A mosquito has bitten you. What could be more commonplace during this season. But instead of a small itchy button, you are with an astonishing allergic reaction. Redness, heat, sometimes with other more annoying symptoms for your health. Wouldn’t you be doing Skeeter syndrome?
What is “Skeeter syndrome”?
Skeeter syndrome is an allergic reaction exacerbated to proteins contained in the saliva of mosquitoes. When it stings, the insect injects, via its trunk (the proboscis), anticoagulant and anesthetic substances. It is this saliva that our organization can identify as a threat. In response, the immune system releases histamine, which leads to inflammation.
In some people, this response is disproportionate. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, specifies:
“Unlike a simple bite, which causes local redness and itching, Skeeter syndrome triggers an intense, sometimes disturbing inflammatory reaction”.
How to recognize a reaction linked to Skeeter syndrome?
Some signs must put you on the track. A few hours to a few days after the bite, we can observe:
- Significant swelling (often greater than 5 cm), warm and painful;
- Intense redness, accompanied by a feeling of warmth;
- Very strong itching, sometimes comparable to a burn;
- The possible appearance of blisters, even hard edema under the skin.
In the most severe cases, the person may also have a fever, unusual fatigue, or even swelling of the nodes. In children, more sensitive, these reactions can last several days. Note that these reactions most often occur in people already sensitive to insect bites, or whose immune system is weakened (fatigue, illness, stress …).
When should you worry about a mosquito bite?
The majority of cases of Skeeter syndrome remain mild, although uncomfortable. However, some symptoms require rapid consultation, or even urgent management.
According to our expert, consult a doctor if:
- The swelling extends beyond the stung area or persists more than 48 hours;
- The bite becomes very painful, pulse or suppues;
- A moderate to high fever appears, accompanied by aches;
- A child has an unusual or lasting reaction.
On the other hand, Call 15 in an emergency if you observe:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongues (risk of anaphylactic shock)
- Vomiting, discomfort, or a flu, especially in tropical zone (risk of vector disease such as malaria or dengue).
The right reflexes to prevent or relieve Skeeter syndrome
Even if one cannot completely avoid mosquitoes, certain precautions can limit the risk of severe reaction:
To prevent bitters, the rules are known:
- Wear long and covering clothes, especially in the evening;
- Use suitable repellents, especially in tropical zone;
- Install mosquito nets in the windows and around the bed
In the event of a bite, our expert offers shock treatment:
Carefully wash the area concerned with water and a soft soap. Then apply a pocket of ice cream, wrapped in a clean cloth, for about 10 minutes. To relieve discomfort, you can use a soothing cream, preferably based on light corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone 1 %, on medical prescription). In the event of significant itching, taking an oral antihistamine, such as ketirizine, can be beneficial.
Finally, easier to say than to do, but absolutely avoid scratching: this increases the risk of infection concludes our expert.