Why do some people get bitten by mosquitoes all the time, while others are hardly touched?

      Is it true that insects choose their victims based on blood type? Why do some people's bites heal in a couple of hours, while others turn into huge itchy lumps? And is it dangerous if a mosquito bites right next to a mole? These questions were answered by Tatiana Mironova, a candidate of medical sciences and an associate professor at the Department of Polyclinic Therapy at the Pirogov University Institute of Clinical Medicine.

      Is it true that mosquitoes choose their victims based on blood type? Contrary to the popular myth, blood type does not play a decisive role. According to Tatiana Mironova, studies do not confirm that mosquitoes deliberately choose people based on this characteristic. "Mosquitoes are primarily attracted by the individual scent of a person—certain chemical compounds that the body emits. This is why some people are bitten noticeably more often than others." In simpler terms, it’s not about blood type, but rather the biochemistry of the individual.

      Why are some bites barely noticeable, while others result in huge lumps? Itching, redness, and swelling after a bite are allergic reactions to substances found in mosquito saliva. This saliva helps the insect feed on blood, and our body reacts to it as a foreign substance. The strength of the reaction varies among individuals. It depends on individual sensitivity, age, the state of the immune system, and overall health. For children, for example, the reaction is usually more pronounced. "Itching, redness, and swelling depend on individual sensitivity, the presence of immunodeficiency conditions, and age. In children, the reaction to bites is usually more pronounced," explains the doctor. In rare cases, serious allergic reactions can occur, requiring medical assistance and even hospitalization.

      Is it dangerous if a mosquito bites near a mole? This question scares many people. As the specialist explains, a mosquito bite near a mole is not dangerous in itself. The main risk arises later—if the bite area is scratched vigorously. The problem lies in mechanical trauma. "The danger is associated with the trauma to the mole. Damage can increase the risk of adverse changes." Therefore, the main rule is simple: do not scratch the bite area, even if the itching is strong. If the mole changes color, shape, size, or starts to bleed after the bite, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.

      The conclusion is simple: mosquitoes do not choose their victims based on blood type, but they may well "prefer" people with a certain scent. The main danger of bites is often not related to the insects themselves, but to our reaction to them.