Luckily for us, mosquitos in the UK don’t spread diseases like they do in other countries. Here in the UK mosquitos can be a cause of irritation if they bite to feed on your blood. But you aren’t at risk from a disease like malaria.
However, if you’re planning to go abroad this year then you might find insect bites, especially those from mosquitos are a nuisance. Some people are allergic to mosquito bites. An allergic reaction can mean that the spot where you were bitten will be very red and swollen.
If you going to a country where there is a risk of malaria you should take anti-malaria tablets. You need to start taking them before you travel and after you get back from your visit. You can buy anti-malaria tablets from your pharmacy.
If you are bitten in the UK by a mosquito and the woulnd becomes infected, you can visit your pharmacy for treatment under the Pharmacy First Service.
Normally mosquitos are more active at night, but it is possible to get a mosquito bite during the day. They home in on humans because they are attracted by the heat from your skin, odours from perfume or soap and carbon dioxide from your breath. Some people easily attract mosquitos while others are left alone.
You might find the worst time to be bitten is if you are dining outside or when you are sleeping. You don’t feel a mosquito bite until it becomes red and itchy.
If you are walking about during the evening, then wear loose fitting clothes like trousers or a long skirt and a long-sleeved top. If you don’t wear socks, then there is a risk that you will get mosquito bites on your feet.
Use insect repellent. Apply it to all areas that aren’t covered with your clothes including your face and neck. Re-apply it regularly if you have been swimming or you are sweating a lot.
A good repellent will contain one of the active ingredients listed below:
Other ways to avoid insect bites are to sleep with a mosquito net over your bed, preferably one that has been sprayed with insect repellent. Close windows and doors unless they have insect screens attached to them.
If you are in a hot country in a room that has air conditioning use it on a low setting for the night. Mosquitos don’t like the cold and are unlikely to stay in a room when the air conditioning is being used.
When you are eating outdoors, avoid anywhere where you are near water as that’s where mosquitos lay their eggs abnd are most likely to be found.
If you do have a mosquito bite, or any other type of insect bite that has become infected you can come to the pharmacy for treatment.
Under the Pharmacy First Service scheme you can see the pharmacist who will recommend the appropriate treatment. Any prescription medicine will be charged for at the NHS prescription rate, unless you are exempt from prescription charges.
Pop in and see us at the pharmacy or give us a call on 01276 21002 and make an appointment for a consultation.
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Warmer weather increases your chances of being bitten by an insect. You can treat infected insect bites at the Pharmacy.
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