If You Get Seriously Uncomfortable After a Mosquito Bite, You Could Have This Syndrome
We’re officially headed into warmer weather and, with that, mosquitos are coming out again. While these blood sucking insects are annoying for most people, some have a severe allergy to mosquito bites in something that’s known as skeeter syndrome.
Skeeter syndrome isn’t common, but it happens enough. And, if you’re left incredibly uncomfortable and even sick after being bitten by a mosquito, you could have it. Here’s what you need to know about this condition, plus how it’s treated.
What is skeeter syndrome?
Skeeter syndrome is a newer condition recognized by the medical community. It was first profiled in a 1999 case study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The case study described five otherwise healthy 2- to 4-year-olds who were sent to an allergy clinic after being diagnosed by different primary care physicians with “cellulitis,” which developed within hours after they were bitten by a mosquito. (Cellulitis, in case you’re not familiar with it, is a potentially serious bacterial skin infection that causes the skin to become red, swollen, and hot.)
The children had different reactions, including one whose face was covered in a red rash and whose eye was swollen shut for a week after being bitten by a mosquito.
Skeeter syndrome, the researchers concluded, is an allergic reaction to the proteins in the mosquito’s saliva. “This syndrome is defined as mosquito bite–induced large local inflammatory reactions accompanied by fever,” the researchers wrote.
Skeeter syndrome “usually is bothersome but not life threatening,” says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.
How long does skeeter syndrome last?
Every person’s reaction is slightly different but symptoms usually last between three to five days, Dr. Parikh says.
Skeeter syndrome vs. a normal mosquito bite
Most people have some level of allergy to mosquito saliva, Dr. Parikh says, but it’s heightened in those with skeeter syndrome. And that can cause a difference in reactions to bites.
With your standard mosquito bite reaction, you’ll often get a small raised red bump. But usually with skeeter syndrome, “the mosquito bites will be larger, itchier, raised, and more swollen,” Dr. Parikh says. People may also develop a fever, vomiting, or trouble breathing after being bitten, says Catherine Monteleone, M.D., an allergist-immunologist and professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "Most people have reactivity to mosquito bites and saliva but those with skeeter syndrome have an allergy or hypersensitivity reaction to mosquitos."
“This is different from a regular bug bite,” Dr. Monteleone says. “The bumps can go up to four inches. They can feel hard, swollen, and painful. They can blister, too.”
“Those with skeeter syndrome may have more of their body surface area covered” with a reaction after being bitten compared to people who don't have the condition, Dr. Parikh says.
How do you cure skeeter syndrome?
There’s actually no diagnostic test for skeeter syndrome, the Mayo Clinic notes—meaning, there’s no blood test that can detect mosquito antibodies. So, a mosquito allergy is diagnosed by your symptoms.
There’s no cure for skeeter syndrome, but Dr. Parikh says reactions can be prevented by using bug spray and covering your exposed skin when you go out in areas where mosquitos are common. If you happen to be bitten, antihistamines, topical and oral steroids, and even ice can help with the swelling, she says.
“Some allergists may desensitize patients with allergy shots but this is off label—not FDA-approved,” Dr. Parikh says.
If you suspect you have skeeter syndrome, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites, Dr. Parikh says. And, if being bitten impacts your quality of life, it’s time to see an allergist about next steps.
Keep this in mind, per Dr. Monteleone: It's possible to get over skeeter syndrome. “Sometimes people outgrow it,” she says.
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