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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
In summer, mosquito bites are commonplace. But as trivial as they may be, are they harmless to your health? This is not always the case, as bites can transmit certain diseases. Let’s recall the signs to watch out for that should prompt you to consult a doctor.
Who has never been bitten by a mosquito? Probably no one. These unpleasant bites are generally not a cause for concern. However, it is important to keep in mind that certain diseases, such as dengue fever or Zika, are transmitted by the bite of these insects. What are the signs to watch for when you have been bitten?
The sting is abnormally large
Mosquito bites are usually no bigger than a pea. If they get bigger, that’s a sign to worry about. “You could have Skeeter syndrome,” an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, says Dr. Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist in Chicago, who tells SELF magazine.
On the other hand, the doctor wants to be reassuring about the risks of serious allergic reactions: less than 30 cases of potentially fatal allergic reactions to mosquitoes, called anaphylaxis, have been reported to date worldwide.
“A typical mosquito bite is characterized by a small, rounded red spot with a red dot in the center, accompanied by slight swelling. If the redness spreads and is accompanied by significant swelling, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction.” confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Intense itching
“Mosquito bites usually cause itching, due to the body’s reaction to the saliva injected by the insect. itching very intense, which makes you scratch until it bleeds, can be a sign of an allergy” explains the emergency doctor.
To soothe severe bites, Dr. Zachary Rubin recommends corticosteroid creams that can be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy and applied locally. It is also possible to take antihistamines if the bites are multiple and to apply ice cubes on them for 30 seconds to soothe the itching.
Fever or general signs of being unwell
Reactions to mosquito bites usually appear within minutes to hours after the bite and then disappear quickly, after an average of a week.
“Although rare, the presence of fever after a mosquito bite can be a sign of infection by a virus such as dengue fever or a generalized reaction” adds Gerald Kierzek. Dengue fever usually manifests itself with a high fever, headache, body aches and nausea. If you develop a fever after a bite, it is important to see a doctor.
“In summary, a benign mosquito bite is characterized by a slight redness and moderate itching. But if the reaction worsens (significant swelling, intense itching) or is accompanied by fever, it is necessary to monitor closely and consult in case of doubt” estimates Gérald Kierzek.”Most bites are benign but some reactions can be a sign of an allergy or infection.” he concludes.