Susceptibility to insect bites

[DelphiniumBlue]

I react really badly to insect bites, and this has got worse during the last 5 years or so.
I was wondering if there's any link between menopause and increased susceptibility to bites? Couldn't find anything on Google, but anecdotally?
Has anyone else notoiced this?
And if anyone has any tips to stop the itching, or to deter the buggers in the first place, I'd be really grateful! Got bitten through a dress and leggings, despite being covered with spray. Am dosed up with piriton, but it makes me very slow, and I'm still itchy!

I read on here that vitamin B12 and garlic capsules help. Maybe worth a try?

Thanks, Weird, I'm trying vitamin b complex, but haven't been hugely consistent. I ear garlic most days, but wonder if the amount in capsules might be different, and thus more effective? Will check it out.

I seem to be getting bitten more than in the past but I only tend to get bitten on holidays.
This year I bought this - it doesn't deter bites but really helps stopping the itching - I can recommend it it's called bite away - see pic. I got it from Amazon.
You put it on the bite and it heats up to about 45 degrees. It really works to stop the reaction and the itching and swelling.
I won't lie - it does hurt a bit actually the worse the bite/the reaction the more it hurts so not for the faint hearted.
We have used the clickers before which are quite good but this is better.
We've been in France and Spain so picked up a collection of bites.

Oh thanks Bertha, will investigate.
I'm getting bitten in my own back garden, even hanging out the washing needs a full deterrent spray!

Apparently Avon's Skin So Soft body lotion is an absolutely brilliant insect deterrent. I keep forgetting to buy it and am sitting herein Spain covered in really angry insect bites

I agree about vitB12.

Ive always been bitten a lot by mosquitoes and hate the while itchiness. I take a mosquito net on holiday to sleep under. Take some extra net and masking tape to cover the windows in my bedroom. Avoid having the light on after dark in my bedroom.

I really notice that my diet makes a big difference, i avoided sugar, including refined carbs, wheat and grains for a couple of years and noticed that i got bitten a lot less.

Interesting what Finally says re diet. And I've heard mention of the Avon cream.
I don't even know what is biting me- presumably not actual mosquitoes here in my English garden. But for the last few years my reaction has got worse - enough to need time off work sometimes, and occasionally antibiotics.

I can't believe how much I have been bitten this year too, so I totally sympathise. I am also going through the menopause. I currently have 3 very itchy bites and I am sure they are mozzie bites - yes I am in England.

Thanks HellsBells, good to know I'm not suffering alone. Though I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

I am suffering and covered in the deet I bought for Thailand (and didn't need).

I have put washing up liquid in the water butts (stergene is better because it doesn't break down fast, but I haven't got any (because it doesn't break down fast)).

I have become suspicious of any insect in the house and chase it with the electric fly zapper as soon as I spot one. I am turning into mad woman.

Never noticed any connection. Have always reacted badly- once had 30 mossie bites on my face when on a Greek island and was only 30 at the time. Midges do the same in the UK- always have. My bites pulsate and ooze.

I am certainly reacting more. I have always reacted but am now getting ulcerated sores from bites and even things like raspberry bush stings (through jeans!!!), needing prescription strength antihistamines and antibiotic steroid cream. I've now gone onto HRT so will pay attention as to whether this eases up.

Hi, since menopause I've started getting bitten by insects (never in my life previously)?? Anyone else the same?

Zombie thread, but just wanted to say that this is me too. I never used to get bitten by mosquitos but since the menopause I am now susceptible- last hot holiday I had was a nightmare. But this year I have been bitten a few times at home, even during the day. And spent a few days in Jersey last week and now have bites - looking them up online they look like classic mosquito bites. Apparently they are attracted to body heat, and we all know about menopause and body heat. My husband is never bothered by them now - they all swerve him to get to me.

Yes me too, just this year, and never before. I'm 53 and menopausal x

Goodness, there could well be a connection. I used to get bitten all.the.time even when other people had not a single bite.

I'm 63 now, and can't remember when I was last bitten, to the extent that I'm on holiday now and haven't even brought any insect repellant with me. I used to be so envious of DH who never got bitten ...

Resurrecting again - I have noticed that I am getting badly bitten in the places where I rub my Oestrogel! Have had about 50 bites over the last two days, all on my thighs where I rub it. Am I imagining this or is there a link?

I have always been susceptible to insect bites but since being prescribed HRT 6 months ago I feel that I am now plagued by really itchy bites everyday, 3 or 4 new bites appear everyday, mostly on my ankles and lower legs but I can have them anywhere. Not sure if there's a correlation between HRT and being bitten? Am really fed up of itching and scratching.

I found since i went through the menopause i get bit all the time. there are mosquitos with full blood transfusions from me.
i found drinking tonic water deters them from biting. its only femalw mosquitos that bite but always causes a really bad reaction. try the tonic water and i hope it helps.