Mosquito Bites: Types of Reactions and How to Treat Them

Mosquito bites are a fact of life for anyone living in an area that’s home to these pesky insects. Mosquitoes are most common in summer and spring. You’re most likely to encounter them outdoors, but they can find their way inside, as well.

Mosquitoes bite humans to feed on their blood, and the biting process triggers an allergic reaction. The response is usually mild, resulting in a small bump on the skin that can be itchy for several days.

In rare cases, mosquito bites can cause more severe reactions, or scratching at the bite can lead to irritation and infection.

Understanding how to prevent bites and get mosquito bite relief can help you prevent complications.

What You Need To Know About Mosquito Bites

Female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and livestock. They need the protein in the blood to produce eggs.?

When mosquitoes bite, they use their proboscis (the long mouth part), to pierce the skin into the skin. As they use their proboscis to suck up blood, they also inject their saliva into the area. The saliva has numbing properties, so you’re less likely to feel the bite happening. It also has anti-clotting properties, so blood flows more easily and the mosquito can get all it needs.

Mosquito bites itch because mosquito saliva is an allergen that triggers a histamine reaction. Histamines are chemicals that help white blood cells travel to the site of an injury or infection. Histamines cause itching and swelling that appear after the bite.

Mosquitoes can also be carriers of diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and yellow fever. Transmission is most likely in regions where those diseases are common, such as Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.

Common Mosquito Bite Reactions

Mosquito bites are easy to recognize. Most mosquito bites cause mild reactions, including:

• An itchy, inflamed bump that appears a few minutes after the bite
• A painful spot that looks like a raised, red hive that forms within 24 hours after the bite
• A small blister
• A dark spot that looks like a bruise

Most mosquito bites get better within a few days, but the itching can be uncomfortable. As tempting as it is, you should avoid scratching them. Scratching can break the skin, and your fingers or other objects can introduce bacteria into the scratches. That can lead to an infection, which may require medical attention. ?

Signs of a Mosquito Bite Allergy (Skeeter Syndrome)

Some people have a more severe mosquito bite allergy. This is sometimes called “skeeter syndrome,” and it results in inflammation that’s more significant than in typical mosquito bites.

Skeeter syndrome often affects young children who haven’t developed immunity to mosquito bites yet. It can also appear in older adults and people who have compromised immune systems.

Common symptoms of skeeter syndrome include:

• Large, swollen areas, much larger than a normal bump from a mosquito bite
• Intense itching, pain, or soreness in and around the bump
• Blistering, bruising, or extensive redness in the affected area

Less commonly, skeeter syndrome can cause more serious symptoms such as:

• An allergic reaction that causes a fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes

In rare cases, an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs of anaphylaxis, including:

• Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

How To Treat Mosquito Bites and Relieve the Itch

Mosquito bites usually go away within a few days, but the itching can be uncomfortable while they heal. It’s important not to scratch mosquito bites, so treatment should focus on reducing the itch.

• Topical treatments: You can put over-the-counter anti-itch medication on mosquito bites. Try a 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl can help reduce allergic reactions and reduce itching.
• Cold therapy: Ice packs reduce inflammation and calm itching. Apply a cool compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Soothe skin: A paste made of baking soda and water can reduce irritation from mosquito bites.
• Prevent infection: Avoid touching or scratching bites. Keep fingernails short to reduce the risk of breaking skin, which can lead to bacterial infection.

Tips To Avoid Mosquito Bites

The best treatment for mosquito bites is prevention. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs can keep the insects from getting to your skin. ?

Use mosquito repellent sprays to keep them at a distance. There is a wide range of safe options available. Spraying clothing and outdoor furniture, as well as exposed skin, can help repel mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of citronella candles or lemon, eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and lavender. Candles or essential oil diffusers with those fragrances might keep mosquitoes at bay.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in water, so getting rid of standing water will reduce the number of mosquitoes in your ward. Empty any buckets, baby pools, or other items that might trap water.

When To Seek Medical Attention for Mosquito Bites

Most of the time, mosquito bites will get better on their own, but there are some cases when you need treatment to get rid of mosquito bites. Seek medical attention if:

• Swelling from a mosquito bite continues to increase after 48 to 72 hours
• You have swelling, redness, oozing, pain, or other signs of an infected mosquito bite
• If you recently visited a region with active mosquito-transmitted diseases and develop symptoms of those conditions

Call 911 immediately if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, hives all over your body, throat swelling, or dizziness. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.

Need Relief and Treatment From Mosquito Bites?

If you need quick relief from skeeter syndrome or complications from insect bites common in Texas, Next Level Urgent Care can help. Our trained health care providers can treat skin infections or prescribe anti-itch medications to get rid of the irritation and discomfort from severe reactions.?

With locations in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin, you can get the care you need close to home or work. We welcome walk-in patients, or you can skip the line and check in with the Next Level mobile app.