Warm weather is generally accompanied by a less pleasant companion: mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are a nuisance for most people throughout the summer, and bug spray can let you enjoy your time outside without being too concerned. Mosquitos, on the other hand, can carry diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria on rare occasions—yikes! Furthermore, while most kids just receive a small bump from a mosquito bite, others develop red, swollen, and itchy rashes that may require medical attention.What is Skeeter Syndrome?
It is caused by an allergic reaction to proteins found in mosquito saliva. When a person is bitten by a mosquito, the saliva is recognized by the body as an allergy, and histamine is released into the area. Bug bites induce swelling and itching, which is caused by histamine. According to Dr. Gupta, kids with skeeter syndrome just have a more extreme reaction. When these children are tested, they are usually found to be allergic to mosquitoes.
Symptoms of Skeeter Syndrome in Kids
Almost everyone who is bitten by a mosquito will develop an itchy, red bite. These adverse effects usually improve on their own, but over-the-counter medicines such as calamine lotion or cortisone cream can also help. When a child with skeeter syndrome is bitten by a mosquito, they may experience more severe symptoms.
Swelling, pain, and redness are all symptoms of skeeter syndrome, which Dr. Gupta describes as a “large inflammatory reaction where the bite is located.” Children’s reactions to bites may be more exaggerated than adults’, and they may even develop a fever and vomit after being bitten. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Skeeter syndrome symptoms usually appear within hours of a bite.
Cellulitis can arise in some circumstances, even though consequences are uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is a bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin (CDC). Excessive scratching is a common way for bacteria to enter the skin. According to Dr. Gupta, if you feel your kids have cellulitis, you should take them to the doctor straight away. Redness surrounding the mosquito bite, pus or discharge, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes are all indications of cellulitis.
Treatment for Skeeter Syndrome
A typical treatment for skeeter syndrome, such as an over-the-counter antihistamine, is usually sufficient. If your child visits their pediatrician, they may prescribe a stronger steroid cream to help with the swelling and itching.
How Can People Prevent Skeeter Syndrome?
When it comes to avoiding mosquito bites in the summer, you’ll want to follow the fundamental rules for avoiding skeeter syndrome. Of course, if you know your child has a serious reaction to mosquito bites, you should be extra cautious. If you’re wondering how to prevent skeeter syndrome in kids, take the following precautions.
- Cover your entire body. Dress your kids in light-colored, leg- and arm-covering garments. Mosquito repellent can even be sprayed on your clothing.
- Mosquitoes should be avoided. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so avoid going outside at those times.
- Citronella and other natural repellents can be used. Citronella candles are a reasonably efficient approach to keep mosquitoes away from a limited area, such as a deck or porch, but studies suggest that they only work for an hour.