Overview of Mosquito Bite Allergy ( Skeeter Syndrome ): Symptoms, causes, types, treatments, and home remedies

The most common insect bites worldwide are mosquito bites. Mosquito bites are red and itchy. The toxins in mosquito’s saliva trigger an allergic reaction that causes the biting spot to be itchy, red, and swollen. Do you know that there are only three species of mosquitoes that bite humans: Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes? However, only the large female mosquitoes bite because they need nourishment to produce eggs. A mosquito bite can put you at risk for dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and zika. As per studies, around 700 million people get infected by mosquito bites, causing one million deaths every year. Continue reading this article to learn more about mosquito bites and how they are managed.

What causes a Mosquito Bite Allergy (Skeeter Syndrome)?

 Mosquitoes can bite anyone. Mosquitoes bite because they are attracted to human blood. However, there are some risk factors that make you more vulnerable to Mosquito Bites.

• Body odour

• Body temperature

• Blood type

• Dark coloured clothes

• Your sweat

• Lighting of the place

• Stagnant water body near you

• Mosquito-prone place

Types of diseases caused by mosquito bite

A mosquito bite can cause itching or swelling, which is usually a minor irritation. However, some dangerous viruses can be transmitted through mosquito bites and cause the following diseases.

1. Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of this disease include fever, severe muscle and joint pain, rashes, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Zika

Like chikungunya, Zika virus is also transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The symptoms include mild fever, severe muscle and joint pain, skin rash, headache, and irritation of the eyes.

3. Dengue

Dengue virus can be spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue fever is characterised by fever, severe body aches, headaches, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms.

4. Malaria

This virus is spread by female anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, severe body pain, headaches, and vomiting. If not treated in time, malaria could be fatal.

5. Yellow fever

This virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Fever, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and back pain are all possible symptoms. If treatment gets delayed or goes untreated, yellow fever may become fatal.

6. West Nile virus

Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, the West Nile virus can be fatal without treatment. Symptoms of this virus are fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion, convulsions, weakness of the muscles, or coma.

Symptoms of Mosquito Bite Allergy

When a mosquito bites, you may not feel it initially, but after some time you may experience itching and swelling in that area, which can linger for a few days. The general symptoms of Mosquito Bite include these.

• A swollen, hard, and reddish bump

• Irritation or itching at the site of bite and its corresponding areas

• Burning effect at the site of bite

• Multiple bumps at the site of bite

• Tiny blisters instead of  bumps

• Dark brown spots which seem like bruises

Usually, these symptoms are not worrisome because they go away within a few days. People with immune disorders, young children, and people who have never been bitten by a mosquito may experience more severe symptoms, as listed below. 

• Sore throat, hives, and wheezing

• Any type of infection transported by the mosquito

• Swollen eyelids

• Fever and headache

• Body ache and rashes

• Nausea or vomiting

• Irritation in the eyes

• Fatigue

How are Mosquito Bites Allergies treated?

Mosquito Bites usually do not require any treatment. However, if you develop more severe symptoms like allergic reactions, headache, fever, swelling of the eyes, sore throat, hives, or body pain, consult your healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend the following options to treat Mosquito Bite Allergies.

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are considered an effective Mosquito Bite Allergy treatment. Your body releases a chemical called histamine as an inflammatory response to a Mosquito Bite. Histamine causes itching in your body, while antihistamines help prevent the itchiness by blocking the histamine effect in your body. Antihistamines are available over the counter and with a prescription, too. You can take it orally as a pill or apply it topically to the site of the bite as an ointment or cream.

2. Hydrocortisone

It is a corticosteroid combined with an anti-inflammatory agent. It can help relieve your inflammation, pain, and itching caused by Mosquito Bite. It works by soothing your body’s immune response.

Mosquito bite allergy can be relieved by applying 1% hydrocortisone ointment 2 to 3 times per day. Hydrocortisone is available both on prescription and over the counter. But people with skin infections, children, and pregnant women should not use it without consulting a doctor.

3. Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is made up of calamine and zinc oxide and can treat Mosquito Bite Allergy. It works by calming down the burning sensation and inflammation of the skin caused by Mosquito Bite. You can apply this lotion directly to the bite area. It is available over the counter, with or without a prescription.

Home remedies for Mosquito Bite Allergy

Although a Mosquito Bite Allergy lasts only a few days and resolves on its own, the following home remedies may help relieve pain, inflammation, and itching.

1. Ice

Rubbing an ice cube where the mosquito has bitten may help reduce the blood flow in that area, subsiding the inflammation, itching, and irritation. Instead of rubbing ice directly on the skin, wrap the ice cubes in a thin cloth or towel and apply them to the bite site for relaxation.

2. Aloe vera gel

The main component of aloe vera gel is salicylic acid, which is capable of soothing pain and inflammation. The gel can be directly applied to the affected area of your skin.

3. Honey

Unprocessed honey contains an enzyme called catalase that helps relieve inflammation and pain. Apply honey directly to the mosquito bite site.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has gluten, which helps soothe the inflammation caused by Mosquito Bites. You can make a fine, sticky paste of oatmeal and apply it directly on the affected area of the Mosquito Bite. After some time, wipe it off with a clean towel.

5. Chamomile tea

Chamomile flowers contain flavonoids and triterpenoids that have antioxidant and antihistamine properties. These properties may help soothe inflammation, pain and itchiness caused by Mosquito Bites. Apply water-soaked chamomile tea bags on the site of the bite to get relief.

When to see a doctor?

You should immediately seek medical help if you experience these. 

• Breathing difficulties

• Swelling or hives

• Nausea or vomiting

• Allergic reactions

• Dizziness or fainting

• Swollen throat or eye/s

How to prevent Mosquito Bite

There are numerous ways to avoid mosquito bites. You should follow these tips.

• Eliminate stagnant water from your vicinity

• Not travel to the infected areas

• Wear thick, long trousers and long-sleeved garments

• Apply meshes on doors and windows

• Not go outdoors at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active

• Use mosquito repellents

• Use mosquito net while sleeping

When visiting mosquito-borne disease-prone areas, remember to adhere to the safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions regarding Mosquito Bite Allergy.

How to prevent Mosquito Bite Allergy?

These precautions can help to prevent mosquito bite allergy.

• Eliminating stagnant water from your vicinity

• Not travelling to the infected areas

• Wearing thick, long trousers and long-sleeved garments

• Applying meshes on doors and windows

• Not going outdoors at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active

• Using mosquito repellents

• Using mosquito net while sleeping

What are the home remedies available for Mosquito Bite Allergy?

You can use chamomile, thyme, oatmeal, honey, aloe vera, and camphor for treating your Mosquito Bite Allergy at home. These ingredients may help reduce swelling, inflammation, and itching caused by mosquito bite. Applying ice wrapped in a thin cloth on the mosquito bite site may help minimise swelling.

Can I fall ill from a mosquito bite? 

Yes, you can get affected by a mosquito bite. If you are bitten by a mosquito carrying infectious pathogens, you may develop symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash. If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

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