The bane of every Aussie summer, mosquito bites leave millions of Australians scratching their skin and this summer is predicted to be particularly itchy in parts of the country.

While most mosquito bites are little more than a minor inconvenience, some bites can lead to serious skin issues if not properly treated or due to excessive scratching, says skin expert, Isabella Loneragan.

“Repeated scratching and skin trauma can break down the skin barrier, creating entry points for bacterial infection and leading to potential scarring and hyperpigmentation,” explains Isabella.

Home to more than 300 different mosquito species, Australia is a hotspot for insect activity especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes, sandflies and similar bugs thrive in the warm and humid climate.

When a mosquito bites, it pierces the skin using a special mouthpart to suck up blood. Interestingly, only female mosquitoes bite humans because they need the proteins from our blood to produce their eggs. After a mosquito injects saliva into human skin, the body’s reaction typically results in a bump and itching for a day or two.

“Most won’t need to see a medical professional for a mosquito bite but if you develop a rash, fever, chills, headache, joint or muscle pain, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, don’t risk it and do see your doctor.

“In addition to refraining from excessive scratching, it’s really important to keep an itchy bite clean so you don’t develop a secondary inflection.

“Of course, insect repellent is a great way to keep the flying blood-suckers at bay; but never ever use bug spray with insecticides on your skin. Sprays with insecticides kill insects and can be very harmful to humans. A body repellent won’t actually kill the bugs but as the name suggests, it will deter them from your skin,” adds Isabella.

With almost two decades of experience in dermatology and skincare product formation, Isabella Loneragan’s top tips for preventing mosquito bites, and for treating itchy bites this summer, are:

Evading mosquito bites:

Use approved insect repellents that contain DEET (a low-risk type of chemical that’s also used in some perfumes and body washes), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus as these are proven to work and registered as safe by the relevant Australian authorities.

Patch test when using a product for the first time to check for allergic reactions and sensitivity.

Avoid open wounds and broken skin to prevent skin irritations. It’s also recommended to avoid the eyes and mouth.

Layer sunscreen first, allowing it to dry and then applying insect repellent on top to avoid diminishing the sunscreen’s effectiveness.

Rub into your skin an even, thin layer of topical repellent and do not ‘mist’ yourself in spots to ensure full coverage. They can find any little patch of unprotected skin.

Wear light and loose clothing, as mosquitoes do bite through tight clothing and can better spot dark colours. Especially at dawn and dusk (when mozzies are most active), aim for covered footwear and socks as mozzies particularly love around the feet, ankles and lower legs, where the bacterium on human skin produces scents that are especially attractive to mosquitoes.

Reapply, after swimming and when sweaty and feeling very hot as evidence suggests that mozzies have a special sense for body heat, sweat, and even the smell of human skin. The strength of a repellent determines the duration of its protection, with higher concentration providing longer periods of protection.

Mosquito wristbands and patches are not recommended as they’re not proven to work, and some natural repellents provide only limited (if any) protection.

For children, choose formulations specifically made for children, especially for those aged younger than three, and never allow children to self-apply.

Avoid swamps and wetlands, where mosquitoes are the most dangerous in summer and may even carry and transmit more serious infections.

Treating mosquito bites:

Clean the bite area by washing it with soap and water and keep it clean to avoid secondary infection.

Cold compress can help to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and relieve itching. Hold an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water over the bite for 10-15 minutes. There are many urban myths to reduce itching – from using mayonnaise, antibacterial mouthwash, your (own!) saliva and countless others – but really, using a cold compress or even a little non-fragranced moisturiser is my tip.

Use soothing products with natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients to calm inflamed skin, help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars from nasty bites, and reduce the urge to scratch.

Some of the best soothing products for itchy bites are:

Hydrating lotions and moisturisers that are non-scented and gentle, to support the skin’s natural healing, reduce the risk of scars and to reduce dryness that can make itching worse.

Aloe vera gel is particularly good for those with sensitive skin.

Tea tree oil is effective against bacteria and lavender oil is gentle and soothing.

Topical antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to reduce allergic responses and calm itching.

Oral antihistamines can help those unlucky enough to have multiple bites; and over-the-counter pain-relieving creams containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine can provide relief from intense itching or burning.

Stay hydrated because hydrated skin heals faster and is more resilient against irritation and scarring.

“Again (and as hard as I know it can be) – don’t scratch!

“And see your doctor if the post-bite symptoms are excessive,” adds Isabella.

Isabella Loneragan holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Health Science & Psychology, with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Dermal Science.

Multi-award-winning and internationally trained with more than 15 years of experience in dermatology and cosmeceuticals, Isabella is the creator of Ragan Skin and is renowned for her offering of bespoke intuitive facial treatments. Isabella operates a private clinic called Isabella Loneragan Skin located in Bowral and Sydney.

Find Isabella Loneragan online here (https://www.ilskin.com.au/).