Allergy to mosquito bites in adults

Almost everyone reacts to mosquito bites in one way or another. The familiar red, itchy bump is more of an annoyance, but it’s not alarming and doesn’t warrant concern. But some adults are allergic to mosquito bites and may suffer from a more severe reaction known as skeeter syndrome.

The typical reaction to a mosquito bite is caused by the human immune system reacting to a protein that the mosquito injects into the wound with saliva when it bites a person. This is a mixture of anticoagulants so that the blood does not clot while the insect sucks it. During the reaction, histamine is released to force white blood cells (leukocytes and macrophages) to move to an area that is protected from this foreign protein. Histamine causes redness, itching, and swelling at the bite site.

Skeeter syndrome can occur when you are allergic to this protein. If people are unfamiliar with the symptoms of Skeeter syndrome, it may not be clear if they are allergic to mosquitoes or if they are experiencing some other bite-related reaction. A person may have a completely normal reaction or may be bitten by an infected mosquito that carries malaria, fevers and some other infections. It is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms in order to determine the difference.

Can adults be allergic to a mosquito bite?

The reaction to bites is not always associated with allergies. Mosquitoes can carry blood-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile encephalitis, and dengue fever, but the biggest nuisances are the itchy rash, blisters from bites, and possible more serious reactions, up to and including anaphylaxis.

Only female mosquitoes bite. Heat, light, sweat, body odor, lactic acid and carbon dioxide attract the female mosquito to the skin. It inserts the pointed tip of its mouth-proboscis into a tiny blood vessel, injects saliva into the bloodstream, and then sucks up human blood.

For a body reaction to occur, the contact must last at least 6 seconds. The chemicals in mosquito saliva prevent blood from clotting and cause a reaction that causes localized redness, swelling, and itching. A mosquito bite can cause a variety of reactions. People who have never been bitten before (primarily young children) may not react at all. Most people develop a tiny itchy red bump that appears hours or days after the bite and can persist for several days.

However, some people have more severe reactions such as blistering or larger hives accompanied by fever and joint swelling. In the worst case, a mosquito bite can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by swelling of the throat, generalized urticaria, fainting, or wheezing. This reaction is rarely caused by mosquitoes and is more commonly associated with other stinging insects. If a person has experienced anaphylaxis at least once, one should consider consulting with an allergy or immunology specialist who can help determine the cause. You need to carry autoinjection adrenaline with you if doctors have diagnosed anaphylaxis from insect bites.

How does an allergy to a mosquito bite manifest in adults

If a person has developed a mosquito allergy, they may experience some of the following symptoms:

• significantly greater swelling from a bite (especially if more than 2 ruble coins);
• large area of ​​itching;
• blisters in the bite area;
• a bruise near the bite;
• hives around the bite;
• inflammation of the lymphatic system;
• anaphylaxis (swelling of the throat and trouble breathing).

In some cases, a very serious reaction may occur, in which medical attention should be sought immediately. These warning signs may include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, fatigue, photosensitivity, confusion, or neurological symptoms.

How to treat an allergy to a mosquito bite in adults

First of all, when it comes to treatment, allergists recommend seeking emergency medical attention if a person develops anaphylactic symptoms. In addition, the clinic should see a doctor if a mosquito bite is associated with more serious warning signs such as fever, headache, body aches, and signs of infection.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is based on bite findings and clinical signs.

Modern methods

If anaphylactic symptoms develop, seek emergency medical attention. If the reaction is localized, try the following treatments to relieve symptoms:

• lift the affected area and apply ice to reduce swelling and pain;
• apply an over-the-counter lotion to the affected area;
• clean blisters with soap and water without damaging them;
• if itching persists, try topical steroids or oral antihistamines;
• consult a physician if swelling progresses or the area appears to be infected.

If it’s an allergy to mosquito bites, the commonly recommended hydrocortisone cream probably won’t provide enough relief. Using oral antihistamines, topical itch creams, or a cool, soap-free bath may provide some relief. In case of anaphylaxis, an epinephrine autoinjector may be required.

Prevention of allergy to a mosquito bite in adults at home

It may seem like these pests are impossible to avoid, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting bitten by a mosquito. Stay at home as much as possible from dusk to dawn – this is the time of the peak of mosquitoes.

During the day, stay away from calm, shady, damp areas and avoid pools of still water. These are popular areas where mosquitoes spend their time.

What a person wears can attract mosquitoes. Avoid bright clothes and heavy perfumes, and wear clothing that covers most of the skin to minimize the chance of mosquito bites.

You can use insect repellants containing DEET. Read the repellent label carefully. DEET is often listed as N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide on the list of active ingredients. Products containing 6 to 25% DEET should provide 2 to 6 hours of protection. Repellents can cause side effects including eye irritation, dry skin, rashes, and possible allergic reactions. Before applying to the whole body, test the repellent on a small area of ​​skin. Use the lowest concentration that works for you and reapply as needed.

Popular questions and answers

Frequently asked questions about allergy to mosquito bites answered us pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, editor-in-chief of MedCorr Zorina Olga.

Like bed bugs, female mosquitoes need to feed on blood before they can start reproducing. When a mosquito bites, it secretes saliva, which can cause blood clots and scabs to form. Many people are allergic to substances in mosquito saliva, causing them to itch and form small welts.