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We’ll bet you’ve never heard of skeeter syndrome. That’s because most people react to mosquito bites with a red spot and itching that only lasts for a few minutes. At worst, a really nasty mosquito bite might linger for an hour or two. As a result, the majority of us never see a doctor about such bites. The itching and redness disappear long before you can get in to an appointment with the dermatologist. Researchers report that some people suffer long-lasting large reactions in response to bites from mosquitoes, horse flies, black flies or midges (Allergologie Select, Nov. 30, 2020). When people experience such severe allergic reactions, they may be miserable for a long time.
Steroid Soothes Skeeter Syndrome:
Q. I suffer from unusually severe reactions to mosquito bites. Each bite causes a red swollen area the size of a quarter. I’ve learned to never scratch, as the red area will grow to several inches and take weeks to clear up.
Last summer, I got about 20 bites while I was gardening. As a result, I experienced an immune system reaction that triggered eczema that lasted for months.
After I’d suffered for years, a dermatologist prescribed triamcinolone. It’s been life changing. Just the smallest dab on a mosquito bite makes it disappear within 24 hours. A bite rarely needs a second application.
Why isn’t this medicine mentioned as a treatment for extreme mosquito bite reactions?
What Causes Skeeter Syndrome?
A. There is a medical term for your exaggerated reaction to mosquito bites. It’s called “Skeeter Syndrome” (American Family Physician, Dec. 15, 2013). The intense redness and itching is caused by allergens in the saliva of mosquitoes. In addition, these severe symptoms persist far longer than a typical bite response. Unfortunately, dermatologists don’t know exactly why some people are hypersensitive.
Some people (I am one of them) react in a similar way to chigger bites. A chigger bite leaves a big red itchy area. If not treated promptly, a blister can form. The itching is often unbearable. The bumps and blisters can last for weeks.
Overcoming Skeeter Syndrome:
The best way to overcome such extreme reactions is with topical prescription-strength corticosteroids like triamcinolone. My dermatologist prescribes an even stronger steroid called clobetasol (Temovate).
At the first sign of a chigger bite I put a tiny dab on the red, itchy spot. I follow up for a few days and usually the bite never gets a foothold and the itching is bearable. The sooner a strong topical steroid is applied after a bite the better.
Prednisone: The Big Gun!
Oral prednisone is sometimes warranted in the case of an extreme bite reaction.
One physician described treatment this way:
“Antihistamines are usually the only treatment required for insect bites; however, severe mosquito reactions (skeeter syndrome) may require prednisone. Applying insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) 10% to 35% or picaridin 20% is the best method for preventing bites.”
Home Remedies for Easing the Itch of “Normal” Mosquito Bites:
Q. I was fascinated by your article on skeeter syndrome because I too have suffered for weeks with itchy, swollen mosquito bites. What I use to calm a bug bite is camphor. This is the active ingredient in the gel put out by Benadryl and is also an ingredient in Vicks VapoRub.
A. The makers of Extra Strength Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel list camphor as an “inactive” ingredient. The active ingredient is the topical antihistamine diphenhydramine. Camphor is one of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub.
Camphor does have FDA approval as an anti-itch cream, ointment or gel.
Another reader shares her success with the same product:
“Bugs love to bite me and then I itch like crazy. I haven’t found anything better for bites than Benadryl Gel, or the generic drugstore equivalent. It doesn’t make you sleepy the way a Benadryl pill does, and it stops the itching immediately.”
Most people do not suffer from Skeeter Syndrome. What they need is temporary relief from the itching. Readers have come up with all sorts of solutions for minor itching:
- Hot water…not so hot it will burn. A second or two application is all you need.
- Hot Spoon, which uses the same principle of heat.
- Battery-Powered Heat. Therapik or Bite Helper provide heat to the bite using battery power.
- Vicks VapoRub
Avoiding Skeeter Syndrome by Preventing Bug Bites:
To avoid bites from ticks, chiggers or biting flies as well as mosquitoes, we recommend tried and true insect repellents: DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. A different repellent, permethrin, works well when applied to shoes, socks and clothing. People vary greatly in their susceptibility to bites. Some people are mosquito magnets while others are rarely attacked.
Readers share their experience with a variety of tactics.
