No matter what kind of climate you live in, you've probably been bitten by a mosquito one too many times. That irritating feeling of itchy skin followed by redness is a typical allergic reaction to mosquito bites that most people experience. But for people with extreme mosquito bite allergies, the symptoms can be a little harder to manage.
Skeeter Syndrome is an allergy to mosquito saliva, resulting in severe allergic reactions. Mosquitoes inject a thinning agent into our blood, since it's too thick for them to siphon as is. That agent is their saliva, which contains allergenic polypeptides that cause the body to react to the enzymes. For people with Skeeter Syndrome, this can mean a whole lot of discomfort.
Symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome
Symptoms can either appear immediately or after a little time. The most common symptoms include;
- Extreme swelling and itchiness
- Appearance of swelling and bumps on areas of the body that weren't bitten
- Bruises and blisters
- Red lumps on the area of the bite
- Infections due to excessive scratching
- In very rare cases, anaphylaxis and angioedema may develop
Treatment for Mosquito Bite Allergies
The best thing you can is try to avoid scratching. I know, I know; that's easier said than done. Restraining from itching gives the bites less chance of becoming infected.
To help stop the scratch, an anti-itch cream containing hydrocortisone can help tackle the discomfort, or an antihistamine like Benadryl can be a stronger solution. For a free remedy, you could even try rubbing ice on the bites to reduce inflammation.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
Repelling mosquitoes should be a number one priority for anyone with Skeeter Syndrome. Remembering the 3 D's of mosquito control will give you a broad spectrum of precautions to take when trying to avoid getting bitten, including reducing mosquito habitats, covering up in light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, or applying natural repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus to your skin.
Canada has heavy mosquito activity in the hotter months, making it a hard place to avoid mosquito bites. If you or your child has Skeeter Syndrome, the best prevention is pairing the Drain, Dress and Defend methodology with mosquito barrier protection around your home. Barrier protection targets mosquitoes where they live, rest, and hide, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy yourself out in the yard.
If you're looking for Ontario mosquito control, Manitoba mosquito control, or Calgary mosquito control - give us a buzz on 1800-865-2899.
