Skeeter syndrome is a life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of an allergy to polypeptides contained in mosquito saliva. A mosquito bite can cause severe reactions such as asthma and anaphylactic shock. In some cases, the bite may even cause life-threatening complications. These polypeptides thin the blood, and the affected individual’s body reacts by producing enzymes that cause swelling and discomfort.
Skeeter Syndrome Symptoms
If a mosquito has recently bitten you, you may have suffered from a condition known as skeeter syndrome. This allergic reaction to mosquito saliva can lead to further symptoms. People with this disorder rarely seek medical treatment for this condition. Although they don’t necessarily attract mosquitoes more than others, they have severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include a welt-like site, swelling of the face, eyes, and limbs, and bruising of the skin.
If you are experiencing symptoms of skeeter syndrome, you should see your doctor right away. Symptoms can confuse with other conditions, such as an infection or other medical problems, so it’s important to seek medical advice. Natural remedies can also be helpful for you, but be sure to talk to your doctor before implementing them. For prevention, you should avoid going outside in areas where mosquitoes are active. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this disease does not cause chronic illness.
Causes
Symptoms of Skeeter syndrome are similar to those of cellulitis and inflammatory skin disorders. A physician will ask a patient where they spent time, as this may be a factor in determining if the rash is due to a mosquito bite. The physician will also conduct a physical exam to determine the severity of the rash and the nature of the allergic reaction to mosquito bites. A blood sample is also collected to test for the presence of salivary proteins from mosquitoes.
The condition is particularly common among infants and young children. People without a natural immunity to mosquito bites are also susceptible. For these individuals, developing this immunity takes years, so they may need to stay away from mosquitoes for a long time after the condition develops. This can be dangerous as children may not be able to develop their immunity to mosquito bites without significant exposure. When the reaction is severe, it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately.
Skeeter Syndrome Treatment
While symptomatic relief with OTC medications is effective, medical treatment requires in more severe cases of skeeter syndrome. This type of allergic reaction causes by proteins in the saliva of mosquitoes and may treat through immunotherapy. However, it may take 18 months or more for these treatments to be effective. Luckily, there are several home remedies for skeeter syndrome, including antihistamines.
Common symptoms of skeeter syndrome include pain, swelling, and redness where the mosquito bites you. The reaction may cause the face or limbs to swell shut in severe cases. In addition, you may experience fever or difficulty breathing. Despite these potentially life-threatening symptoms, it’s still best to avoid mosquito bites until you’ve received proper medical treatment. You may also want to avoid going outside at dusk or dawn. To prevent this condition, use a skin-protectant product that contains 6% to 25% DEET.
Diagnosis
If your child is experiencing the symptoms of a skeeter syndrome reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is a rare allergic reaction to mosquito saliva that is associated with significant pain and swelling. Because it is often mistaken for an infection, the symptoms of skeeter syndrome can be extremely unpleasant. Over-the-counter medications can help you manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to your child’s skin.
The skeeter syndrome symptoms are similar to those of an inflammatory skin disorder or cellulitis, so it is important to consult with your physician right away. Your physician will want to know where you’ve been to diagnose your condition properly. You should also mention if you’ve been exposed to any mosquitoes recently because this may cause an inflammatory reaction. Next, your doctor will want to collect a sample of your blood. It will test the blood for the presence of salivary proteins from mosquitoes.
