Body-painting protects against bloodsucking insects. A study by researchers from Sweden and Hungary shows that white, painted stripes on the body protect skin from insect bites. It is the first time researchers have successfully shown that body-painting has this effect. Among indigenous peoples who wear body-paint, the markings thus provide a certain protection against insect-borne diseases. Source 3v.
Could that ne partly the reason some indigenous cultures had lots of body paint on their skin to ward off 'evil spirits' also known as mosquitoes?