What Is Skeeter Syndrome?

Nearly everyone is familiar with mosquito bites. The usual result of a bite is a small, reddish bump on the skin accompanied by itchiness that disappears in a couple of days. Some persons, however, are unusually sensitive to mosquito bites and have a stronger reaction. This type of response is called skeeter syndrome. The symptoms of skeeter syndrome include sustained itchiness, skin warmth, and extensive swelling.

Dealing with skeeter syndrome is unpleasant but rarely life-threatening. Allergic reactions to a mosquito bite can also be confused with certain skin conditions, such as cellulitis. If you or a loved one is experiencing a serious skin reaction, see your Baptist Health medical provider.

Symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome

The symptoms of skeeter syndrome include:

• Inflammation of a wider area than a normal mosquito bite
• Changes in skin color
• Skin that’s warm to the touch
• Intense itchiness
• Blisters
• Soreness or pain
• Fever

For mosquito bites on arms or legs, extensive swelling can stiffen the joints, making it temporarily difficult to move or bend. Swelling can also occur around the eyes.

Causes of Skeeter Syndrome

When a mosquito bites a person for blood, it penetrates the skin with a saliva-lubricated proboscis. The saliva contains proteins to which individuals with skeeter syndrome are unusually sensitive, triggering an allergic reaction. The first symptoms appear several hours after contact. The allergic reaction runs its course in three or four days to two weeks.

Risk Factors: Who Is Prone to Skeeter Syndrome?

Skeeter syndrome is relatively rare but certain persons are more at risk for it than others. These include:

• Young children
• Elderly persons
• Persons with a reduced immune response
• Individuals receiving bites after limited lifetime exposure to mosquitoes

The chemical makeup of proboscis saliva varies by the type of mosquito. Because of this, it is possible to be allergic to certain mosquito species and not to others.

Is Skeeter Syndrome Contagious?

Skeeter syndrome is not contagious. Your body’s response to a mosquito bite is determined by your immune system and not by a communicable substance or germ.

Skeeter Syndrome Vs. Normal Mosquito Bite Reactions

Several symptoms of a mosquito bite allergy are like those of a normal reaction but greatly exaggerated. For example, the localized swelling associated with a normal mosquito bite is much more extensive in an allergic reaction. This is also true for a bite’s redness and itchiness. Other symptoms are unique to skeeter syndrome. Blistering and fever are limited to individuals experiencing severe reactions to a mosquito bite.

Diagnosis of Skeeter Syndrome

Skeeter syndrome is properly diagnosed by a doctor. He or she will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your condition. These may include:

• Were you recently bitten by a mosquito or mosquitoes?
• When did this happen?
• Have you had a similar reaction to a mosquito bite in the past?
• Have you possibly been exposed to a new species of mosquito (for example, while traveling)?
• Have you noticed any recent changes in your immune response?

Your physician will distinguish skeeter syndrome from other possible skin conditions with similar symptoms, such as cellulitis. He or she may also be on the lookout for evidence of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including the West Nile and Zika viruses.

Treatment and Relief for Skeeter Syndrome

Home Remedies

There are several steps that you can take at home to reduce the swelling and discomfort of a mosquito bite allergy:

• Don’t scratch. We all want to scratch where it itches, but that’s counterproductive in cases like these. Scratching an inflamed mosquito bite can make it worse by causing infection.
• Apply ice. A better way to lessen itchiness is to apply an ice cube or ice pack to a mosquito bite for brief periods of time.
• Use pressure. Another means of reducing itch is applying pressure by hand or a towel to the bite.
• Salve with baking soda. A paste of baking soda and water is sometimes effective in soothing inflammation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments

Over-the-counter medications offer another avenue of treatment for skeeter syndrome. These include:

• Hydrocortisone cream for topical application.
• Oral antihistamines, such as loratadine (Zyrtec®) or cetirizine (Claritin®).
• Pain relievers, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.

Prescription Medications

Depending on the severity of your mosquito bite reaction, your doctor might prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as cortisone or prednisone, to reduce swelling and speed the healing process. These can be taken orally or by injection. He or she may also recommend carrying injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) to counteract the potential risk of anaphylactic shock.

Prevention Tips for Mosquito Bites

Taking proper precautions can reduce the possibility of mosquito bites and any associated medical conditions:

• Reduce the presence of mosquitoes in and around your home by eliminating mosquito-friendly environments, such as stagnant pools of water.
• Repair window screens and storm doors with tears in them.
• Avoid products with strong or floral scents. These attract mosquitoes.
• Cover strollers and cribs with netting.
• Apply an insect repellent if you spend time outdoors, especially during the warm months of the year. Effective ingredients include DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Reduce skin exposure by wearing long sleeve shirts, pants, and hats while outside.
• If you spend time in locations with heavy insect populations, treat your outdoor clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Take steps to maintain your immune health, including good nutrition, healthy supplements, exercise, and preventive medications.

When to See a Doctor

See your physician if you’re bitten by a mosquito and develop evidence of an allergic reaction. This is especially important if you experience unusual or potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as high fever, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing.

Why Choose Baptist Health for Skeeter Syndrome Treatment?

Skeeter syndrome is a severe allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. It is marked by swelling, discoloration, itchiness, and, in some cases, blistering and fever. Though rarely life-threatening, skeeter syndrome can be a source of discomfort and worry. Baptist Health is committed to being a leading provider for allergy diagnosis and treatment in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. If you have questions or concerns about an allergy, contact your Baptist Health primary care physician or one of our specialists.

Call to schedule a consultation today!