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.
The chemical qualities of the saliva, that provide these benefits to the mosquito, cause reactions on the part of human blood donors. For most people this is the usual slight swelling and reddish irritation which is well known. There are a variety of measures you can take to address such reactions. Mosquito bites are never fun, but their irritation is usually only brief and timely measures reduce both duration and intensity. The mosquito bite is not a significant health concern for most people, most of the time.
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.
These instances of uncharacteristically excessive swelling, along with other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. It is caused by polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. It is not contagious and most often occurs among people who have a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. Onset varies as well, sometimes appearing immediately, but can take days to manifest. Among the key symptoms to watch for are the following:
1. Red lumps that appear on the bite area; 2. Other bumps and swelling observed at other areas of the body; 3. Hives; 4. Unexplained bruises and blisters; 5. Swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Infection of bites; 7. Particularly of concern are asthmatic reactions; 8. In rare cases there is danger of anaphylaxis.
Awareness of these symptoms are important when anybody exhibits them, however special alertness is required when dealing with people of certain characteristics:
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.
In the case of extreme allergic reactions, it is strongly recommended to consult your health professional. As a general measure, especially in cases where there is a history of allergic reaction, store anti-allergy medicines at home. Doubled vigilance is recommended when in areas with markedly high mosquito populations. Asthmatic reactions can be helped with oral anti-histamines. Rapid administering of medication ensures the greatest reduction of symptoms and suffering. When symptoms such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, manifest, though, it is necessary to see a health professional
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.
Preparation can save much trouble down the road. Usually, however, mosquito bites are little more than annoying. Ridding yourself of such annoyance can be aided with a variety of home remedies.
The chemical qualities of the saliva, that provide these benefits to the mosquito, cause reactions on the part of human blood donors. For most people this is the usual slight swelling and reddish irritation which is well known. There are a variety of measures you can take to address such reactions. Mosquito bites are never fun, but their irritation is usually only brief and timely measures reduce both duration and intensity. The mosquito bite is not a significant health concern for most people, most of the time.
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.
These instances of uncharacteristically excessive swelling, along with other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. It is caused by polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. It is not contagious and most often occurs among people who have a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. Onset varies as well, sometimes appearing immediately, but can take days to manifest. Among the key symptoms to watch for are the following:
1. Red lumps that appear on the bite area; 2. Other bumps and swelling observed at other areas of the body; 3. Hives; 4. Unexplained bruises and blisters; 5. Swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Infection of bites; 7. Particularly of concern are asthmatic reactions; 8. In rare cases there is danger of anaphylaxis.
Awareness of these symptoms are important when anybody exhibits them, however special alertness is required when dealing with people of certain characteristics:
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.
In the case of extreme allergic reactions, it is strongly recommended to consult your health professional. As a general measure, especially in cases where there is a history of allergic reaction, store anti-allergy medicines at home. Doubled vigilance is recommended when in areas with markedly high mosquito populations. Asthmatic reactions can be helped with oral anti-histamines. Rapid administering of medication ensures the greatest reduction of symptoms and suffering. When symptoms such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, manifest, though, it is necessary to see a health professional
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.
Preparation can save much trouble down the road. Usually, however, mosquito bites are little more than annoying. Ridding yourself of such annoyance can be aided with 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.