“What works for mosquitoes, ticks and other critters definitely varies from person to person. Skin So Soft has never done anything for our family. In fact, we’ve found nothing that works consistently. On the other hand, we’re not bothered excessively. A good friend attracts mosquitoes like flies to honey! Nothing helps her at all, even DEET. Body chemistry definitely matters!”
Another reader is surprisingly resistant:
“I must have a natural repellent because mosquitoes do not like me! I have actually watched them land on my arm and instantly fly away without biting. In my whole life, I have had only one mosquito bite. That mosquito must have been desperate!
“My sister is another story. If she goes outside, I think I can hear them all yelling LUNCH as they zoom in to bite her.”
Do B Vitamins Help?
Some readers report that B vitamins can help, despite a lack of scientific support:
“I have found that when I take vitamin B12, I do not get bitten by mosquitoes. Normally, mosquitoes feast on me and make me completely miserable, so this discovery has been a life-changer for me here in South Florida.
“Initially, I was taking B12 once or twice a week, not daily. Then I began to notice that on days I took B12, I would not be bitten. Or, if I did, my reaction was minimal and quickly dissipated instead of the usual painful and maddening result. “Since I find that vitamin B12 affects my sleep, I take the smallest dose possible. My daughter and son-in-law in Massachusetts, who love the outdoors, have now started taking B12. They too are no longer bothered by mosquitoes.”
Drawbacks to DEET:
Other readers rely on repellent sprays. DEET is very effective, but it does have some drawbacks. It may act as a solvent on some plastics and synthetic fabrics.
One person found it melted her nail polish.
“Just an FYI about sprays containing DEET: I once was spraying my legs and feet and noticed that suddenly my toenail polish was melting off! I now use wipes on my feet and carefully avoid my polished toes.
“Also, I don’t spray anywhere near my car, just in case it would affect the finish. Because of this ability to eat through polish, I have to wonder what it’s really doing to me when I spray it on my skin! I’ve tried to use natural products, but I have yet to really find anything natural that works well enough.”
People who don’t like DEET do have alternatives. As we have already mentioned, both picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective.
One reader attests:
“I have been using plant-based lemon eucalyptus insect repellent for years. It keeps mosquitoes away and even worked against terrible biting flies in the Bahamas.”
Because people vary in their sensitivity, it may take some experimentation to find the most appropriate strategy to avoid bites.
Learn More:
You can learn more details about easing mosquito bites at this link: How to Prevent and Stop the Itch of Mosquito Bites FAST!
We have also written about Avoiding Mosquito Bites Naturally.
Share your own story in the comment section. Have you ever heard of skeeter syndrome? What works best for you to stop the itch?
Anonymous
I was on holidays in Bologna Italy. Had mosquito bite severe hyper-allergic reaction. Never heard of Skeeter syndrome but that must have been be it for me. Usually mosquitoes like me, and I have reactions the size of a coin. I used an Australian medical cream with lidocaine, cetrimide and chlorhexidine acetate.
But this time, as I have never been bitten by these type of mosquitoes, a huge rash developed, like the palm of a hand, over the next 2 days. 2 small bites turned into hot red welts and tiny blisters, like a burn. Itchy but not crazy itchy.
I had to go to pharmacy to get a 5mg hydrocortisone cream and then another antihistamine oral Zyrtec 10mg (drowsy type).
I was already taking Telfast 180mg for other sensitivities but non-drowsy.
So now am using 2 creams and Zirtec and hoping it improves. As nothing is worse than being on holidays overseas with huge rash. Of course, now I’m worried about any other mosquitoes here at home, as I might be reactive. I have a repellent I apply on my shoes.
Long trousers hitting my leg really irritates my rash. I’m hoping it doesn’t take weeks to heal. I was maybe going to take antibiotics in case it’s infected. All the tips here have been helpful. (I didn’t scratch it much, maybe just from the mosquito bite itself.)
How long does it take to go away, and do you get a scar?
Terry Graedon
We wish we could tell you exactly what to expect, but people differ in their reactions. Hope you are doing better.
Amy
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is NOT lemon eucalyptus essential oil ! Took me a while to learn that. After all my natural remedies for bites I have used, I find apple cider vinegar works well
Elsa
PP, you used to recommend amber Listerine to ward off
mosquito bites and it always worked for me. It does
not work well against the little black flying bugs that
fly around the face when I perspire in the hot humid early
evening summer days in South Florida, which is most of
the year.
