Mosquitoes can carry malaria, dengue fever and other dangerous diseases.
When mosquitoes bite, they release saliva that acts as an anesthetic on the skin in an attempt to remain undetected. Unfortunately, this saliva also creates the unpleasant redness, itching and inflammation associated with mosquito bites. A bite is rarely dangerous, but severe allergic reactions can occur, and malaria can be transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Certain vitamins might help relieve and repair the skin after a bite, and others can even act as a repellent.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is vital in building new tissue cells, aiding the skin's healing process after a mosquito bite. It also possesses natural inflammatory properties to help relieve the swelling. The Home Remedy Reference Center states that rubbing vitamin E products directly onto the insect bite is one of the most effective remedies. What's more, vitamin E's antioxidant properties will help prevent further harm from free radical damage.
Vitamin C
Consuming vitamin C will speed up healing skin wounds, including mosquito bites. It is a powerful antioxidant and immunity booster, helping reduce the risk of further infection or illness as a result of the bite. Take vitamin C supplements or increase your food intake of foods rich in vitamin C to help relieve the symptoms mosquito bites cause.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Thiamine can help reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito. After ingestion, thiamine is slowly released from the skin, acting as a natural mosquito repellent. Take 100 mg every few hours when at risk of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are particularly prevalent at dusk and near water sources.
Food Sources
Cooking oils provide a healthy dose of vitamin E. Sunflower, cottonseed and rapeseed oil contain 49 mg, 43 mg and 22 mg of vitamin E, respectively, per 100 g. Sweet potatoes, eggs and nuts and seeds are other useful sources. Rose Hip extract has a potent vitamin C content, containing more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. Citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables also provide a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin B1 can be found in brown rice, wheat germ and grains as well as some fish.
Tags: mosquito bites, help relieve, reduce risk