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.
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. People who have a great deal of outdoor exposure, such as outdoor workers and athletes; 2. Those who may lack a strong natural immunity to mosquito saliva, through bite exposure. Young children are one concern and any individuals accustomed to living in regions in which they will not have been exposed to mosquitoes; 3. Immuno-deficiencies are also a concern; watch carefully reactions from those with conditions such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
In the event of the very unlikely reaction of anaphylaxis, this should be treated no differently than under the same reaction to a bee sting. It is a potentially life threatening situation and immediate hospitalization is required.
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.
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. People who have a great deal of outdoor exposure, such as outdoor workers and athletes; 2. Those who may lack a strong natural immunity to mosquito saliva, through bite exposure. Young children are one concern and any individuals accustomed to living in regions in which they will not have been exposed to mosquitoes; 3. Immuno-deficiencies are also a concern; watch carefully reactions from those with conditions such as AIDS, leukemia and lymphoma.
Extreme allergic reactions should always be treated by a medical professional. This though does not preclude some basic preparations. Foremost in this category is assuring that you have a good first response anti-allergy medication on hand. This is particularly recommended when caring for an individual with a known history of allergic reaction. In the case of developing asthmatic symptoms, oral anti-histamines can be of great help. It is important to reiterate, though, in the event of extreme symptoms, such as blisters, difficulty in breathing, short and panting breaths, medical treatment should be sought promptly.
In the event of the very unlikely reaction of anaphylaxis, this should be treated no differently than under the same reaction to a bee sting. It is a potentially life threatening situation and immediate hospitalization is required.
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 for the recently launched blog, How to Get Rid of a Headache without Medicine.
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