What you need to know about Skeeter syndrome

For most, a mosquito bite causes a small itchy bump, but for some it can trigger a rare allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva that can cause extreme swelling, pain, fever, and even infection.

While most mosquito bites are harmless, some become serious fast. Whether you’re on holiday or live in a mosquito-prone area, here’s how to recognise what’s known as Skeeter syndrome, reduce symptoms, and know when to seek help.

What is Skeeter syndrome?

Skeeter syndrome is a severe local allergic reaction to proteins in mosquito saliva. Most bites clear up within a week, but people with skeeter syndrome experience:

• Swelling that spreads well beyond the bite
• Painful, hot, red skin
• Intense itching
• Fever
• Scarring

According to WebMD, reactions can last for days or even weeks and may include blisters, hives, or hard, red-brown bumps.

South Korean singer IU recently opened up about her lifelong experience with the condition. “When I get bitten, I develop large, swollen welts, sometimes so severe that I need antibiotics. The bites ooze and are painful,” she said on Yoo In Na’s YouTube show. She added that some bites left permanent scars and patches of numb, damaged skin.

How to know if you have Skeeter syndrome

1. The swelling is massive or unusually hot

Most bites are no bigger than a small coin, but if yours grows to the size of a golf ball or “starts to look like an avocado pit (or anything larger)”, you may have Skeeter syndrome says Dr Zachary Rubin, a paediatric allergist in Chicago (Cited by SELF).

These bites may be painful, warm to the touch, and extremely itchy. Left untreated, the skin can discolour and/or blister.

2. The bite gets worse after a few days

Bites typically show up within minutes or hours of being bitten and fade after a few days. If your reaction is still worsening after 3 to 5 days, it might be Skeeter syndrome.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Spreading redness or swelling
• Blisters or yellow discharge
• Fever, headache, or chills
• Pain when moving the affected area

“All of those signs indicate it might be getting infected or you may even have cellulitis,” says Dr Karen Blatman, an allergist at Dartmouth Health (Cited by SELF).

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection that can spread through the bloodstream. It’s caused when bacteria, such as the ones under your fingernails, enter broken skin after scratching. To track worsening symptoms, draw a circle around the bite with a pen. “If swelling or redness spreads outside [the circle], see a doctor,” advises Dr Rubin.

People with conditions like diabetes or lymphedema are especially vulnerable to infection and should seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

3. You feel sick or unwell after being bitten

Some mosquitoes carry dangerous viruses, including dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. “Bites from disease-carrying mosquitoes don’t really look any different from normal ones,” says Dr Rubin.

But signs of infection or Skeeter syndrome can appear within days:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Headache or muscle aches
• High fever or body chills
• Rash or joint pain

In 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services listed all three mosquito-borne illnesses as ongoing public health concerns, especially in warmer regions and among travellers.

For instance, only about 1 in 4 people infected with dengue show symptoms, but 1 in 20 can become severely ill with internal bleeding or shock. West Nile virus causes no symptoms in 80 per cent of people, but around 1 in 150 develop encephalitis, which can lead to blindness or even death, as reported by SELF.

Who is prone to having Skeeter syndrome?

Some people are more prone to this reaction than others. WebMD notes three high-risk groups:

• Babies and children, due to lower immunity
• Adults encountering new mosquito species
• People with immune system disorders

Interestingly, most people become less sensitive to bites over time. If you’re wondering what makes you prone to being bitten, check out this article on how mosquitos select their victims.

How to treat Skeeter syndrome symptoms

If you think you’re having a severe reaction, get medical advice – especially if it’s your first time experiencing this level of swelling or pain.

Common treatments include:

• Oral antihistamines
• Topical steroid creams – strong ones may be prescribed
• Ice packs
• Oral steroids

It’s important not to scratch, even though it’s incredibly tempting. Scratching breaks the skin barrier and opens the door for infection, especially in hot or humid environments.

How to prevent mosquito bites

Prevention is always key. Here are practical steps you can take:

• Try using mosquito repellents

You may need to shop around before finding one that’s effective for you. Good ingredients are linalool and geranium.

• Cover your skin

Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Choose thicker materials mosquitoes can’t easily bite through – yep, they can bite through those lovely cooling fabric including cotton and linen, annoyingly.

• Protect your home

Install window and door screens. Use mosquito nets. Turn on air conditioning to keep mosquitoes at bay.

• Remove standing water

Empty buckets and flowerpots. Fix plumbing leaks and cover septic tanks.

In my personal experience of having Skeeter syndrome, the best thing for me is to cover up, spray myself with diluted peppermint essential oil, use mosquito nets, and avoid sitting outside at dusk. I’ve also tried drinking gin and tonic as apparently mosquitos dislike quinine in tonic – it’s enjoyable but doesn’t stop me getting bitten, unfortunately. I’ve had some major swelling and even infections in the past, with scarring. Ice packs are good for calming the redness, swelling and itching. Sometimes I can itch for weeks after being bitten, it’s crazy!

When to see a doctor if you suspect Skeeter syndrome

Seek urgent care if:

• The bite keeps growing or becomes very painful
• You develop fever, chills, or pus
• You feel generally unwell days after being bitten
• You have underlying conditions like diabetes, or a weakened immune system

There is no specific test for Skeeter syndrome. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and a doctor’s examination. If you’re concerned, don’t wait. “If there’s ever any confusion or doubt about your bite, you need to have a physician take a look at it,” says Dr Rubin.

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