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.
It is the chemistry of the saliva, which benefits the mosquito's feeding technique. This same saliva though causes the human reactions to mosquito bites. Usually this reaction is the standard, moderate swelling and itchy irritation. A variety of measures are available to address these normal reactions. It's not ever fun to have to deal with mosquito bites, though the one consolation is that usually they are a relatively brief duration. Thus, as a general rule, mosquito bites pose no health concern for most people, most of the time.
This fact though should not lead us to be lackadaisical about the real, if rare, dangers such bites may pose. It is important to be vigilant over non-typical situations of mosquito bite allergy reactions. Indications of a more serious situation will include blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling. The reference to swelling should not be confused with the modest swelling that frequently occasions mosquito bites, but rather refers to situations in which the entire appendage distinctively swells in size.
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 lump forming over the area of the bite; 2. Other bumps, and general swelling, are observed on areas of the body other than the location of the bite; 3. Hives; 4. Otherwise inexplicable bruises and blisters form on the skin; 5. Though not common, watch for swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Excessive itchiness may lead to excessive scratching and cause infection; 7. There is the danger of asthmatic reactions; 8. In rare cases 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.
The first and foremost advice, when dealing with any extreme allergic reactions, is to immediately consult a physician. There are though preparations that can be of value. Especially when someone in your family or party has a history of allergic reaction, it is recommended to keep on hand anti-allergy medicines. In case asthmatic reactions result, these can often be alleviated with oral anti-histamines. Avoid delay in administering such medication for the optimum relief of symptoms and suffering. However, we repeat, that symptoms such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, require immediate medical attention.
And, in the unlikely, but not impossible, case of someone developing anaphylaxis, this must be treated exactly as it would in the case of a bee sting, with immediate hospitalization. While it is standard fare to joke about the harmlessness of mosquito bites, this is one rare situation in which such a bite can indeed 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.
It is the chemistry of the saliva, which benefits the mosquito's feeding technique. This same saliva though causes the human reactions to mosquito bites. Usually this reaction is the standard, moderate swelling and itchy irritation. A variety of measures are available to address these normal reactions. It's not ever fun to have to deal with mosquito bites, though the one consolation is that usually they are a relatively brief duration. Thus, as a general rule, mosquito bites pose no health concern for most people, most of the time.
This fact though should not lead us to be lackadaisical about the real, if rare, dangers such bites may pose. It is important to be vigilant over non-typical situations of mosquito bite allergy reactions. Indications of a more serious situation will include blistering rashes, bruises, or excessive swelling. The reference to swelling should not be confused with the modest swelling that frequently occasions mosquito bites, but rather refers to situations in which the entire appendage distinctively swells in size.
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 lump forming over the area of the bite; 2. Other bumps, and general swelling, are observed on areas of the body other than the location of the bite; 3. Hives; 4. Otherwise inexplicable bruises and blisters form on the skin; 5. Though not common, watch for swelling beneath the surface of the skin or mucous membranes; 6. Excessive itchiness may lead to excessive scratching and cause infection; 7. There is the danger of asthmatic reactions; 8. In rare cases 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.
The first and foremost advice, when dealing with any extreme allergic reactions, is to immediately consult a physician. There are though preparations that can be of value. Especially when someone in your family or party has a history of allergic reaction, it is recommended to keep on hand anti-allergy medicines. In case asthmatic reactions result, these can often be alleviated with oral anti-histamines. Avoid delay in administering such medication for the optimum relief of symptoms and suffering. However, we repeat, that symptoms such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, require immediate medical attention.
And, in the unlikely, but not impossible, case of someone developing anaphylaxis, this must be treated exactly as it would in the case of a bee sting, with immediate hospitalization. While it is standard fare to joke about the harmlessness of mosquito bites, this is one rare situation in which such a bite can indeed 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.
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