Skeeter Syndrome

Skeeter syndrome is a large, local inflammatory reaction to mosquito bites. It causes redness, warmth, swelling and/or itching where a mosquito bit you. The area is sometimes hard and painful.

Skeeter syndrome is more than just the small, annoying bumps many people get from mosquito bites. It can sometimes make you wonder if you have a skin infection. It’s most common in young kids.

Rarely, it can cause fever, hives in many areas of your body or swollen lymph nodes.

Symptoms of skeeter syndrome

The main symptom of skeeter syndrome is large areas of swelling where a mosquito bit you. You might notice:

• Skin redness, darkening or other color changes
• Hard lumps
• Itching
• Pain
• Your skin feeling warm to the touch

Rarely, you might get a fever, hives in many areas of your body or swollen lymph nodes. Anaphylaxis, a type of severe allergic reaction that can affect your whole body, has been reported very rarely. Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience weakness, dizziness or difficulty breathing.

Skeeter syndrome causes

Skeeter syndrome happens when your body overreacts to proteins in mosquito saliva (spit). When a mosquito bites you, it injects you with its saliva. If your immune system reacts to proteins in the saliva, you can get large areas of swelling and itching. Symptoms usually start eight to 10 hours after the bite and get better within three to 10 days.

Different types of mosquitoes have different proteins in their saliva. You may react to some types of mosquitoes and not others.

Complications

Large, swollen areas can sometimes break the skin and become ulcers — especially if you scratch at them. They can become infected with bacteria or leave a scar.

How doctors diagnose skeeter syndrome

A healthcare provider can diagnose skeeter syndrome by looking at the reaction. They’ll ask you about when you were bitten and when the reaction started. They might also ask whether you’ve traveled recently (other regions may have different mosquitoes or biting insects). Be sure to let them know if you’ve had other symptoms, like a fever or difficulty breathing.

There’s no specific type of test (like an allergy test) to diagnose skeeter syndrome.

How do you treat skeeter syndrome?

A provider might recommend these treatments:

• Antihistamines that treat allergies, like cetirizine (Zyrtec®), fexofenadine (Allegra®) or loratadine (Claritin®)
• Hydrocortisone or other anti-itch creams
• Over-the-counter pain relievers/fever reducers if you have pain or fever
• Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics if you have a skin infection

If you have severe symptoms, you may need oral corticosteroids or a shot of corticosteroids.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if you have large areas of swelling after a mosquito bite. Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or go to the emergency room if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of your face, mouth, tongue or throat
• Hives over much of your body
• Broken skin that’s oozing pus, discolored or foul-smelling

How long does skeeter syndrome last?

Symptoms of skeeter syndrome can last three to 10 days. Many people can manage at home with over-the-counter treatments. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are bothersome or keep you from your daily activities.

Can you outgrow skeeter syndrome?

Kids are more likely to have large reactions to mosquito bites. This is because their immune systems haven’t yet been desensitized to proteins in mosquito saliva. Sometimes, the reaction can become less severe over time. But adults can also have skeeter syndrome.

Can you prevent large reactions to mosquito bites?

The best way to prevent skeeter syndrome is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some tips:

• Eliminate standing water.
• Use a bug spray proven to keep mosquitoes away (usually containing DEET).
• Wear long pants, long sleeves and tall socks if you can. Thicker material can help prevent mosquitoes from biting through the fabric.
• Make sure windows have screens that are free from holes and tears.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk and dawn).
• Use clothing, tents and nets treated with mosquito repellants.
• If you can’t keep mosquitoes out of your sleeping area, cover it with protective nets.