Cindy
Please forgive… but I can’t help bragging! I have almost never been bitten by a mosquito. I never put on any repellant, and that’s great because I’d hate putting poison on my body. In summer I wear very little, and I’m always out after dark. I cannot remember when I was bitten by a mosquito; it had to be years ago. I’m thinking it has to be because of all the supplements I take! I see another reader has written about vitamin B-12. Well I do take B-12 but I haven’t always. The skeeters, though. have NEVER bitten me! Pretty sure B-complex is the main hero! To be fair, I have been bitten by black flies when I’m in the mountains hiking. But not mosquitos!
Debbie
When I get a mosquito bite, I apply hydrogen peroxide with a Q-tip. After that dries, I apply some zinc oxide cream. The itching stops immediately. I also cover everything I can when I am gardening in the evening, including a bandana over my face, a heavy hat, thick pants, army shirt, goggles, gloves and boots. When I used to wear shoes and socks while gardening, my ankles were heavily bitten until I wrapped my ankles (under my socks) with paper towels!
Mike
I used to get lots of mosquito bites years ago. They were annoying but not serious. I watched a series of lectures by Dr. Andrew Weil on PBS years ago and he suggested one should eat a clove of garlic every day as a natural antibiotic. I have eaten a clove of garlic chopped up in my daily salad and have not had a mosquito bite or the flu or even a cold in more than twenty years. I have often had mosquitos land on my arm and promptly leave without biting.
Amy
So happy to finally have a name for my terrible reaction to mosquito bites. I got a lot of bites one evening several years ago, and one especially itchy one on my foot blistered and took months to heal. Now, every time I get another bite, that spot swells and itches just like a new bite. I’m now almost afraid to go outside.
David
When I was stationed in Panama Central America living in a tropical rain forest we had to be wary of mosquitos because they carried Dengue fever and Malaria. Spraying our clothes and hat with pyrethrins we avoided inhaling and injuring our skin with DEET. Best thing to do is wear clothes with pyrethrins (LL Bean sells a line of clothes that not only have UVA protection but are impregnated with pyrethrins). Usually you can buy pyrethrins in camping stores like Dicks Sporting goods (sometimes at Lowe’s, ACE hardware or Home Depot)
Nancy
I enjoy sitting on my deck, reading and drinking coffee and am plagued with mosquitoes. I, too, suffer the severe consequences of mosquito bites. I saw a commercial that reminded me that insects do not like the scent of Irish Spring soap and thought it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. I took a dry bar and rubbed it on my skin and was amazed that I didn’t get the first bite! Now, I am a believer and always have a bar with me when I am outside. I have also discovered that I can rub a wet bar of soap on my feet, arms and legs, let it dry and have the same result. No bug bites plus I smell good!!!
Kate
Within 30 minutes of being bitten by a bug, if you will suction the bite, it makes the itch disappear almost immediately . I use a device called the “Bug Bite Thing”, and I paid under $8 for it online! It is very effective.
Daniel
I swell profusely if misquitos bite. I dab the bite (before scratching it) with soap; or antibacterial soap; or hand sanitizer. Whatever you have available. Dish soap is almost always available in a kitchen and works like the others. Clean the wound before scratching if you can. Clean after scratching works second best. If it continues to itch, I dab again. Or, better yet, calmly clean the bacteria-infected misquito wound with soap and water. I guess your soap matters. Mine are store-bought liquid hand soaps, many of which are not necesarily anti-bacterial anymore. I had to meet a contractor outside early today this July 8, 2024 in overcast humid conditions in vegetated area. I could feel my bare calves getting bit. When I got inside I dabbed the bites with hand soap. I could not yet see exactly where I was bitten. A few minutes passed. Itching increased. I looked again and the bites were now connected with redness like a raised red map. I washed my hands and dabbed a bit more hand soap and water on my clean hands onto the red bite map. No more itching. I never scratched because the itch ceased. I forgot about it while staying inside doing paperwork. When checked 3 hours later, I could not even detect where the bites were previously on my leg. In the past these were welts which might last all summer. No more.
Jill
There’s a name for it! Thank you. I thought maybe my intense reaction to mosquito bites were part of my deathly allergic reaction to bee/wasp stings. No idea others suffered from it too.
