Skeeter syndrome or the mosquito bite allergy can be treated by using simple home remedies mentioned in this article. You all must have got mosquito bites once in a while. They are very common, especially in tropical areas.
Mosquito bites give you small red boils that disappear with time. Most people don’t have any reaction at all, but some people have a severe reaction that reoccurs.
This is known as Skeeter Syndrome. If you have such a syndrome, you may need immediate attention and treatment.
Read more to find out more about this syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and treatment
Table of Contents
Causes Of Skeeter Syndrome
The Skeeter syndrome occurs due to an allergy to the polypeptides in the mosquito’s saliva. This is then injected into the bloodstream which thins the blood.
The mosquito injects a thinning agent which is the mosquito’s saliva, into the bloodstream of its host as the blood of humans is too thick for the mosquito to be able to siphon. This thinning agent is what causes the allergic reaction.
You may not develop an allergic reaction instantly. It develops within the first 48 hours after the bite. The saliva of the mosquito reacts to the enzymes in your body that results in the swelling, discomfort and blistering on your skin.
The primary cause of such allergies is said to be autoimmune diseases. If you are used to having such reactions from time to time, you are at higher risk of getting skeeter syndrome. Although, people with no prior allergy history, can also acquire this syndrome.
There are a lot of species of mosquito whose saliva contains slightly different enzymes. You could be allergic to one or more of these mosquitos which are a possible reason for these allergic reactions.
This might explain to you why an individual who has no history of mosquito allergies might experience an extreme reaction to mosquito bites when visiting another state or country.
You can get rid of mosquitos by using natural home remedies which are free from harmful chemicals.
Symptoms Of Skeeter Syndrome
Some symptoms manifest immediately while others take time.
The most common symptoms include:
- Blistering rashes
- Bruises
- Swelling and itchiness
- The red lump appears on the bite
- Swelling and large bumps appear on different areas of the body other than the bite area.
- Bruises and blisters
- In some cases, angioedema and anaphylaxis develop.
- Asthma occurs.
- Infections happen due to excessive scratching.
- Fever
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Skeeter Syndrome
1. Aloe Vera Gel For Toddlers And Adults
Aloe Vera has a lot of medicinal properties that help repair your skin. It contains an enzyme called bradykinesia that soothes the excessive inflammation on your skin caused by skeeter syndrome. It is best to use the pure aloe vera for this purpose.
If you can’t get hold of pure aloe vera, you may opt for products containing aloe vera gel in them. But be careful to ensure the products do not have other harmful chemicals mixed in with this gel that may harm your skin.
2. Cold Compress To Treat Skeeter Syndrom Fast
The compress prevents the further swelling of the mosquito bites. It makes the affected area numb with an intense cold which helps ease pain and itchiness. Try not to apply the compress for more than 20 minutes.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar For Skeeter Syndrome
Apple cider vinegar is said to be a mosquito repellent. Due to the acidity of the vinegar, it eases the itchiness caused due to the mosquito bites. You can add apple cider vinegar to your diet or take a cotton swab and dab some vinegar to your bite. You can also learn to make apple cider vinegar at home on our site.
4. Tea
Tea is rich in tannin which contains a compound called astringent. Tannin destroys certain germs and bacteria and protects your system from infections.
Take some tea and boil it in water. Let it rest for some time. Take a cotton swab, dip it in this solution and apply it on the bite. Repeat it for a couple of times for better results.
5. Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties that kill any germs or bacteria and protects your skin. The honey will soothe your skin and reduce the swelling from the mosquito bite. Apply some honey with a cotton swab, on the affected area. Repeat this process a few times daily.
6. Baking Soda To Get Relief From Skeeter Syndrom
Baking soda is a natural option for topical treatment of itching and discomfort. Mix some water and baking soda and apply the paste to the affected area to relieve itching.
Add baking soda to a hot bath, and take a long soak. It will help with swelling, redness, and itching as well as help you avoid infections.
7. Banana Peels
Rub the banana peel on the affected area. This will make your skin moist and make it itch-free. The fruit that you buy from local grocery stores may have pesticides sprayed on them that are harmful to your skin.
Soak the peel in a 2% salt solution. The saltwater solution removes most of the harmful pesticides and makes the peel safe to use.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has excellent health benefits and medicinal properties that help reduce the effects of the mosquito bites. Make a paste from this oil and apply it on the affected area.
Lavender Essential Oil Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- Few drops of fractionated coconut oil
Method
In a small jar, mix a tablespoon of bentonite clay, two drops of lavender and frankincense oil and a few drops of fractionated coconut oil. Apply this paste on the affected area from time to time.
9. Calendula
Calendula has moisturizing, soothing and rejuvenating properties. Applying calendula ointment on the bite will reduce the swelling and often used as treatment.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is great for reducing the inflammation caused due to skeeter syndrome. It’s best to buy 100% pure tea tree oil as opposed to products with tea tree oil in them.
11. Emu Oil
Emu oil is extracted from the fat of the bird, emu. It helps heal the scar caused due to this syndrome. It also reduces itchiness and swelling.
You can follow these remedies, but if the condition worsens, consult a doctor.
