What is Skeeter Syndrome?

Skeeter Syndrome is an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Swelling, itching, blistering, infection, fever, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock, asthma, and cellulitis may accompany it. Almost everyone experiences some level of allergic reaction, including itching and redness, but those with Skeeter syndrome have a very severe reaction.

People with mosquito bite allergies experience swelling similar to that caused by a bee sting after being bitten by a mosquito. The swelling can be so severe that the affected limb doubles in size, the eyes swell shut, and the area feels hot and hard to the touch. Blisters and oozing can occur after a bite. A low grade fever and general malaise may accompany the swelling.

A mosquito bite can cause anaphylactic shock, asthma, and other life threatening complications.

People of all ages can be affected by Skeeter syndrome. In general, young children, toddlers, and the elderly seem to be most affected.

What causes Skeeter Syndrome?

A mosquito injects polypeptides into its saliva in order to thin the blood during its bite.

To be able to siphon human blood, mosquitoes first inject a thinning agent into the victim, which thins the blood. It is the mosquito’s saliva that causes the allergic reaction.

 The body reacts to the enzymes and results in the swelling, discomfort and blistering.

 The allergic reaction isn’t always instant, and can develop up to  48hrs after the original bite.

Skeeter syndrome symptoms can appear suddenly in people who have never experienced an adverse reaction to mosquito bites. There is no known cause for the allergy, although it has been linked to an autoimmune reaction to the enzymes. The cause of someone developing an allergy to mosquito bites without any previous history of allergies is unknown.

As several mosquito species carry slightly different enzymes in their saliva, it is possible to be allergic to a specific species of mosquito, or a few species, while having little to no reaction to others. When visiting a foreign country or state, an individual who does not have a history of mosquito allergies might experience an extreme reaction to mosquito bites.

Mosquito bite allergies can be treated topically to reduce swelling and relieve itching. It is also possible to take antihistamines orally to provide longer relief from itching and to reduce swelling in the affected area.   Furthermore, there are several natural remedies and treatments that can help ease the discomfort associated with skeeter syndrome.