With the hot weather, mosquito bites become more common in Portugal and, although in most cases they are not serious, they can cause intense itching, redness and local swelling. There is, however, a simple gesture that can help relieve the urge to itch without resorting to creams or medications: gently rubbing the skin around the bite.
Mosquito bites are common in the warmer months
In Portugal, the presence of mosquitoes is monitored through the Vector Surveillance Network (REVIVE), coordinated by the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (), which monitors species of mosquitoes and other vectors in several regions of the country. The most recent report released by INSA indicates that thousands of mosquitoes were identified in hundreds of municipalities, which shows the importance of surveillance, especially during periods of greatest activity of these insects.
In most situations, a mosquito bite causes only a local reaction, such as a small bump on the skin, redness, swelling and itching. SNS 24 explains that strofulum is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction triggered by insect bites, including mosquitoes, which can cause very itchy lesions, especially in more sensitive people.
Simple gesture that can stop itching
The recommendation is simple: instead of scratching the bite with your nails, you should rub the area gently with two fingers, making light movements over the skin or lightly around the affected area. The idea is to create a tactile stimulus that helps to “muffle” the itching signal before it becomes more intense.
A published study states that rubbing or stroking the skin is known to relieve itching, through the activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors, that is, nerve receptors sensitive to light touch. This response can help reduce the transmission of the itch signal, without causing the damage to the skin that happens when you scratch hard.
The explanation lies in the way the nervous system processes itching. When the skin is pricked, some nerve fibers are stimulated in a localized way, creating an uncomfortable sensation. By gently rubbing the area, touch produces a competing signal that can reduce the perception of itching.
Why you shouldn’t scratch mosquito bites
Scratching can provide momentary relief, but it can also irritate the skin further, increase inflammation and open small wounds. The National Health Service (NHS), the United Kingdom’s public health service, recommends avoiding scratching insect bites to reduce the risk of infection, in addition to advising washing the area with soap and water and applying cold if there is swelling.
This care is especially important in children, who tend to itch more intensely, and in people with sensitive skin or a tendency to allergic reactions. SNS 24 states that reactions to mosquito bites can cause significant itching and skin damage, so avoiding traumatizing the area helps prevent the problem from getting worse.
When to seek medical help
Although most bites improve after a few days, you should watch for warning signs. Difficulty breathing, severe swelling of the face or mouth, dizziness, fever, intense pain, pus, increasing redness or progressive worsening of the lesion are reasons to seek medical advice. In case of a severe allergic reaction, SNS 24 recommends immediate contact with emergency services, as a systemic reaction may require rapid intervention. In case of doubts, SNS Line 24 can guide citizens on the steps to follow.
How to reduce the risk of new bites
In addition to treating itching, prevention remains essential. SUS 24 recommends, in risk contexts, the use of repellent in exposed areas, clothing that covers the body more and mosquito nets, especially when traveling to areas where mosquitoes can transmit diseases.
At home, it also helps to avoid standing water in vases, buckets, gutters or containers outside, as these places can encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes. The surveillance carried out by the REVIVE program aims precisely to monitor the distribution and abundance of these vectors in Portugal and support the assessment of the risk to public health.
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