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The world is home to more than 3000 species of mosquitoes, with 3 of these being responsible for the spread of diseases among humans. However, in addition to disease, these carnivorous little creatures can also trigger a very specific kind of annoyance.
A noisy mosquito can triple that effect. Pair a noisy mosquito with a particularly vicious bite, and you’ve got a severely agitated human whose path you do not want to cross.
Now while most mosquito bites are harmless, they can be quite painful especially to someone with skeeter syndrome or a mosquito bite allergy.
Are you someone who experiences an adverse reaction to mosquito bites? Not sure if you fit the bill for an allergy? Here are 8 signs you should look for!
1. Swelling and Itching
Do you experience swelling in various parts of your body, after a mosquito bite? If so, it is likely that you have an allergy.
The swelling need not be in the area of the bite, but could also extend to your mouth, lips, throat or face. Swelling is also usually accompanied by redness, hardening of the skin, itchiness, bumps, and even numbness.
Keep in mind that the effects aren’t always immediate. Sometimes it can take up to two days for symptoms to manifest.
2. Dizziness
Lightheadedness and dizziness after a bite, are common among those with skeeter syndrome. If you feel faint, woozy or unsteady try to seat yourself as soon as possible, or find something steady to hold on to.
If possible, do try and lie down until you can regain your sense of balance. Drink plenty of fluids, and get as much rest as you can. If this feeling persists, it is best to seek medical intervention.
3. Nausea
Dizziness is often followed by or accompanied by nausea. However, nausea could also manifest as a standalone symptom.
If you just have a general sensation of nausea, you can treat it by drinking ginger ale, or a similar cold drink. For the time being it is best to stay clear of oily, greasy or deep-fried foods. Stick to simple, crunchy fruits or vegetables and opt for light snacks.
Eat and swallow both, your food and drink slowly and mindfully. If the feeling persists you can opt for an over the counter medication, or get in touch with your physician.
4. Disorientation or Confusion
In particularly severe cases of skeeter syndrome, patients also report the temporary loss of cognitive function. Do you feel disoriented after a bite? Do you find it difficult to stand up straight, or does your brain feel fuzzy?
If so, you could have a mosquito bite allergy.
If you experience this symptom, it is best to lay down and get some rest. Call a friend or family member over to help you with your food, or other needs, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
5. Hives
An itchy rash is perhaps the most common skin reaction to a mosquito bite. However, for those who have allergies, the rash can appear more widespread and is also more irritating.
Hives generally go away on their own, but if you have a strong allergic reaction they could stay for a few days. Try using a cold compress, or some over the counter ointments to soothe your skin. Aloe vera is another effective home remedy that is worth a shot.
6. Fever
Another common symptom of a mosquito bite allergy is fever. If you’re someone who’s prone to getting a fever after a mosquito bite, it is advised that you regularly monitor your temperature for a few days. A fever generally refers to the rise of your body temperature to above 98.6ºF.
Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, sleeping in a cool, ventilated room and getting plenty of sleep. Most fevers go away on their own, however, a persistent fever could be indicative of a more severe illness.
It is also a common symptom among other diseases associated with mosquito bites, so do take the necessary precautions and see a doctor if your fever persists.
7. Headaches or Migraines
A painful sensation in your head after a bite is another indicator of an allergy. The pain could range from mild to severe, and could also build up to a migraine.
Over the top medication is usually recommended for really severe migraines, but if its a mild headache, you might be able to sleep it off.
8. Muscle Weakness
Do you feel unable to move one side of your body? Or perhaps, you just can’t get yourself to move even if you want to. Both these signs indicate muscle weakness.
Muscle weakness after a bite is definitely a cause for concern, and in most cases indicate an allergy at the very least.
Preventive Measures
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you likely have an allergy. Don’t worry, there are simple things you can do at home to minimize your risk of getting bitten.
For one, you could install mosquito nets on your windows and doors, and for another, you could also invest in some pest control from somewhere like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/pest-control/. For the latter, be sure to check out pest control websites that specialize in treating mosquitoes.
Sites like https://affinitypestcontrol.com/, https://www.orkin.com/ or https://www.terminix.com/ are a good place to start.
Additionally, you also get topical ointments that help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Do You Have a Mosquito Bite Allergy?
If you have a mosquito bite allergy or skeeter syndrome, be sure to convey your symptoms to your doctor or an allergy specialist. If you experience headaches, nausea, disorientation, fever or hives after a bite, it’s worth spending a little extra on preventive measures.
Together with your medication, and some preventive measures, you’re fully equipped to tackle those vicious little carnivores!
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