Considering how annoying they can be, it's normal to have some concern about how to get rid of mosquito bites fast. But don't be too quick to dispose of such bites hastily. Many people are not aware that, though rare, mosquito bite allergy reactions can be a serious health concern. In both cases, concern begins with the saliva. Female mosquitoes slightly poison us when taking our blood. It's not malicious, they do it to facilitate the blood extraction process, but the consequences for us can be complicated.
Their saliva possesses chemical elements that cause reactions on our skin. Most people are familiar with these symptoms of modest swelling and scratchy irritation. There are a variety of measures which can be used to relieve the discomfort of mosquito bites. Happily, usually, such bites only cause brief discomfort and annoyance, generally clearing up in a couple of days.
There are though exceptions. Keep these in mind should you or someone you know suffer an unexpected, atypical response to mosquito biting. The more extreme reaction to mosquito bites, which indicate the likelihood of an allergic reaction, can include blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling at the location of the bite. This is not a mere swelling of the bitten area, but when the arm or leg itself noticeably swells up.
Such situations, accompanied by other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. This syndrome is the result of reactions to the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. The good news is that Skeeter syndrome is not contagious. It tends to affect people with a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. There can be some variance in the on-set of symptoms: they can start showing immediately, but it's perfectly common to take days to manifest. Watch for these telltale signs:
1. Red lump that rise on the area bitten by the mosquito; 2. The appearance at other parts of the body of other bumps and general swelling; 3. Hives; 4. Bruises and blisters that cannot be explained by other injuries or incidents; 5. Less common, but a telltale sign, is swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Bite area infection; 7. Asthma-like breathlessness; 8. Though rare, of great concern in the cases of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Certain people are more likely at risk for these kinds of intense mosquito bite allergy reactions. Among those with whom especial vigilance should be maintained, include:
1. Outdoorsy people are a concern simply for their high degree of exposure. Think particularly of those who engage in work or sports out of doors, particularly in areas with high propensity for mosquitoes; 2. Another group to be especially attentive of are those without a history of exposure at all, and whom therefore may not have adequate natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Young children can be a concern in this regard, as well; 3. The other major category of people likely at risk is those with immuno-deficiency illnesses such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
Should the very rare case of anaphylaxis occur, as with any similar reactions, say to bee stings, this is a serious situation requiring the moving of the patient to hospital. It is the rare case in which mosquito bite allergy reactions can actually be life threatening.
It is always best to be prepared for the worst. Most of the time mosquito bites are a mere annoyance. To get rid of them, there are a variety of home remedies.
Their saliva possesses chemical elements that cause reactions on our skin. Most people are familiar with these symptoms of modest swelling and scratchy irritation. There are a variety of measures which can be used to relieve the discomfort of mosquito bites. Happily, usually, such bites only cause brief discomfort and annoyance, generally clearing up in a couple of days.
There are though exceptions. Keep these in mind should you or someone you know suffer an unexpected, atypical response to mosquito biting. The more extreme reaction to mosquito bites, which indicate the likelihood of an allergic reaction, can include blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling at the location of the bite. This is not a mere swelling of the bitten area, but when the arm or leg itself noticeably swells up.
Such situations, accompanied by other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. This syndrome is the result of reactions to the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. The good news is that Skeeter syndrome is not contagious. It tends to affect people with a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. There can be some variance in the on-set of symptoms: they can start showing immediately, but it's perfectly common to take days to manifest. Watch for these telltale signs:
1. Red lump that rise on the area bitten by the mosquito; 2. The appearance at other parts of the body of other bumps and general swelling; 3. Hives; 4. Bruises and blisters that cannot be explained by other injuries or incidents; 5. Less common, but a telltale sign, is swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Bite area infection; 7. Asthma-like breathlessness; 8. Though rare, of great concern in the cases of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Certain people are more likely at risk for these kinds of intense mosquito bite allergy reactions. Among those with whom especial vigilance should be maintained, include:
1. Outdoorsy people are a concern simply for their high degree of exposure. Think particularly of those who engage in work or sports out of doors, particularly in areas with high propensity for mosquitoes; 2. Another group to be especially attentive of are those without a history of exposure at all, and whom therefore may not have adequate natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Young children can be a concern in this regard, as well; 3. The other major category of people likely at risk is those with immuno-deficiency illnesses such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
Should the very rare case of anaphylaxis occur, as with any similar reactions, say to bee stings, this is a serious situation requiring the moving of the patient to hospital. It is the rare case in which mosquito bite allergy reactions can actually be life threatening.
It is always best to be prepared for the worst. Most of the time mosquito bites are a mere annoyance. To get rid of them, there are a variety of home remedies.
About the Author:
Tosh Caliberni writes on health related issues at a number of blogs, such as How to Get Rid of the Flu Fast.
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