The small mosquito is among the most dangerous insects in the world, biting and infecting millions of people every year with various deadly diseases such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever. Mosquito bites can also be extremely itchy and painful, causing discomfort to many people. These bites may later on develop into ugly dark scars (because of scratching) that can remain visible for years.

Only the female mosquito sucks blood from humans and animals because it needs supplementary protein for the growth and development of its larvae. There are many kinds of mosquitoes, and a person may have different reactions to the bites of various mosquitoes. A mosquito does not really bite, but pierces the skin with its elongated tubular feeding or sucking organ called proboscis. Before it sucks blood, it injects a mild anesthetic which keeps the host from feeling pain, and an anti-coagulant protein to prevent blood clot. The anti-coagulant is responsible for the itching and irritation. The anesthetic and the anti-coagulant are also often infected with viruses and parasites that cause mosquito transmitted diseases.

There are many kinds of mosquitoes, and a person may have different reactions to the bites of various mosquitoes. Some people have more severe allergic reactions than others to the saliva of a mosquito, and may experience terrible itching episodes that can last for hours. There are also observations that there are people who are more prone to being targeted by mosquitoes although it is not yet clear why this occurs.

Mosquito bites should not be scratched especially if you have long fingernails, to avoid secondary infection, swelling, bleeding (which can entice more mosquitoes), and to prevent scarring. Treatment for itchy and swelling mosquito bites include anti-histamines, calamine lotions, aloe vera, hot or cold compress, saliva, toothpaste, and rubbing alcohol.