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Home > Blog > Skeeter Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Skeeter Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Skeeter Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Max Lab

Jul 26, 2024

For many people, a mosquito bite is nothing more than just a nuisance. It generally causes a slight itchy bump with a little bit of redness that goes away after a few days. However, for some rare people, a mosquito bite can cause severe allergic-like symptoms called Skeeter syndrome.

From what it means to how to treat Skeeter syndrome, here is all you need to know about this condition:

What is Skeeter Syndrome?

Skeeter syndrome is a condition where a mosquito bite causes an allergic reaction. The person bitten may experience swelling, itching, redness, or pain at the site of the bite. This type of reaction may develop within hours after the bite and may last for weeks.

While Skeeter syndrome reaction is extreme, it has not been recognized as an autoimmune disorder and is rarely life-threatening. To get relief from Skeeter syndrome, one needs to identify its symptoms and get treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome

In most people, a mosquito bite causes itching and reaction only on the bitten area. However, with Skeeter syndrome, the reaction can spread over a large area, ranging from a few centimetres to more than 10 centimetres.

Here are some of the Skeeter syndrome symptoms: -

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Extreme itching
  • Swelling
  • Large hives
  • Blistering
  • Bruising
  • Low-grade fever

Some side effects of Skeeter syndrome include:

  • Skin infection (from scratched and broken skin)
  • Malaise
  • Anaphylaxis (rare)

Causes of Skeeter Syndrome

Skeeter syndrome is caused by an allergic reaction to the protein found in a mosquito’s saliva. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva containing polypeptide protein into the skin.

In most people, this causes a minor immune response resulting in a small, itchy bump. However, in people with Skeeter syndrome, the immune system overreacts to these proteins, leading to a more severe allergic reaction.

Some people who may have a higher risk of developing this condition, include:

  • People with high levels of mosquito exposure, such as outdoor workers
  • People visiting an area with mosquito species they haven't encountered before, as saliva proteins can differ between species
  • Babies and young children who have lower natural immunity
  • People with compromised immune systems

The exact cause of Skeeter syndrome reaction in people is unknown, but it may be due to changes in the immune system or a high sensitivity to the saliva of a specific mosquito type.

Skeeter Syndrome Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Skeeter Syndrome is primarily done by checking the patient’s medical history and through physical examination, as there are no specific blood tests to confirm it. The doctor or physician will look for symptoms in the patient, which include significant swelling, redness, warmth, and sometimes blistering at the bite site.

The doctor may also ask some questions to the patient, such as:

  • If they were bitten by a mosquito
  • Have they ever before had a reaction to a mosquito bite
  • Have they visited a different part of the country or a different country recently
  • If the patient has any signs and symptoms that are concerning them, such as shortness of breath
  • The timeline between when they were bitten and when the rash started.

How to Treat Skeeter Syndrome

There are many Skeeter syndrome treatment options available, ranging from simple home remedies to more involved medical procedures. In adults, the Skeeter syndrome treatment usually involves options that help manage skin-related allergies.

Here are some of the best treatment options for Skeeter syndrome:

Home Remedies

Here are some home remedies for Skeeter syndrome:

  • Elevate the area that is bitten and place an ice pack on it. This may help reduce inflammation, soothe the sensations of pain and itchiness, and reduce redness.
  • Take an oatmeal bath or apply a mixture of cooked oatmeal to the skin to help relieve itching and swelling.
  • Clean the blisters with water and a gentle soap.

OTC Treatments

Here are some over-the-counter (OCT) products that can help manage and cure Skeeter syndrome:

  • Topical calamine lotion
  • Topical corticosteroid cream
  • Oral antihistamines

Medical treatments

For those with a history of having severe allergic reactions, the doctor or healthcare provider may recommend injectable epinephrine as a Skeeter syndrome treatment option. This medication, also known as EpiPen, can help stop Anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulties.

Prevention Tips

There is no way to prevent this condition, as no one can control how their immune system reacts to certain proteins. However, one can prevent a reaction by reducing the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Also, people with this condition must develop a Skeeter syndrome treatment plan with their doctor.

Here are some ways you can prevent a mosquito bite and get relief from Skeeter syndrome:

  • Stay indoors during dawn and dusk, as mosquitoes are most active during this time of the day
  • Wear full-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.
  • Stay away from standing water, like large puddles
  • Avoid wearing bright clothes and fragrances
  • Use an insect repellent

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