Do you have a sensitivity to mosquito bites? If so, you’re not the only one. Mosquitoes are among the most prevalent disease carriers, and they can be extremely uncomfortable for those who are allergic to their bites. We’ll go over the signs of a mosquito bite allergy in this blog post, along with several treatments. We will also offer some advice on how to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.
What Is Skeeter Syndrome?
Skeeter syndrome is a large local allergic reaction to mosquito bites marked by significant inflammation. If you have it, you are allergic to elements in the saliva of mosquitoes. Some patients struggle to move because of their swelling.
Who is Prone to Skeeter Syndrome?
Skeeter syndrome can affect anyone, although it is quite uncommon. However, it frequently affects young children, senior citizens, and other people with immunization deficiencies. The risk of developing skeeter syndrome is highest in very young children who have not yet been able to build up an immune to mosquito bites. It’s possible that you’ve always experienced the regular side effects of mosquito bites before developing an allergy to the saliva. Your immune system modifications could be one cause of this. You might be extremely allergic to the saliva of one variety of mosquitoes but not to another, which could be another explanation for the shift.
What Causes Skeeter Syndrome?
Skeeter syndrome occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to proteins in mosquito saliva. This protein is called polypeptides.
How Does Skeeter Syndrome Affect Your Body?
People who have Skeeter Syndrome may experience a severe local allergic reaction and may develop a fever. Here are the following symptoms that you may have:
- Itching.Â
- Skin warmth.
- Skin colour or texture changes, such as darkening or other physical changes such as darkened skin, or reddened skin.Â
- Large areas of swelling.
- Painful area.
- Blisters develop.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will be the one to diagnose if you have Skeeter Syndrome by examining your mosquito bite. During the exam, they’ll check your bite for the following signs:
- swelling
- redness
- skin discolouration
- size
- firmness
- warmth
How Is Skeeter Syndrome Treated?
You can do these tips in treating Skeeter Syndrome:
- You can take oral antihistamines.
- Cover the bite with hydrocortisone cream to help reduce inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, or analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have pain or fever, or both.
How Can I Prevent Skeeter Syndrome?
According to Cleaveland Clinic, the best way to avoid a mosquito bite infection (aside from not scratching) is to avoid the bite. To keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay, take these precautions.
- Cover up with clothing. Bare skin is preferred by mosquitoes. The more covered you are, the less area they have to target.
- Use insect repellent. Look for products that contain the active ingredients DEET or picaridin, which provide the best protection. Make sure to use any repellent as instructed.
- Go inside at peak biting hours. Most mosquitoes fly at dusk, especially in wooded areas near water. Activity is lower during the sunnier, hotter times of the day.
- Eliminate mosquito breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. That could mean a puddle that never dries up in your lawn or flowerpots and garbage can lids where water accumulates and sits.
CPR First Aid Australia’s Available Courses
Aside from learning the Skitter Syndrome and how to manage it, you might not know if you will encounter complications. Learning first aid skills will be beneficial and help someone’s life. CPR First Aid Australia is offering a variety of first aid courses according to your needs. You can choose your preferred courses below:
-
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation - HLTAID010 Provide an emergency first aid response Â
- HLTAID011 Provide first aid –Â formerly known as Level 2 or Senior First Aid.Â
- HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
- HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
- 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis
- 22556VIC Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace
Do You Need General First Aid Qualification?
We recommend that the 
HLTAID011 Provide first aid.
- This also includes CPR qualification. The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated every 3 years.
Do You Need To Update CPR Qualification?
We recommend HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated annually.
Do You Need First Aid Qualification To Work In The Childcare and Education Industry, that Includes Anaphylaxis and Asthma Training?
We recommend HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting.
Are You Working With Children?
You will also be required to obtain first aid training qualifications in Asthma and Anaphylaxis. You need to check with the employer before enrolling, so that client gets the correct training for his or her circumstance.
ABOUT CPR FIRST AID
RTO No. 21903: CPR First Aid was founded in 2007. We specialise in providing first aid training in CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis for a range of workplaces including childcare, schools and other industries in NSW, VIC, SA, WA and QLD. We are a Registered Training Organisation with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (No 21903). Our courses and Units are VET-accredited for workplaces in Australia
Conclusion
If you suffer from an allergy to mosquito bites, there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms. By following the tips given in this blog post, you can also help to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.Â
There are a few things that you can do to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Try to avoid spending time outdoors during peak mosquito hours, which are typically dawn and dusk. If you must be outdoors during these times, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants. You can also apply mosquito repellent to your skin and clothing. Finally, make sure to keep your yard clean and free of standing water, which is where mosquitoes like to breed.Â
Call your doctor right away if the effects of Skitter Syndrome include breathing difficulties.
