Frequent exposure to mosquito bites from those that do not carry bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens seems to enhance skin and lung immunity. (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox)
Frequent bites from mosquitoes that do not carry bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens seem to enhance skin and lung immunity.
Personally, I have had issues with tinea cruris and eczema; sometimes they improve, but when my clothes get wet and I wear them for an extended period, these conditions tend to recur.
My lung health was poor a year or two ago, fluctuating between good and bad.
Despite various treatments, I recall that there were also mosquito bites, possibly from those that do not harbor pathogens.
During the days when I experienced many mosquito bites, the symptoms of tinea cruris and eczema were milder, and the affected areas were smaller.
Furthermore, my lungs felt somewhat better.
After two years of previous treatments, combined with frequent bites from non-pathogenic mosquitoes, it seems to enhance skin and lung immunity, and my sleep has been deeper.
In quiet environments, I sleep better, and both my lungs and skin feel more stable.
It appears that mosquito bites can promote sensations in the skin and lungs, as well as activate the immune mechanisms of both.
As of today, I am almost fully recovered.
I have heard of apitherapy, which uses bee stings for treatment.
In 1934, Beck introduced the concept of Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) in the United States.
Bee venom can be used for rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic scleroderma, and other connective tissue diseases, as well as for neurological disorders, chronic pain, sciatica, neuritis, degenerative vascular diseases, degenerative spinal diseases, paralysis, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension.
However, is there now a mosquito therapy? My two years of testing have indeed shown that frequent bites from mosquitoes that do not carry bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens seem to enhance skin and lung immunity.
Mr. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/06/02
Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: I personally have no experience with "mosquito therapy." I recommend consulting a rheumatologist or an immunology expert for their insights!
Reply Date: 2009/06/02
More Info
The idea that mosquito bites could potentially enhance skin and lung immunity is an intriguing one, though it requires careful consideration and scientific scrutiny. While there is no established medical practice or research that supports the notion of "mosquito therapy" akin to apitherapy (the use of bee venom), there are some aspects of immunology and dermatology that can help us understand your observations.
Firstly, mosquito bites introduce saliva into the skin, which contains various proteins that can elicit an immune response. This response is primarily inflammatory, as the body recognizes these proteins as foreign. In some cases, this immune activation can lead to a temporary boost in local immune function. However, this is not universally beneficial; for many individuals, mosquito bites can lead to allergic reactions, localized swelling, and itching, which can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema or fungal infections such as tinea (commonly referred to as "jock itch").
In your case, you mentioned experiencing a reduction in symptoms of tinea and eczema during periods of frequent mosquito bites. This could be attributed to a few factors:
1. Immune Modulation: The immune response triggered by mosquito saliva might temporarily modulate your immune system, potentially leading to a reduction in the severity of your skin conditions. However, this effect is likely to be short-lived and not a reliable treatment method.
2. Environmental Factors: The conditions in which you were bitten by mosquitoes might also play a role. For instance, if you were outdoors more often, you might have been exposed to different environmental factors (like sunlight or fresh air) that could positively influence your skin and lung health.
3. Psychological Effects: The perception of feeling better after mosquito bites could also be influenced by psychological factors. If you associate mosquito bites with relief from your symptoms, this could create a placebo effect, where your belief in the efficacy of the bites leads to actual improvements in your condition.
Regarding your lung health, while there is no direct evidence linking mosquito bites to improved pulmonary function, it is possible that the overall increase in outdoor activity and exposure to fresh air during mosquito season could contribute to better respiratory health. Additionally, the immune system's response to various environmental antigens can play a role in lung immunity, but this is a complex interplay that is not fully understood.
It is important to note that while your personal experiences suggest a correlation between mosquito bites and symptom relief, this does not establish causation. Furthermore, relying on mosquito bites as a therapeutic strategy is not advisable due to the potential for allergic reactions and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
In conclusion, while your observations are interesting and may reflect some aspects of immune response, they should not replace conventional medical treatments for skin and lung conditions. If you continue to experience issues with tinea, eczema, or lung health, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs. Exploring established therapies, such as topical antifungals for tinea or corticosteroids for eczema, along with lifestyle modifications, would likely yield more consistent and reliable results for managing your conditions.
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