Why some people are magnets for mosquitoes

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels like you’re the only one getting bitten by mosquitoes all the time, then you’re not alone. A new YouTube video from the American Chemical Society in its “Reactions” series explores how chemicals on people’s skin make them magnets for mosquitoes .

A study published in the journal Cell in October 2022 found that people with higher levels of carboxylic acids – a type of fatty acid – on their skin attract more mosquitoes.

mosquitoes

“The researchers had the participants wear fashionable nylon stockings on their arms to collect their milk (an oily secretion made up of keratin, fat and cell debris) and then placed a chamber in which Hades mosquitoes could choose between different-smelling nylons,” noted “Reactions” host Alex Dennis, who holds a Ph.D. in genetics from Stanford University.

Dainis explained that the study looked at the differences between “strong attractors” – people who tend to get bitten more and “weak attractors” – people who do not feel the wrath of mosquitoes as often. “The researchers found that there were several different carboxylic acids that showed up more on the skin of high attractors than low attractors,” she said, “Specifically, the high attractors produced significantly higher levels of three carboxylic acids.” The three carboxylic acids are heptadecanoic, pentadecanoic and nonadecanoic acids.

Ten other unidentified compounds of the same class of chemicals were also detected on the skin of those with strong attraction. According to Science Direct , pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acid levels are related to dairy fat intake. Nonadecanoic acid, on the other hand, is a fatty acid commonly found in fat and vegetable oils, according to Cayman Chemical .

“The type and volume of a particular bacterium on the skin can increase the chance of mosquito bites.” She referred to a study published in December 2011 in the journal PLOS ONE: “One study found that those people who were more attractive to mosquitoes had a significantly higher abundance of a particular bacterium, but a lower variety of bacteria overall, on their skin.” More about mosquitoes 7 methods Natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes at home – and do the traps really work? What foods to eat and what to avoid to get bitten

Sometimes mosquito bites are simply unavoidable

but the good news is that there are some things within your control. Zobritsky recommends putting on an insect repellent that contains 20% to 30% DEET or picridine. She suggests covering exposed areas with long sleeves and pants. Tucking your shirt into your pants also provides additional protection.

If the mosquitoes still manage to attack you this summer, the dermatologist advises on quick solutions to help relieve the itching. “For bites, I find the most effective treatment is over-the-counter topical steroids such as hydrocortisone or taking an antihistamine such as cetirizine, bendrich, loratadine or claritin,” said Zobritsky. “I also recommend an anti-itch cream containing menthol or pramoxine.”