What is Skeeter Syndrome?
Skeeter’s syndrome is a comparatively rare allergic reaction developed after mosquito bites. These little creatures are not only the reason for dengue, chikungunya, malaria but also cause something different and rare like Skeeter syndrome. In short, it may be called a mosquito bite-induced local inflammatory reaction along with the presence of fever.
It may lead to cellulitis and further various types of infections. Protein named as allergenic polypeptide present in the saliva of mosquitoes and it causes a subsequent allergic reaction. The good part is that it’s not contagious.
Signs and symptoms
Cardinal sign of Skeeter syndrome is similar to the typical signs of inflammation which are – swelling, redness, heat, pain, and itching.
It is almost impossible to differentiate between any inflammation and mosquito-induced allergic reaction.
- In the case of skeeter syndrome the mark of mosquito bites is larger, it lasts a longer duration.
- Swelling due to mosquito bites has been progressing for a few days. It may develop within minutes, sometimes it may take hours.
- Swelling becomes red in color and painful, itching may present.
- The area becomes warm and tender.
- Fever, nausea, vomiting may happen.
- In severe cases, after having mosquito bites, the face will become puffy. Eyes become swollen. Besides, if the mosquito bites in the limb, unfortunately, the whole limb may become swollen, red.
- Breathlessness is another symptom complained about by some people.
Diagnosis
- To distinguish between cellulitis and skeeter syndrome is not easy. But in the case of Skeeter syndrome, there is usually a history of mosquito bites. On the other hand, cellulitis may take a few more days to develop.
- Immunosorbent assays confirmed the diagnosis of skeeter syndrome. By measuring IgE and IgG antibodies form after the exposure of the antigens present in mosquito saliva.
Prevention
- It is said that prevention is better than cure. Using proper clothing may cover your skin which is exposed to the environment. Also using mosquito repellent is another good idea to prevent skeeter syndrome.
- Staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed so that you may have refrained from mosquito bites. Mostly during dawn and dusk times which is the active hour of mosquitoes.
- People who are more prone to skeeter syndrome may take an antihistamine to reduce the allergic reaction.
- Some mosquito repellents are useful in this case.
- Especially having certain chemicals help to reduce mosquito bites such as
- DEET -The chemical name of it is N, N diethyl m toluamide. It is counted as the gold standard in the case of choosing mosquito repellents.
- Picaridin again its chemical name is 2 hydroxyethyl -1- piperidine carboxylic acid 1-methyl propyl ester.
- OLE means oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is another ingredient to look for during choosing a mosquito repellent.
- 3 N butyl N acetyl are also such ingredients.
One more thing about using mosquito repellent, you must avoid using it in your eyes and nasal area.
Skeeter syndrome treatment
- Please carry bug spray with you wherever you go.
- You may wear a long dress to cover yourself and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines to improve swelling, itchiness.
- Your physician may prescribe over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, it will give instant relief. But you must consult your doctor before using it.
- Use ice scrub or any type of cold compressor to reduce the warmth of the swelling.
- Some of you who have extreme hypersensitivity to mosquito bites may carry EpiPen shots to avoid any type of anaphylactic reaction. But this is extremely rare.
Final word
It is not a common syndrome. So to prevent misdiagnosis and misuse of any antibiotics proper knowledge and case study discussion are important. Nevertheless, prevention from mosquito bites is necessary to avoid the hassle.
