Skeeter Syndrome is No Laughing Matter

Skeeter syndrome has a funny-sounding name, but the condition can be serious. This condition may cause swelling and blisters, and it increases the risk of infection. Most of us have minor reactions when a mosquito bites us. But people with skeeter syndrome have severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites. Let's take a closer look at the syndrome and talk about the symptoms and treatment

What Is Skeeter Syndrome?

Most people hate mosquitoes, and with good reason. They're annoying sure, with those itchy bites, but they can also be dangerous. Some of these nasty bloodsuckers carry diseases like Zika, malaria, and West Nile—so depending on where you live, their annoying nature can be the least of your concerns. But even without the threat of severe sickness, mosquitoes can make certain people with mosquito allergies really suffer.Skeeter syndrome is a rare but significant allergic reaction to mosquito bites. People with skeeter syndrome have a much more drastic reaction than the slightly swollen itchy spot. People with this condition tend to get huge swollen red bumps, and sometimes, at the extreme end of the spectrum, they also develop a fever.According to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, skeeter syndrome is actually an allergic reaction to proteins found in mosquito saliva.People who get these severe reactions typically develop symptoms within hours, sometimes even within minutes, of the bite. People with skeeter syndrome rarely seek medical attention. Because of that, doctors don't know exactly how many people suffer from it. 

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of skeeter syndrome include:

• Heat
• Pain
• Extreme swelling
• Redness
• Fever

One study cited in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology found that kids with skeeter syndrome can develop these symptoms in as little as 20 minutes.This is a condition that can look really bad, but it's not usually a cause for serious concern unless the child is showing signs of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. However, it's not typically a reaction to mosquito bites.Some of the more extreme cases described in medical literature include symptoms like faces puffing up, entire limbs becoming swollen and red and eyes swelling shut. Doctors say the most severe cases can cause blistering and bruising. Other extreme reactions include vomiting, fever, or breathing difficulties.Symptoms of skeeter syndrome don't usually last very long. Generally speaking, as long as there is no infection, they will go away entirely within two or three days.

Skin Infection or Skeeter Syndrome?

Sometimes skeeter syndrome is mistaken for an infection. They can look very similar. Both of them cause pain, swelling, and redness. And both of them can start with a mosquito bite. One way to tell them apart is timing. Infections generally occur several days after a bite, but skeeter syndrome will happen within hours at the most.A person with skeeter syndrome may develop an infection. This can be a particular problem with mosquito bites because they itch. Scratching them can lead to infection.Things to look for include fever, a bite that seems to get more inflamed or gets bigger, or a bite that doesn't heal after three days. If any of these things occur, it's a good idea to see your doctor to rule out infection.

How Do You Treat Skeeter Syndrome?

The best thing we can do to prevent skeeter syndrome is to avoid mosquito bites. When we go outside, we should wear bug repellent or clothing that covers our skin, especially for people who are predisposed to skeeter syndrome.Most people treat the condition with over-the-counter or home remedies. Some of the most common treatments for skeeter syndrome include:

• Ice or cold compresses
• Oatmeal
• Oral antihistamines like Benadryl
• Topical steroids like hydrocortisone cream
• Allergy shots

Even though skeeter syndrome is irritating and undoubtedly uncomfortable, it's not life-threatening in most cases. Most people find relief with the treatments mentioned. Allergy shots are an option for those with extreme reactions.Ideally we will avoid or repel mosquitoes before they can bite us, but severe allergic reactions to a mosquito bite may warrant a discussion with a healthcare provider to better manage the symptoms of skeeter syndrome.

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