I have used Benedryl and it works okay-but the bites still flare up, especially if I don’t apply it multiple times throughout the day. Someone just reminded me of Campho Phenique- I’ve stocked up on for future use.
Tammy
I have never reacted to mosquito and chigger bites like I have this year. I am usually the one who never gets bitten. I have been itching for 3 weeks now, with little sleep. I was able to dry them up a little with camphor, alcohol, and bug bite tube that has ammonia in it. Each of these, dabbed on, controlled the itch for about 3 hours. Didn’t faze bites in hotspots on the body. Finally asked doctor to call in a steroid. Will pick it up tomorrow. Currently looking for organic solution to spray yard and garden.
Thank you for the article.
Peg
I too am a bite magnet. My bites swell, itch and can last a month. Nothing was working. Then I tried baking soda paste. It’s messy, but oh so worth it. Simply make a paste with water and baking soda, within minutes the itch is gone. It’s an absolute godsend.
Theresa
My daughter, who spends large amounts of time outside as an environmental educator, taught me that cold milk on any bug bite helps get rid of the itch. It sometimes takes 2-3 applications but it works when I use it quickly.
I have had other bug bites that nothing seemed to stop the itch. After trying Benadryl cream, hydrocortisone cream, a camphor-based product, antibiotic ointment, among other things, I tired Benadryl tablets before I went to bed, and the next morning the itching was gone.
Sheila
Thank you for this article – great information and also great tips to try from readers which will certainly help moving forward.
I suffer from Skeeter Syndrome – had no idea it was a thing. I have always thought I was allergic to mosquito bites (fleas and chiggers, too). When I’m bitten, the bites swell and get very warm (quarter to half a dollar sized), but the itch can last up to a week most of the time. Bad cases will itch for months and sometimes so bad that I will scratch the skin off.
Mosquitos love my skin and seem to get around the topical sprays, candles, electronic zappers, etc. I find that when I want to sit on the deck, I use the outside fan to keep them at bay or the firepit – depending on the weather. I’ve learned that it’s better to stay inside or wear proper clothing to escape the bite.
Susan
Someone told me about AfterBite, a commercial product. when put on the bite promptly, it makes it stop itching and go away. it really works for me like nothing else. Taking 500 mg of vitamin C also helps.
Pam
I dab on Sea Breeze (the green kind). My bites are as big or bigger than a quarter. This takes away itching and keeps them from swelling.
Lisa
I also have extreme reactions to chigger bites. Years ago when visiting a friend who lives in the countryside, after walking through tall grass, I had a chigger bite on my ankle. I am not exaggerating when I say that the bite itched intensely for six months!! I finally in desperation went to a dermatologist who injected a steroid right into the bite area, which stopped the itching almost immediately. He was a bit shocked when I told him how long I had been suffering. I am also one of the unfortunate people to whom mosquitoes are attracted, so I will get many bites when others around me do not. But thankfully I don’t react the same way to mosquito bites.
Roy
I do OK with mosquito bites, but chigger bites can be much more problematic resulting in a blister and an open sore for several days before it scabs over. From start to finish, the insult may last a couple of weeks. I am very happy to hear that prescription strength corticosteroids may attenuate the problem.
Theresa
I have had poison ivy a few times, and I am allergic to Calamine Lotion. Plus, I’ve never had any success with anti-itch creams or prescription ointments. One time I had poison ivy on the inside of both forearms. I’d read an article somewhere suggesting really warm (not hot enough to burn) water, and that’s what worked. I put my arms under warm running water. It itches like crazy for a couple of minutes, but wait until it stops itching, and you will have relief for 4-6 hours. I’ve heard that the warm water is drawing the histamines out, and it takes several hours to build them back up again. It has made it possible for me to sleep and teach my students. I usually only had to do it once in the middle of the day.
T
Immediately after any bite, I apply the green liquid of benzocaine and menthol from a small ampule which delivers the solution when broken. I may have to dab it on and let it dry twice for the worst bites, but it stops the swelling, the itch, and the weeks of on-going results of bug bites. I keep ampules with me all summer because it works and is portable.
Cindy
There’s no reason to leave this comment except purely for bragging. So I’ll leave it!
I’m outside all the time, and I even garden naked (my yard is pretty overgrown. If people want to come right up to the fence and peer thru the slats, that’s their business!)
