Skeeter syndrome: When mosquito bites may require extra attention

For the most part, mosquito bites are more of a nuisance than a danger.

Mosquitoes live all over the world — except in Antarctica and Iceland. The U.S. has about 200 species of mosquitoes, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that only about 12 types spread diseases that can make people sick, such as West Nile or Zika.

For the most part, mosquito bites are more of a nuisance than a danger in this country. But some people develop a strong allergic reaction called skeeter syndrome that can lead to more serious symptoms.

Learning to identify skeeter syndrome and knowing how to protect yourself from mosquitoes can help prevent the consequences of mosquito bites.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to get blood because they use it to produce eggs. They'll need many blood meals during their short lifespan of several weeks. When the mosquito pierces the skin, it injects saliva, which contains proteins that can cause an allergic reaction.

For most people, a mosquito bite produces a small bump that forms within minutes and then itches for a day or two.

Skeeter syndrome versus normal bites

Instead of a minor, localized reaction, some people are hypersensitive to the proteins in mosquito saliva. Signs of skeeter syndrome include intense itching, swelling, blistering and soreness beyond just the bite area. People may even develop flu-like symptoms like fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes that can last several days.

If these symptoms get severe or aren't relieved by home remedies, it's important to contact your doctor or go to an urgent care center.

In rare cases, mosquito bites can also lead to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as throat swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing or fainting after an insect bite mean you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Severe reactions to mosquito bites are more common in children and people with compromised immune systems. Sometimes people only experience a strong reaction when bitten by a mosquito species they haven't encountered before. Skeeter syndrome and anaphylaxis can also happen if you are bitten by many mosquitoes in a short time.

At-home treatments for mosquito bites and skeeter syndrome

Even one mosquito bite can cause discomfort, and multiple bites can be unbearable. Here are some tips that can help relieve the itching and swelling:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to the bite area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Avoid scratching, which can cause and spread infection.
• To reduce itching, use oatmeal- or calamine-based lotions or over-the-counter cortisone or other anti-itch cream. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the bite.
• Consider over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce the allergic reaction.

If home remedies don't provide relief and symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen, call your health care provider or visit urgent care.

How to prevent skeeter syndrome

The best way to prevent skeeter syndrome and diseases caused by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites. If you're an indoor person, it's as simple as making sure you have screens for any open windows or doors. Here are more mosquito-blocking tips when you head outside:

Know when mosquitoes are active

Mosquitoes are most active during warm and humid weather and from dawn to dusk, but some types of mosquito bite during evening and at night too.

Avoid areas with standing water

Females often lay their eggs in calm or still water, so you may encounter more mosquitoes near puddles, ponds, marshes and lakes. To prevent mosquitoes from reproducing, keep water from pooling in places like flowerpots, buckets, bird baths, trash containers, wading pools and gutters.

Cover up and treat clothing

When you're outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that covers your legs and arms. Bright and dark colors may attract mosquitoes. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that repels and kills both mosquitoes and ticks. Permethrin is safe to apply to clothing and can remain protective even after washing. Mosquito netting can help protect babies or small children in strollers.

Use repellents as directed

You can also apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains an active ingredient such as picaridin, DEET, lemon oil, eucalyptus or IR3535. It's important to apply it as directed — some ingredients should not be used on children under three years old. Also be careful not to apply it to your hands, eyes or mouth or where you have a cut or irritated skin to decrease the chances of repellent getting inside your body. If you're also applying sunscreen, do it before the insect repellent.

Taking these measures can help prevent the consequences of mosquito bites, including the more serious symptoms of skeeter syndrome and keep you safe while you enjoy the great outdoors.