Do Your Mosquito Bites Swell and Sting? It is Possible You Have 'Skeeter Syndrome'
Sep 13, 2018 by apost team
Everyone is already concerned about the many viruses that mosquitoes carry. The next time you get a mosquito bite, it looks there is another danger to worry about. For most people, a mosquito bite is annoying. It might be an inconvenience for them, but it is not a major concern. For a select group of people, a mosquito bite can be a major problem.
Do You Have Skeeter Syndrome?
For some reason, certain people react strongly to mosquito bites. Instead of just healing from the bite, they develop swelling. Even when the bite goes away, a scar is left behind. If you are one of these people, then you might have “Skeeter Syndrome.”
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Almost everyone gets a small mark from a mosquito bite. Certain individuals develop unusual symptoms after a bite. The bites normally look like pink circles and disappear after a couple of days. According to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, when someone has Skeeter Syndrome, the bite becomes far larger than normal. It becomes inflamed and vivid red. In some cases, they can turn into a boil or leave behind a scar.
istockphotos.com/abadonianIf you have Skeeter Syndrome, you have probably been told that you were crazy before. People do not believe that a mosquito bite could cause this type of damage. The good news is that you are not crazy. Unfortunately, your symptoms are not going to get any better.
Someone with Skeeter Syndrome basically has an allergy to mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites you, it leaves behind certain proteins in its saliva. Some people are allergic to this protein, which is why they develop an intense reaction.
The Symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome
If you have Skeeter Syndrome, then you will instantly notice that your skin reacts differently than other people. The most obvious symptom is the intense swelling. You may also develop side effects like a fever or nausea. If your entire arm swells and turns red after getting a mosquito bite, then you definitely have Skeeter Syndrome.
Can Skeeter Syndrome Become Dangerous?
Thankfully, this syndrome is rarely dangerous. If you are allergic to bees and get stung, you could die. With a mosquito bite, the side effects are rarely life-threatening. While you might not die from the syndrome, the symptoms can definitely be uncomfortable and painful.
istockphotos.com/monkeybusinessimagesIn extreme cases, patients have had their eyes swell completely shut. Some people have experienced extreme nausea and problems breathing. Many patients suffer from painful blisters on their skin. If you receive a bite from a large mosquito, it could even become infected.
istockphotos.com/ChesiireCatOnce you know that you have Skeeter Syndrome, the next step is to prevent bites from happening. During mosquito season, wear long shirts and pants to prevent bug bites. A high-quality bug spray can also prevent bites.
If none of your prevention techniques work, stock up on over-the-counter allergy medicine. These medications can help reduce some of the symptoms of your allergic reaction. Hydrocortisone cream can also relieve the pain and itching on your skin. For extra relief, apply a cold compress or an ice pack on your skin to reduce the swelling.
If you keep suffering from Skeeter Syndrome, try talking to an allergy specialist. The specialist can help you find ways to relieve your symptoms. Some allergies can also be treated with a special shot that alleviates your reaction.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
There are a few common things that attract a mosquito. If you can avoid doing these things, you can prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Normally, mosquitoes are drawn by chemicals in our sweat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. While mosquitoes enjoy biting every human, there are a few common things that they prefer.
istockphotos.com/Koldunova_AnnaAs a rule, mosquitoes prefer men over women. They also prefer pregnant women. Mosquitoes have a preference for beer drinkers, type O blood and overweight individuals. They also like to bite someone who produces more lactic acid, uric acid or ammonia. If you recently worked out, then the mosquitoes will love your scent. They love the smell of sweat, so they are more likely to bite you after a workout.
Show the world that Skeeter Syndrome is real by telling them about the common symptoms and prevention techniques.
Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!