Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites: Treatment for Skeeter syndrome

Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites: Treatment for Skeeter syndrome









The Skeeter Syndrome is an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, and is characterized by inflammatory processes and fever. The condition develops because of allergenic polypeptides present in the saliva of the mosquito and hence, is not infectious.










The Skeeter Syndrome progresses over a couple of hours as against cellulitis that tends to characteristically progress over a period of several days. A detailed history is very vital when making the diagnosis. IgG and IgE are the chief markers in mosquito allergy; the diagnosis is made on the basis of an immuno-sorbent assay that measures the IgE and IgG levels to mosquito saliva antigens.


Symptoms of Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites


If you suffer from an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, you have what is called the ‘Skeeter syndrome’. The Skeeter syndrome is quite rare and affects those individuals who have a history of related allergic reactions.


The symptoms of an allergy may manifest immediately or after a period of time. The symptoms seen in association with the Skeeter syndrome are as follows:



  • Swelling around the bite that itches.

  • A red lump develops later, if the person scratches at the site of the bite.

  • Thereafter, large bumps and swelling appear which are not restricted to the bite area.



  • There will be bruising and blistering.

  • Anaphylaxis and angioedema develop in rare cases.

  • Asthma develops occasionally.

  • Excessive scratching may lead to infection.


What to do, When Suffering from Mosquito Bites Allergy



  • Treatment for the Skeeter syndrome involves administration of oral anti-histamines and corticosteroids.  These help alleviate pain, burning and itching effectively. They also check blistering and treat the symptoms of asthma well.

  • To manage anaphylaxis, hospital admission is a must.

  • Taking Cetirizine hydrochloride everyday, especially, during summers helps deal with mosquito bites and its allergic reactions.

  • Aromatherapy has been proved to be highly effective and a natural way of dealing with mosquitoes. Essential oils such as lavender, juniper berry and citronella are decidedly beneficial. You can light an aroma lamp and use these oils in the dispenser. The emanating fumes will keep mosquitoes away. Also, you may add a drop of lavender or juniper berry essential oil to your moisturizer; they act as excellent mosquito repellents.

  • Nevertheless, prevention is the best management option. Use mosquito repellent with DEET, they protect against mosquito bites. Children are more prone to the Skeeter syndrome, since their immune levels are relatively low.

  • Also, it would be prudent to keep anti-allergy medicines when in a mosquito-inhabited area.

  • Always, consult your physician, if you experience symptoms such as, gasping for breath, blistering of the skin, breathing difficulty or swelling of a body part.











No comments:

Post a Comment