Mosquitoes are a nuisance that is difficult to escape, especially in summer. As soon as you have made yourself comfortable outdoors, you are bothered by buzzing and annoying stings. Although mosquito bites are not exactly the most painful of insect bites and the symptoms that follow are relatively bearable, they are nevertheless an unpleasant thing. These pests can quickly ruin a beautiful summer evening outside or, if there is inadequate window protection, even turn the night into a nightmare. There is probably no one who hasn't had to fight against the terrible itch at some point. But as annoying as it can be, the inflammation of the sting ultimately passes relatively quickly. After a day or two the whole thing is usually long forgotten. Nevertheless, this rule, like so many others, is confirmed by an exception. It happens that you suddenly become allergic to such stings. And anyone who has never heard of mosquito bite allergy, let alone seen typical symptoms, can quickly be frightened by the body's reactions. You don't have to, as you'll soon find out. We would like to explain more about this topic to you in this article. Below you will find out what an allergy to mosquito bites looks like and what you can do if symptoms occur.
What exactly happens when a mosquito bites?
Everyone knows the usual consequences of a mosquito bite, such as itching and slight swelling in the area of the bite, but few know more about it. Why does the body react like this to the bite and can you be allergic to mosquitoes? This is explained quickly and easily. Strictly speaking, even the normal symptoms of mosquito bites are an allergic reaction. The body reacts allergically to the poison that the mosquito injects into the skin. This poison, which consists of salivary protein, aims to stop the blood from clotting so that the mosquito's proboscis does not become clogged. It also has an anesthetic effect, making the sting less noticeable. Our body then reacts to this poison defensively with the defensive substance histamine. This is actually responsible for the subsequent swelling and itching and not the poison itself. Now you may be wondering why we talk about an extra mosquito bite allergy when this normal reaction of the body is already an allergic reaction? An allergy to mosquito bites occurs when the normal symptoms become more severe.
As already mentioned, these are thesymptoms of an allergyagainst mosquito bites are the usual ones that everyone knows: the area of the bite swells and it starts to itch. The difference is that the symptoms are more severe. The area of swelling is larger and the itching is stronger and therefore more unpleasant. An extreme allergy to mosquito bites can also be accompanied by a feeling of heat in the area of the bite. Usually these symptoms, which are limited to the skin, are enough. A mosquito bite allergy is therefore significantly less dangerous than an allergy to other insects such as bees, hornets, wasps and the like. Nevertheless, you should take the matter seriously and see a doctor if possible, especially if the allergy is new to you. In some severe cases, cardiovascular problems can occur. Particularly sensitive people can even suffer an allergic shock. However, it really has to be a lot of stitches.
Of course, increased symptoms also mean a longer healing process. While you can usually notice a reduction in mosquito bite symptoms after one or two days at the latest, an allergy to mosquito bites can last up to two weeks. You can definitely expect at least a week. So if you are wondering if you are allergic, these are clear signs. If you are still not sure, it is worth visiting a doctor who can best rule out other causes for your symptoms. If an allergy to mosquito bites is discovered, caution should be exercised immediately. From now on you should prevent mosquito bites so that they don't happen in the first place. On the one hand, you rarely get rid of allergies once you have them. The dangerous thing about allergies is that they can actually get worse over time.
Allergic to mosquito bites – what helps?
You know, or at least think, that you have an allergy to mosquito bites, so what should you do if you have been bitten? Since the reaction cannot be compared to that of other insects, you don't need to panic at first. You can immediately use one of the remedies that are also used for a normal mosquito bite reaction. Treatment with heat proves to be very useful, for which special heat pens are even available. They are used to treat the sting directly. If you don't have a pen, you can also use an ordinary, heat-conducting metal spoon, which you heat in hot water for this purpose and then press on the stitch. But don't burn yourself! A temperature of around 45 to 50 degrees is completely sufficient. This heat causes the mosquito's toxins to break down in the blood, which can help you prevent an allergic reaction.
Other measures and resources that help?
If you weren't quick enough or if you still had a reaction, you can take other measures to treat the mosquito bite. You can also use it if you have an allergyhome remedies for mosquito bites. Cooling is very helpful to stop or at least relieve the itching. In addition to ice and a cooling wrap, this can be done with the help of special ointments, creams or gels for insect bites. These are also a good remedy for swelling. A cortisone ointment can be applied locally. Remember that only ointments with a lower proportion of cortisone are available without a prescription. Autan has also proven itself acute. However, the effect doesn't last too long.
And as incredible as it may sound, even our own saliva, which is often used instinctively, is a real helper. Not only does it cool for a short time, but it also contains natural painkillers and antihistamines, a substance that combats allergies. If the itching is unbearable despite cooling or is accompanied by other symptoms such as burning or heat radiation, you can also resort to medication after consulting your doctor.
Drug treatment
If you want to take any medication, we recommend that you consult a doctor in advance who will prescribe the right one. If necessary, you can also get help directly at the pharmacy, provided you are sure that it is an allergic reaction. In such situations, medication with histamine or other anti-allergenic medicine is usually used. Cetirizine is also often recommended. These tablets help reduce the swelling of the sting. If you have a severe allergy to mosquito bites, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics.
On the other hand, if you want the allergy to mosquito bitestreat with homeopathy, there are also different options. The swelling can be treated, for example, with Apis mellifica. This is a medication that is taken orally, but is also used to rub the sting. Ledum and caladium are also suitable. Which medication is the right one depends entirely on what symptoms you have. For this reason, we recommend that you consult your doctor or pharmacist again. By the way, all common home remedies are homeopathic and therefore a good option if you want to fight against mosquito allergies naturally.
Allergy to mosquito bites in children and during pregnancy
If your child has an allergy to mosquito bites, special attention is required and experimenting with home remedies and especially with medication is prohibited. Especially if you are still unsure, see a doctor immediately. Also pay closer attention to stitches on the face or neck, as these are more sensitive areas. However, if you already know you have a mosquito allergy, you can use medication recommended by your doctor to treat it and also use some natural remedies to relieve the symptoms. Since the itching is even stronger and more unpleasant in the event of an allergic reaction to the mosquito bite, you must be particularly careful that your child does not scratch the bite wound. As you know, this then creates an increased risk of infection. Children in particular who constantly play outside and get their hands dirty can transfer pathogens into the wound when scratching. So do something about the itching as quickly as possible. There are also remedies that can be taken in the evening to stop the itching at night so that your child gets enough sleep despite increased symptoms. During the day, a plaster or a cooling wrap can prevent scratching.
The symptoms of allergies often become worse during pregnancy. It's no wonder that this is when a mosquito allergy often develops or becomes noticeable. If you get an allergic reaction to mosquito bites during pregnancy, you should also be careful. Because not all medications are allowed during this time and that toomeans of preventionand to treat the stitches are limited. The rule is: Anything that is natural can be used. So it's basically like with children. For this reason, even during pregnancy, it is always better to consult your doctor beforehand instead of experimenting. For some tips on preventing and treating mosquito bites, see our article onMosquito bites in babies, children and pregnant women.
Allergy or not – when do I need to see a doctor?
If you notice severe or atypical symptoms in yourself or your child for the first time, this is a reason to go to the doctor. On the other hand, if you already know that you are allergic to mosquito bites, then this is not absolutely necessary. In this case, you only need to see a doctor if you suddenly notice other symptoms or if something worries you. Such a symptom can also be a red line leading away from the puncture site. What is often referred to as blood poisoning is actually called lymphangitis and needs to be examined by a doctor. This then usually prescribes antibiotics.
