Everyone who comes to Club MAC for their summer break deserves the best holiday possible. We work hard to try and make sure this happens, from our entertainment team to our kitchen staff, the Club MAC team really want you to have a great time. Which is why we don’t want a mosquito bite to ruin your day!
Remember that we do have a natural lake in the centre of Club MAC, and some of the entertainment is close to it. This does mean that inevitably there are some mosquitoes around, and we know how frustrating it can be, particularly when children are bitten.
If this sounds familiar, then this blog is for you. We’ve put together some advice, information and treatment options for mossie bites, to keep the disruption to a minimum.
Why do some people get bitten by mosquitoes?
Some people are prone to mosquito bites, and others happily avoid them with no problem. Statistics show that between 10% and 20% of people are particularly tempting to mosquitoes and tend to get bitten, even while those they are hanging out with escape it completely.
It’s not completely clear as to why this is, but scientists think that blood type and genetics play a part. Studies from all the way back in the 1970s show that mosquitoes appear to prefer skin with Type O blood. Half as likely to get bitten are Type As, and Type B people are somewhere in the middle.
Mosquitoes home in on their choice of human from up to 50 metres away, and evidence suggests that people who exhale more carbon dioxide are more attractive to them. This applies to people who sweat more, are larger or exercise a lot. Mothers to-be are also more susceptible, possibly because they have a higher body temperature than other people and are exhaling more carbon dioxide.
Effective mosquito repellents
As mosquitoes really like dark colours, choose lighter shades and white clothes to avoid attracting their attention. Of course, the best and most reliable way to keep mossies away from you and your family is by using repellent.
The most effective is DEET (diethyltoluamide), which although chemical-based, has a very high safety record. Evidence shows that a repellent that contains 20% DEET will keep mosquitoes away for up to five hours.
For children, DEET products with 10% of less are the best bet. There are also other chemical mosquito repellents that work equally well, including those containing icariin and IR3535. They all have a different composition but work in the same way – by releasing odours that mossies can’t stand.
If you prefer natural products, there are various on the market that include citronella, neem or lemon eucalyptus. While this smell nicer, they are nowhere near as effective as DEET.
If you are bitten, here’s what you can do
For some people insect and mosquito bites cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms include intense itching and raised rashes visible on the skin. Sometimes small blisters might form, although this is less common. There are a few ways you can take the sting out of a mosquito bite and make the victim more comfortable:
Take an antihistamine, either loratadine or cetirizine 10mg once of twice a day. These are easily available over the counter and will help to relieve the itch and any swelling.
Try a very mild steroid cream. You can buy hydrocortisone between 0.5% and 1.5% from the chemist, and these can reduce itching and inflammation. Never use any steroid cream on the face without a doctor’s say so.
Use a cold compress on the rashes to cool the skin.
Don’t scratch – however tempting it feels.
Try calamine lotion on the affected areas for a cooling sensation.
Not scratching the bite is the single most important piece of advice, as this can increase the chance of it getting infected. It’s very difficult to stop yourself scratching a mossie bite, and it’s particularly difficult for kids. If you’re concerned they have been scratching look out for increase swelling, any swollen glands or complaints of pain, and check in with the on-site doctor if you have any concerns.
Having said that, it’s very unlikely that a mosquito bite will turn into an infection. They are generally just an irritation that can cause discomfort. Take steps to protect yourself and your family and you may well avoid getting bitten at all.