Treatment
Mosquito bite allergies can be treated topically to help reduce swelling and relieve you of your itching. There are many home remedies to get rid of mosquito bites fast.
- You can opt for antihistamines prescribed by your doctors which will provide more extended relief from itching and help reduce swelling in the affected area.
- You can also use anti-allergy medicines at home such as Benadryl if you live in areas with large populations of mosquitoes.
- If you notice symptoms like blisters, difficulty in breathing, short breaths, and swelling you should consult a doctor.
- These medications also give some relief to asthma patients as well as limit the growth of blisters in other areas of the body.
- In case the symptoms match that of anaphylaxis, it is crucial that you visit the hospital so that you can get the right type of medication. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction which requires proper medical attention from a physician.
Diagnosis
The Syndrome has no specific test or diagnoses. Its symptoms can only diagnose it. These symptoms include large red areas of swelling and by the history of mosquito exposure.
If you have no prior history of a violent reaction to mosquito bites you are likely to develop Skeeter syndrome symptoms.
The reason for developing this allergy is still not known. One possible reason could be an autoimmune reaction to the enzymes contained in the saliva of certain species of mosquitoes.
How To Take Care Of A Severe Skeeter Syndrom Reaction?
The first 48 hours after being bitten by a mosquito are crucial as the symptoms start to show within these few hours. The reaction may take a while to occur, so you need to be extra careful in accessing the symptoms as they start to show.
Some people also experience anaphylaxis after being bitten by insects like mosquitoes.
Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious allergic reaction that has a rapid reaction and may cause death. Its symptoms include an itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure.
If you are diagnosed with anaphylaxis, you need immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. When proper treatment is not received, the person goes into anaphylactic shock which can be fatal.
Scratching the area can cause infections. So, avoid excessive scratching, and it will stop the bite from growing to an unmanageable size and become infected.
Use a band-aid to protect the area from getting infected and to keep them away from scratching.
If you notice symptoms like the case of blisters, difficulty in breathing, a large area of swelling or risk of infection, consult your doctor.
How To Prevent Skeeter Syndrome?
There are different home remedies to get rid of mosquitoes. One effective way of keeping mosquitoes away is by aromatherapy which makes the use of use of essential oils.
Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon Grass and Juniper Berry are plants that are known to have ingredients that repel mosquitoes and protect you from bites.
Use an Aroma Diffuser with an essential oil recipe during the day.
Sleep underneath a Mosquito Net Canopy at night will greatly reduce your chance of getting bitten.
You can also Use an Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser that emits cold misty vapors which repel mosquitoes and at the same time adds fragrance to the room.
DEET or diethyltoluamide is one of the most popular mosquito repelling ingredients found in products. It lasts longer than any other ingredient and is more effective against mosquito bites.
DEET prevents the mosquito from recognizing the lactic acid that your body emits via sweat. The receptors on the mosquito’s antenna are disabled and this protects you from bites, regardless of your body sweat and temperature.
Citronella is an ingredient used in many mosquito repelling products. Add a few drops of Citronella in your diffuser. This will keep mosquitoes from biting you because their senses get distracted.
Homemade Citronella Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients
- 85 grams of coconut or almond oil
- 36 drops of citronella oil
Method
i) Take a spray bottle, pour the ingredients in it and mix it well. Apply a thin layer of this spray on the affected area. Essential oils may cause an allergic reaction on sensitive skin. So spray some on your skin to make sure that you are not allergic, before using it.
ii) All-Natural Garden Incense Sticks are a good option if you are relaxing outdoors and don’t want any mosquitoes or other insects around you.
iii) Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is a good product for long-term prevention of skeeter syndrome. It guards your skin against possible bites and stays on for the longer duration.
Homemade Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent
Ingredients
- 113 grams of sunflower oil
- 48 drops of lemon essential oil
Method
Take a spray bottle, pour the oils in it and mix it well. Apply a thin layer of this spray on the affected area. Check if you are allergic to this oil by spraying some on a small portion of your skin. It is not advisable to use it on children below three years of age.
Homemade Mosquito Trap
Ingredients
- 1 two-liter plastic bottle
- 1 ½ grams of yeast
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Plastic bag
Method
Cut the plastic container in half and pour warm water and sugar into it. Mix it well and then allow the mixture to cool. Then add yeast to the solution. This will release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which attracts the mosquitoes.
Invert the upper half of the bottle and place it on the lower half, tape it and cover it with the plastic bag.
Place this trap in places where there are a lot of mosquitoes and change this trap once every week.
Skeeter syndrome is mostly found in children because they have relatively low levels of immunity.
You should make sure that your children are well protected from mosquito bites especially those who are prone to allergic reactions.
To prevent mosquitoes from infesting your home, maintain cleanliness at home and stay as healthy as possible. A healthy lifestyle helps the body to fight allergies and other harmful diseases.
Does Skeeter Syndrome Affect Everyone
Skeeter syndrome can affect people of all ages. But skeeter syndrome is most commonly found in children and teenagers. If you have a low immunity and contact viruses and diseases easily, you are more prone to get this.
