Have you ever wondered why some people return from their vacation covered in mosquito bites, while others remain unscathed?
It turns out there’s a scientific reason behind who those pesky bloodsuckers choose as their next victim.
Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky explained a number of reasons why someone could be a ‘mosquito magnet’.
The first is that ‘mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher temperature’.
She added: ‘They are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid and lactic acid, so people who exercise a lot are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.’
Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky has explained that there are a few reasons why someone might be a ‘mosquito magnet’
She explained: ‘A study has found that drinking a 30ml can of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes’
The next reason might shock you, as the dermatologist revealed that “another thing that can make you more prone to bites is drinking beer.”
She explained: ‘A study has found that drinking a 30ml can of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.’
However, this is debated among experts and is more of a myth than a medical fact.
The final factor that comes into play is the type and number of bacteria living on your skin.
She continued: ‘It also explains why we get bitten more often on our ankles, because there are more robust bacterial colonies in those areas.’
The clip has racked up more than 70,000 likes and more than 870 comments, with viewers shocked by what the dermatologist had to say.
One commenter wrote: ‘This isn’t cute. I was told I got a little more because I have sweeter blood, but now you’re telling me I’m just sweaty and dirty?’
Another added: “Lies. I don’t do any of that and I get stabbed left and right.’
One user wondered: ‘Does blood type O also attract mosquitoes? I get bitten all the time,” to which someone replied, “type O+ here and I’m pretty much a mosquito magnet.”
She added: ‘They are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid and lactic acid, so people who exercise a lot are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.’
Healthline said there is some truth to this and that of all the blood types, mosquitoes have a preference for type O.
According to research, other factors may include wearing dark clothes, genetics and even being pregnant.
Dr. Gareth Nye, medical sciences program leader at the University of Chester, explained that it is true that mosquitoes favor some mosquitoes over others, but that they “generally target people differently for one reason: how easy it is to to access the blood supply under the skin!
‘However, how this happens is variable and some people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others for reasons completely beyond their control.
Dr. Gareth Nye explained that it is true that mosquitoes favor certain mosquitoes over others, but they “generally target people in different ways for one reason.”
‘Mosquitoes are attracted to people with a higher body temperature and higher carbon dioxide emissions than anyone else.
‘In some cases this may simply be due to being a woman compared to being a man, as the average body temperature is slightly different.
‘An increased body temperature forces the body to open blood vessels closer to the skin in an attempt to cool the body, making it easy to pick up mosquitoes.’
He added: ‘Unfortunately this is why pregnancy suddenly makes you a target even if you weren’t one before.
‘The myth about drinking beer stems from a 2002 study showing that mosquitoes are more likely to bite you if you have had a drink.
‘However, it only involved 14 people – 13 of whom drank something and 1 did not. It should therefore come as no surprise that more mosquitoes bite people who have had a drink!’
‘The only current consensus is that some people produce different skin components called carboxylic acids which can be more attractive to a mosquito, so it depends on your genetics unfortunately, but at least you can still enjoy a beer on your holiday – just buy a good one repellent. !’