Anyway, I never even think of using insect repellent and yet, the only mosquito bite I remember getting was about 15 years ago. They just don’t bite me! I’m sure it’s due to all the supplements I take.
I will admit that the black flies up in the mountains in the summer did not get that memo. They’ll take a chunk right out of your hide. So in that case, “deet” is in order. It works. Happy Summer!
Harriet
After dealing with Skeeter Syndrome for over 20 years I understand the following: The swelling and reaction that I get is directly related to the level of inflammation inside my body. I have had IBS/SIBO for over 30 years, and when it is completely controlled, I do not get a Skeeter Syndrome reaction. When my IBS is inflamed, I get terrible reactions to bites. A couple other things help: Taking a regular Vit. B Complex as well as topical Benadryl applied over the bite with a band-aid over it.
Linda
As a child, we always put Campho Phenique on bites. I had forgotten it until I read the article. Ordering it right now.
In addition, my daddy would make an X with his finger nail on top of the bite.
Obviously none of us had Skeeter Syndrome, but the itching was intense. My dad gave it his one-two remedy.
x
Ralph
And so, what about triamcinilone that was discussed in the first comment?
Linda
I had never been overly-reactive to insect bites until a backpacking trip where I was swarmed by mosquitoes and gnats while cooking. To finish the trip I was soaking in the lake and dosing with Benadryl. It would only help for part of the night. I saw my physician, once home. We counted over 140 bites! Ever since, I have been overly-reactive to insect bites. My Provider had instructed me to use triamcinolone and twice the adult dose of Zyrtec. It has been an enormous help.
Mary
I found that clear nail polish calms the itch of mosquito and Naseem bites immediately and permanently.
Teresa
Witch hazel applied asap to the bites usually does the trick for me. My mother-in-law taught me this years ago.
Ariel
I have tried on mosquito bites. but Ant bites raise my blood sugar – I put honey on the spot and put a band aid on it. It seems to help.
Lesley
I get HORRIBLE swelling and itching from skeeter bites. They last a long time! I have tried everything for prevention, but the only thing that works for me is Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard with Picaridin. When I remember to apply this, I am never bitten and can enjoy the outdoors again.
Jane
A few hours! Mosquito bites last for weeks. Sometimes they go down, only to fill back up again. I love to camp, but after a few instances where my hands and arms have swelled up after bites, I now camp armed with prednisone as well as repellents. In cases where my hands have swelled so much that I can’t even tell where the original bite is, I have (as recommended by a fellow camper) globbed bag balm on my hands and worn neoprene gloves overnight. By morning, I can see where the bite is and use other remedies on it directly.
Marshagail
Hot water usually works for me but I often have to add a bit of Orajel to deaden the intense itch.
Cindy B
The intense itching lasts for several days when I get a mosquito bite. Rx cortisone creams or antihistamine oral or antihistamine gels don’t seem to help the reaction. I use a combination strategy for the itching. Hot water is my first choice and is fastest, but it’s a fine line to control the heat between being hot enough to be effective (it has to get VERY close to the point that it will feel ALMOST scalding hot) but not to the point that it could scald/burn. The Bite Helper is useful, but I go through lots of batteries fast! Finally, if these first two options aren’t available/convenient, I will use a one-two punch with topical creams; I first apply Biofreeze gel, which has 4% menthol. After a minute or two, as I feel it start to cool/tingle at the bite site, I then apply Benadryl Camphor gel (no antihistamine in it, just .45% Camphor) and I will then get instant itch relief from even the most intense itch, due to the cooling sensation of the two gels.
Susan
I use a name-brand antihistamine gel immediately after getting a bite; it stops any reaction. If I don’t notice the bite right away, but within a few hours the gel still stops it. If I don’t catch it until hours after, I am itching that spot for days after even tho I use the gel.
Joy
I am barely affected by mosquitoes but definitely have the Skeeter Syndrome from chiggers.
In the past, every chigger bite made a quarter-size red, swollen welt that itched terribly for more than a week.
A pharmacist recommended Ivarest cream, and it has been life changing for me. It is made for poison ivy, but contains an antihistamine to stop the allergic reaction, an analgesic to soothe the itch and a skin protectant to help dry it up.
Just lightly rub in a small amount and cover with a bandaid as the pink cream will stain clothing.
