Health

Doctor Fileva: overweight people are bitten more often by mosquitoes

mosquito bites on the skin
Dermatologist Alexandra Fileva: some people’s bodies react more strongly to mosquito bites.

Doctor Fileva told which people are more susceptible to attract mosquitoes.

“Research confirms that about 20% of people literally attract mosquitoes,” the doctor noted in a conversation with Izvestia.
Alexandra Fileva clarified that victims of mosquito bites (specifically tiger mosquitoes Aedes albopictus) more often become people with the first positive blood group. Malaria mosquitoes, considered the most dangerous, more often bite people with blood type IV.

The doctor added that mosquitoes are more likely to bite people with rapid breathing, which releases more carbon dioxide, to which these insects are sensitive. For example, overweight people have such rapid breathing, and mosquitoes bite them more often than thin people.

Another feature that attracts winged bloodsuckers is increased sweating. They are able to capture odorous substances released by the body along with sweat over very long distances. At the same time, attempts to disguise sweat with the help of perfumes only increase the mosquitoes’ interest in the body that exudes such an aroma.

“Human sweat contains uric acid, ammonia and other compounds that attract insects. Deodorant can help reduce the odor, but it won't help completely. Perfumes to mask the smell do not always help. Mosquitoes like sweetish aromas – it is better to avoid them in the summer, or at least not to wear perfume when going out into nature,” doctor Fileva shared her recommendation.
In addition, the specialist said, mosquitoes like the smell coming from the feet. If the feet sweat and are not washed often enough, their owner becomes a desirable target for insects.

The MedikForum.ru portal previously wrote that mosquito bites can cause unexpectedly severe reactions from the body.

Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.

Alexandra Fileva Alexandra Fileva Health expert of the Hemotest laboratory, dermatologist