The Unbearable Itch of Skeeter Syndrome
Last July, I attended a friend’s BBQ. While the sun was setting, we were chatting and devouring a delicious variety of food. The mosquitoes were feasting as well. I voiced my discomfort of being bitten several times on my legs. Friends noticed the pesky insects nipping them too, but not as aggressively.
“Don’t scratch,” we said to each other. How can one resist?
The next day, I texted a friend to check-in on her bites and she said they were nearly gone. According to Mosquito Squad®, “Most people’s bodies, when bitten, form a small, itchy bump as a result. Some people, however, have a much more extreme reaction to this mosquito saliva.[1]” My bites became bumps the size of a baby’s fist, swelling and reddening; I could no longer see the puncture marks. I called my allergist for an appointment, and began taking pictures as proof.
What is Skeeter Syndrome?
When I saw my allergist a few days later, she immediately recognized the massive bumps. “You have Skeeter Syndrome,” she said, “but you probably already know that from Google.” I laughed knowingly. Who doesn’t turn to the search engine to self-diagnose these days? As defined by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, “Skeeter Syndrome is a relatively rare inflammatory reaction to mosquito bites. Symptoms include a large area of swelling, heat, redness, and itching/pain which mimics an infectious process.[2]”
I remember accumulating 23 mosquito bites as a child during a friend’s birthday party in his backyard. They were red, large, and itchy, but they didn’t linger for days the way they do now. I asked my allergist why my bites as an adult are worse. She said that my immune system is more sensitive now, thus my allergic reaction is more intense.
My allergist prescribed cetirizine, an antihistamine also available in the over-the-counter allergy medication Reactine. The name cetirizine became very familiar to me earlier that summer when I was bitten by a spider (and mosquitoes) during my vacation in Norway of all places. In addition, my allergist told me to apply hydrocortisone cream over the bumps to soothe and reduce the itchiness. It took weeks before they fully healed, and months later, I could still recognize a few darkened areas on my skin, bruises from those bites.
Prevention is Best.
The only way to avoid the symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome is by preventing mosquito bites from happening in the first place. My allergist recommended insect repellent with DEET, an ingredient used to repel insects. “Carry a small bug spray in your purse and keep one in your car,” she advised. I visited local stores and online sites to find a repellent that is both small and potent. After reading many reviews, I finally felt confident with Ben’s 30 DEET Tick and Insect Repellent Spray. Purchased!
I’m never certain when mosquitoes or other nuisances will find me, so I learned my lesson and assume that they’ll bite wherever and whenever they get the chance. Armed with this travel-friendly and powerful bug spray, I’ve been able to enjoy my adventures when used sensibly.
My product recommendations are not sponsored. I have no affiliation with with any of the companies mentioned.
Videos:
Mosquitoes Like To Bite These Types of People
Useful Links:
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
[1] “There are normal reactions to mosquito bites, and then there’s “skeeter syndrome””. Mosquito Squad®. https://www.mosquitosquad.com/savannah-hilton/about-us/blog/2018/july/there-are-normal-reactions-to-mosquito-bites-and/ (accessed March 28, 2019).
[2] “Skeeter Syndrome Definition.” American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/skeeter-syndrome (accessed March 28, 2019).
Featured Image by Anders Kristensen from Pexels.
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