Dr. Greene, my 8-year-old daughter has had a problem with mosquito bites for as long as I can remember. Our physician hasn't had any answers or treatment ideas (rather than to stay indoors). When Lauren is first bitten the bite appears normal, but given a few hours it can turn the surrounding area hot, red and the whole area becomes inflamed -- at times as big as an orange. She gets a blister where the bite initially took place. She often runs a low grade fever with the bites and develops bruises in the area. Our doctor assures me that it is nothing more than an allergic reaction to mosquitoes, but says there is no treatment. I have heard that taking garlic pills can help repel insects. Insecticides haven't done much good. What can I do to at least treat her symptoms when bitten?
Thanks,

Cynthia, I now receive many questions each week from around the world. While I can't possibly answer all of them, each question does make a difference. One of the unforeseen results of this website for me is being able to watch clusters of concerns arise from people who don't even know each other. This week, I've received a flood of questions about mosquito bites. Those fragile little insects can be quite a nuisance. Your daughter Lauren suffers much more than most, and I trust we'll be able to give her some relief.

Mosquitoes wouldn't be such a problem if it weren't for the blood-sucking habits of the females. The males (and often the females) feed on plant nectar, but the females also depend on a blood meal to get the protein they need to mature their eggs, which they then lay on the surface of still water.

Mosquitoes are delicate little insects with long, fragile-looking legs and mouthparts. Appearances deceive, however -- the female is equipped with blade-like, piercing mouthparts that enable her to get what she needs for her babies.

Meanwhile, mosquitoes are known to pass blood-borne illnesses from one victim to another. They are a major health hazard and are responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and many other serious diseases. In parts of the world where mosquito-transmitted diseases are not common, it is the bite itself which presents the greatest difficulty. More infants and children are bitten by mosquitoes than by any other insect.

When the mosquito stabs her needle-like mouthparts through the skin of her victim, she injects her saliva -- teeming with digestive enzymes and anticoagulants. The first time a person is bitten, there is no reaction. With subsequent bites, the person becomes sensitized to the foreign proteins, and small, itchy, red bumps appear about 24 hours later. This is the most common reaction in young children. After many more bites, a pale, swollen hive, or wheal, begins to appear within minutes after a bite -- followed by the red bump 24 hours later. This is the most common reaction in older children and adolescents.

With repeated mosquito bites, some people begin to become insensitive again, much as if they had allergy shots. Some older children and adults get no reaction to mosquito bites (unless they go for a long time without being bitten -- then the process can start again). Other people, like your daughter Lauren, become increasingly allergic with repeated stings. They can develop blistering, bruised, large inflammatory reactions. For these people, avoiding being bitten is a particularly good idea.

Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much of the skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes. They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals (me!) over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions. All other things being equal, mosquitoes will choose children as their victims rather than adults.