A certified dermatologist on TikTok, known as @dermguru, has made a short video detailing a few of the reasons that certain people are more likely to attract mosquitos than others.
She said: “Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher body temperature – and they’re particularly attracted to ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid – so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes.
“Another thing that can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites is drinking a beer. One study found that just drinking a 12-ounce can of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.”
The final reason the dermatologist gave was to do with the amount of bacteria on your skin – and where it’s most likely to gather.
She explained: “Finally, the type and the number of bacteria that live on your skin can make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes – and it also explains why we are more likely to get bitten on the ankles because there are more robust bacterial colonies in those areas.”
Following this up with another video, she also explained that your blood type could have an affect on how often you’re being bitten – and that mosquitos are generally more attracted to type O.
She added: “Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, so the heavier you breathe, the more attractive you’re going to be. People who are larger or more obese do tend to breathe more often and breathe more carbon dioxide, therefore are more attractive to mosquitoes.” She also claimed that if you want to go under a mosquito’s radar, wear light clothing, as they’re more interested in dark garments.
People took to the comments to share their disbelief at the dermatologist’s information, and shared their woes of being “eaten alive” by the pests.
“Omg this makes sense now. I’m always sweating/always hot and I always get EATEN ALIVE by mosquitos!” one person said.
Another joked: “I was born as a snack for mosquitos.”
And a third commented: “Wait that makes so much sense. I’m a really warm person.”
