Certain insects can trigger allergic reactions – there is also an allergy to mosquito bites. Here you can find out what symptoms occur and how to treat them.
First, we can give the all-clear: According to the Pharmacy Review, an allergy to mosquito bites is not as dangerous as an allergy to bee stings or wasp stings. In contrast to these allergies, threatening symptoms such as shortness of breath rarely occur after a mosquito bite.
Only in rare cases does an allergic reaction occur when bitten by mosquitoes, which is usually limited to superficial skin irritation.
This is how mosquito bite allergies occur
A mosquito bite allergy can be quite annoying. But what actually causes it?
- When a mosquito bites, it doesn’t just suck blood. Their saliva also enters your bloodstream through the thin proboscis.
- Saliva contains a substance that has two functions: First, it inhibits blood clotting and thus ensures that the mosquito can suck blood better. Secondly, the poison numbs the skin, which is why you often don’t even feel the actual sting.
- Our immune system reacts directly to the proteins contained in mosquito saliva. Mosquito saliva releases messenger substances called histamines, which are also responsible for itching. The skin reddens and swells slightly. This reaction is completely normal and will subside completely after a few days.
- If you have a mosquito bite allergy, the symptoms are more severe. It also takes much longer for the bite to heal.
If you think you have an allergy to mosquito bites, you can have an allergy test carried out at a doctor’s office. This insect venom allergy test will tell you which animal you are allergic to and whether you have an allergy at all. It may well be that your mosquito bite has just become infected and you are not allergic at all.
Bee stings and wasp stings most commonly cause allergic reactions. The skin can also react allergically to horsefly stings.
These are the symptoms of a mosquito bite allergy
The symptoms of an inflamed mosquito bite and a mosquito bite allergy are often very similar at the beginning. The difference is that with an allergic reaction, the symptoms can be much more severe.
According to Netdoktor, the most common symptoms of a mosquito bite allergy are:
- Large swelling around the injection site that lasts for more than a day.
- In some cases, the lymphatic vessels may become inflamed.
In addition, general allergic reactions occur, for example:
- Feeling of heat and redness
- itching
- Headache
- Hives
If the mosquito bite allergy is more severe, the following symptoms can also occur:
-
Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- heart racing
The basic rule is: If you have been stung in the mouth or around the mouth area, you should have the sting examined medically.
How to treat a mosquito bite allergy
The following tips will help you relieve the early signs of a mosquito bite allergy. Here’s how you can treat your mosquito bites:
-
Avoid scratching: Even though the intense itching of mosquito bites is often unbearable, you should not scratch the mosquito bite. By scratching, you rub dirt into the puncture site, which can lead to inflammation.
-
Cool a lot: Soak a cloth with cold tap water and place it on the mosquito bite. Alternatively, you can use a cold pack or wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth. Cold has proven itself as a home remedy because it has a decongestant effect. A cold compress with an acetic clay solution can also provide relief. Simply place the yarn over over the stitch.
-
Cooling gels and ointments: You can buy ointments at the pharmacy that help against itching and cool the skin. The Insect Venom Allergy Initiative also recommends over-the-counter anti-allergics from the pharmacy.
Important: If a mosquito bite becomes infected, you should go to your family doctor. This also applies if you are not sure whether you suffer from a mosquito bite allergy.
Mosquito bite allergy: You can do that too
If you suffer from a mosquito bite allergy, you should avoid being bitten at all. Of course, it’s not always that easy. However, you still have a few options to prevent a sting:
- The best way to prevent mosquito bites and allergies is to install fly screens on your windows.
- Outside, you should make sure that you wear long, light-colored clothing made of sturdy fabrics.
- You should also use an anti-mosquito spray. Look for sprays with herbal ingredients (available from Avocadostore, for example).
- You can also make mosquito spray yourself.
Edited by Lea Hermann
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Hornet sting: Dangers and how to treat it correctly
- Drive away insects: These home remedies help against mosquitoes, wasps, etc.
- Removing a wasp nest: Why relocation is the better alternative
Independent journalism needs people who stand behind it – including in Google searches. Now send a signal for more sustainability and → Save Utopia as a preferred source.
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partly partner links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.