I’m a dermatologist – this is why mosquitoes bite some people more than others
- Have you ever wondered why some people are mosquito magnets?
- Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky reveals three factors that affect getting stung
Have you ever wondered why some people come back from their holidays covered in mosquito bites, while others are remain unscathed?
It turns out there’s a scientific reason behind who those pesky blood-suckers choose to be their next victim.
Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky has explained there a few reasons why someone might be a ‘mosquito magnet’.
The first of which is that ‘mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher temperature’.
She added ‘They are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes.’
Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky has explained that there a few reasons why someone might be a ‘mosquito magnet’
She explained ‘A study found that drinking one 12 ounce can of beer, can make you more attractive to mosquitoes’
The next reason may shock you, as the dermatologist revealed ‘another thing that can make you more susceptible to bites is drinking beer’.
She explained: ‘A study found that drinking one 12 ounce can of beer, can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.’
However, this is debated among experts and is more of a myth than a medical fact.
The final factor involved is the type and number of bacteria that live on your skin.
She continued: ‘It also explains why we are more likely to get bit on our ankles, because there are more robust bacterial colonies in those areas’.
The clip has amassed over 70,000 likes and over 870 comments, with viewers shocked at what the dermatologist had to say.
A commenter wrote: ‘This is not cute. I was told I got bit more bc I got sweeter blood but now you’re telling me I’m just sweaty and dirty?’
Another added: ‘Lies. I do none of that and get stung left and right.’
One user questioned: ‘Does being type O blood also attract mosquitoes? I get bit constantly,’ to which someone replied ‘type O+ here and I’m pretty much a mosquito magnet’.
She added ‘They are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes’
Healthline said that there is some truth to this and out of all the blood types, mosquitoes may have a preference for type O.
According to research, other factors may include wearing darker clothing, genetics and even being pregnant.
Dr Gareth Nye, Programme Lead for Medical Science at Chester University, explained that it is true that mosquitos do favour some over others but they ‘generally target people differently for one reason – how easy it is to access the blood supply under the skin!
‘How this happens however is variable and some people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitos than others for reasons completely out of their control.
Dr Gareth Nye explained that it is true that mosquitos do favour some over others but they ‘generally target people differently for one reason’
‘Mosquitos are drawn to people with a higher body temperature and increased carbon dioxide output compared with someone else.
‘In some cases, this may simply be due to being female compared with being male as average body temperatures are slightly different.
‘Increased body temp forces the body to open up blood vessels nearer the skin in an attempt to cool the body down, which makes it easy picking for mosquitos.’
He added ‘Unfortunately this is the case why pregnancy suddenly makes you a target even if you weren’t previously.
‘The drinking beer myth comes from a study in 2002 which appears to show that mosquitos are more likely to bite you if you’ve had a drink.
‘However, this only involved 14 people – 13 of which had a drink and 1 who didn’t so it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that more mosquitos bite people who had a drink!’
‘The only current consensus is that some people produce different skin components called carboxylic acids which can be more attractive to a mosquito so unfortunately its down to your genetics, but at least you can still enjoy a beer on your holidays – just buy a good repellent!’
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