Medically Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on April 08, 2011 It’s summer -- time to enjoy the outdoors! But we’re not the only ones. Bugs like mosquitoes thrive in the warmer weather, too. And that means more chances of itchy mosquito bites. Try these methods for itch relief: Your best bet is avoiding a bite to start with. It may be impossible to prevent all mosquito bites, but there are ways to reduce your risk. Mosquito bites can be an itchy nuisance. But mosquitoes also can carry illness. In other areas of the world, mosquitoes transmit malaria and Dengue fever. In the United States, mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus. For about 80% of people who are infected, this virus causes no symptoms. But in some people, West Nile virus can cause severe illness and even death. Those more at risk for getting sick from West Nile virus are people aged 50 and older. In mild cases, symptoms may include: Serious symptoms require a doctor's care. They include: Symptoms usually occur three days to two weeks after a bite from an infected mosquito. If you notice any severe symptoms, see your doctor right away. You can usually treat less severe symptoms, such as a mild fever or headache, at home. Mosquito bites can be a pain, but with a little planning you don’t have to let them ruin your time outdoors. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — Written by Michael Kerr — Updated on March 7, 2019 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Understanding Skeeter syndrome Nearly everyone is sensitive to mosquito bites. But for those with severe allergies, symptoms can be more than just annoying: They can be serious. Most bites occur at either dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. While male mosquitoes are harmless — feeding only on nectar and water — female mosquitoes are out for blood. A female mosquito locks onto her victim using a combination of scent, exhaled carbon dioxide, and chemicals in the person’s sweat. When she finds a suitable meal, she lands on an area of exposed skin and inserts her proboscis to draw the victim’s blood. The proboscis is the long, flexible tube extruding from her head, and it’s capable of piercing human skin. The common symptoms — a red bump and itching — aren’t caused by the bite itself, but by the reaction of your body’s immune system to proteins in the mosquito’s saliva. This reaction is also known as Skeeter syndrome. Learn more about Skeeter syndrome, and whether an encounter with mosquitoes might be potentially harmful. Mosquitoes appear to prefer certain victims over others, including:
Also, because mosquitoes are attracted to heat, wearing dark colors may make you more likely to be bitten. This is because dark colors absorb heat. People living in humid, tropical climates or swamplands are also at greater risk for bites. Some people have a greater risk of an allergic reaction, too, such as younger children. People with allergies to some of the components of mosquito saliva, such as proteins and antimicrobial agents, may also be at a greater risk of developing Skeeter syndrome. The more times a person has been bitten by mosquitoes, the more likely it is that they’ll become desensitized over time. That means adults typically have less serious reactions to mosquito bites than children do. Common symptoms of mosquito bites include soft bumps on the skin that may become pink, red, and itchy. In most cases, redness and puffiness appears minutes after the mosquito punctures the skin. A firm, dark red bump often appears the next day, although these symptoms may occur up to 48 hours after the initial bite. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI), contact with a mosquito must be six seconds or longer to produce a reaction. As your mosquito bite heals, the itching sensation will fade, and skin will gradually take on a less red or pink hue until it returns to its normal color. This usually takes about three to four days. Swelling will also go down after about a week. A typical mosquito bite is less than a ½-inch across. Learn more about how to recognize bug bites. As with other allergies, prevention is the best approach. Mosquitoes require standing or stagnant water to breed. If possible, avoid standing water especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate standing water around the home by:
Other ways to prevent mosquito bites include:
It’s also important to apply insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET. The AAAAI recommends using products that have between 6 and 25 percent DEET. These provide up to six hours of protection. Follow directions carefully and reapply after swimming or sweating. Since repellents can also cause adverse skin reactions, test the product on a small area of your arm and wait 24 hours to make sure it’s safe to use on your entire body. Shop for:
Methods to avoidDon’t use any of the following home remedies to help prevent mosquito bites, as there’s no evidence that they’re effective:
Even the best preventive measures probably won’t protect you from all bites. In the case of a normal reaction, a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion will provide relief from itching. A cold pack or ice cubes may help relieve symptoms as well. For more serious allergic reactions, the following treatments may be used: Shop for: Home remediesTry some of these home remedies for mosquito bite symptoms:
You don’t need to keep the bite covered, but putting a bandage over it can prevent you from scratching the bite. A bandage can also help stop infections if the bite wound opens and scabs over. Shop for:
Possible complications of untreated mosquito bites can include: Allergic reactions aren’t the only concern regarding mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases, such as: These mosquito-borne diseases have potentially life-threatening complications, even though the symptoms may only last for a few days or not seem severe. Zika virus has been linked to severe birth defects in the children of women who get infected with the virus while pregnant, and West Nile virus can be deadly. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if you notice any of the following symptoms after a mosquito bite: Skeeter syndrome is rare, but the allergic reaction can be serious enough to warrant immediate medical treatment. If you have a mosquito bite allergy, you may consider ongoing treatment from an allergy specialist — especially if you live in mosquito-prone areas. An allergy specialist may be able to conduct a skin prick test to isolate what part of mosquito saliva you’re allergic to and develop an immunotherapy plan. This usually consists of getting small injections of your allergen, over the course of several months or years, until you build an immunity. Skeeter syndrome doesn’t cause any long-term illnesses or lifestyle intrusions when it’s properly managed. Just be aware of mosquitoes around you and have the right tools on hand in case you get bitten. Last medically reviewed on April 23, 2018 |