3 reasons why you might be attracted to them, according to a dermatologist
“Have you ever wondered why some people get bitten by mosquitoes while others feel like mosquitoes don’t even know they exist?”, comments the dermatologist at the beginning of her TikTok video. She explains that, in fact, We are not all equal in the mosquito “lottery”. But what makes us more attractive in their eyes? Here is 3 reasons which could explain why you get bitten so often, according to the expert.
You do a lot of sport
According to the expert, people who do a lot of sport can often attract mosquitoes more than others.Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people with high temperatures”, she explains. She adds that “They are particularly attracted to substances such as ammonia, uric acid and lactic acid“. That’s why “People who exercise a lot are therefore more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes”, concludes the dermatologist.
You love beer
But what you drink is also likely to attract these insects, according to Lindsey Zubritsky.Another thing that can make you more vulnerable to mosquito bites is drink a beer“, she says. To support this explanation, she cites the results of a study which showed that simply drinking a can of beer could attract more mosquitoes.
You have more bacteria present on your skin
Finally, you may be more attractive to mosquitoes because of the bacteria on the surface of your skin, the dermatologist says.The number and type of bacteria present on our skin can make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes“, she explains. This attraction to bacteria would also be the reason why mosquitoes bite us more at the ankles. “This explains why we are more likely to be bitten on the ankles, because the bacterial colonies there are more robust.”, explains the expert.
Mosquito bites: how to protect yourself?
Even though you may seem to attract more mosquitoes than others, there are a few good behaviors to have to protect against bites. The Health Insurance website recommends avoiding areas of stagnant water in your home that could encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes, installing mosquito nets on your windows and above your bed. It also recommends limiting outdoor activities to times when mosquitoes are most active or protecting yourself with loose, covering clothing and using mosquito repellents.
Additional source:
- Prevention common to all diseases transmitted by mosquitoes – Ameli.fr