Have you ever felt like mosquitoes have it out for you, while others seem to escape unscathed? You’re not imagining things—those pesky critters do have their favorites. But why is that?
According to Dr. Christopher Bazzoli, an emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, “Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and our exhalation signature—basically, the carbon dioxide we breathe out. But that’s not all. The scent we give off plays a major role too. Unfortunately, this is something we can’t control much—it’s rooted in our genetics and the unique blend of bacteria on our skin.”
While you might not be able to change your natural scent, Dr. Bazzoli has some tips to make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing, applying bug repellent, cutting back on alcohol, and steering clear of areas with standing water—mosquito breeding grounds.
If you do end up with a bite, resist the urge to scratch! Dr. Bazzoli advises washing the area with warm, soapy water, using ice to reduce swelling, and applying an over-the-counter itch cream or taking a non-drowsy antihistamine to soothe the itch. “The more you scratch, the more you risk opening up the skin, which can lead to infection,” he warns. If you’re prone to scratching, consider covering the bite with a band-aid after applying the cream.
