When you need to know how to get rid of mosquito bites fast, don't be distracted from an equal concern for the prospects of mosquito bite allergy reactions. In both cases, concern begins with the mosquito's saliva.
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.
Such situations, accompanied by other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. This syndrome is the result of reactions to the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. The good news is that Skeeter syndrome is not contagious. It tends to affect people with a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. There can be some variance in the on-set of symptoms: they can start showing immediately, but it's perfectly common to take days to manifest. Watch for these telltale signs:
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.
Awareness of these symptoms are important when anybody exhibits them, however special alertness is required when dealing with people of certain characteristics:
1. People who are prone to spend exceptional amounts of time out of doors; e.g. outdoor workers and athletes; 2. People lacking natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Think particularly of those who have not lived in areas with mosquitoes. Also be alert with young children; 3. Immuno-deficiencies are a concern. Closely monitor anyone with conditions 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.
It is always best to be prepared for the worst. Most of the time mosquito bites are a mere annoyance. To get rid of them, there are 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.
Such situations, accompanied by other symptoms, are known as Skeeter Syndrome. This syndrome is the result of reactions to the polypeptides in the mosquito saliva. The good news is that Skeeter syndrome is not contagious. It tends to affect people with a history of allergic reactions. Symptom presentation varies. There can be some variance in the on-set of symptoms: they can start showing immediately, but it's perfectly common to take days to manifest. Watch for these telltale signs:
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.
Awareness of these symptoms are important when anybody exhibits them, however special alertness is required when dealing with people of certain characteristics:
1. People who are prone to spend exceptional amounts of time out of doors; e.g. outdoor workers and athletes; 2. People lacking natural immunity to mosquito saliva. Think particularly of those who have not lived in areas with mosquitoes. Also be alert with young children; 3. Immuno-deficiencies are a concern. Closely monitor anyone with conditions 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.
It is always best to be prepared for the worst. Most of the time mosquito bites are a mere annoyance. To get rid of them, there are 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.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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