This stops the itch almost immediately and when I remove the Bandaid the color and swelling is gone.
I hope this may help others as it has for me.
Victor
I once had an itch-stopping applicator that worked. Smelled like it was ammonia.
Liz
Funny! I used to say I had been bitten by “Super Skeeters” because the bites would swell up so big and last for sometimes 3 weeks! I found this to work fast: 1) wash gently with soap and water. 2) soak a cotton ball with alcohol, and tape it to the bite using skin tape. This pulls out the itch and kills the bacteria better than anything else I’ve tried. Leave the cotton ball on for several hours, and the bite will shrink down and go away quickly.
Judith
In my experience, it depends on where the mosquitoes come from that have bitten you. Down in the bay area of California, and up in British Columbia, I have had bad reactions to bites. I usually always used to
put camphor on bites immediately. Here in the Seattle are, the mosquitoes are much less of a problem. Just gently rubbing the bite makes all itching go away.
Sue
I am 71 years old and still have scars from infected mosquito bites received on a vacation to wetlands Maryland when I was 10 years old. What a miserable time!
Susie
For mosquito bites, I use the same thing as for insect stings: a paste made of meat tenderizer and a bit of water. It seems to neutralize things. Otherwise, the bite itches for days, and the area swells and stays red, sometimes for a couple of weeks.
Nancy M
Wow… this is me. My bites take 10+ months to go away and spider bites even longer… sending this to my doc
Betty
OMG! Never heard of Skeeter Syndrome but I have a critter that silently bites me on my head or neck area usually when I am sweating and outside weeding or working in garden. The last bite just at the base of my ear. It swells up to size of a quarter, and this time the swelling went down my neck side almost to my clavicle. My neck was stiff, and I could see swelling all the way down to clavicle. I will be going to my physician armed with the information I have read. I have tried cortisone cream 2%, antihistamines, etc., with little to no effect. If I spray my head and neck area with cedar spray I usually do not get bitten by the critters. My bites last for weeks. I am just miserable when I am bitten. Mosquito bites do not affect me in this manner. Thank you so very much for posting this information.
Beverly
My itching stops when I take a warm shower and clean the bite area with soap.
Jack
I used an ointment like Cortisone 10 (1%) on chigger bites that was effective. I used it for a week to get relief. It’s an OTC medicine so no prescription is necessary. Use it two or three times a day.
Barbara
I am so glad you wrote about Skeeter Syndrome! After gardening a couple of weeks ago I developed very painful and raised bumps which produced extreme itching. I thought I might have gotten chigger bites but we live in NM, and was not aware of them, here. I saw no mosquitoes and one of the bites was on my navel! Others were in my groin and trunk. I wonder if there are other insects which cause this syndrome or if we do have chiggers, here. The first of about 15 of these eruptions lasted about 8 days. Ice packs helped but bathing made the itching much worse. Gold Bond anti-itch cream helped. This experience was so miserable that I am afraid of doing more gardening.
Claudia
I’ve never heard of skeeter syndrome but I definitely suffer from it, particularly if they bite around my ankles and feet. I’ve had my feet get so swollen I couldn’t wear shoes. Benadryl extra strength gel works best for me. What is interesting is that this problem only occurs with what I refer to as native mosquitoes. If I get bitten by Asian Tiger mosquitoes, the bite goes away in a few hours.
Jane
I like Hyland’s calendula ointment for itchies.
Fay
I also have “skeeter syndrome” and have lived with this since childhood. While others purchase exquisite perfumes when dressing to go out, I douse myself with “eau de deet” with either OFF or Cutter. If a mosquito or fire ant gets past my defense, my go to is Mitigator. You apply immediately to the bite or sting and rub vigorously for 1-3 minutes, reapply if necessary. It is the only thing that works for me. Normally, after a bite, the surrounding area will be very swollen and red for at least a week with unrelenting itching. With this, maybe a little redness, no swelling, maybe some residual itching later (and I use hot water for that). I actually keep some in my purse. Active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate and it also contains ground up walnut shells. Cortisone cream doesn’t do anything for me.
Penny
Definitely have skeeter syndrome. Can vouch for the hot water treatment – if the bite is someplace that the faucet can reach easily, and you let the water get as hot as you can possibly stand. Will try cortisone cream next time also.
Denise
This came at the perfect time. I think this might be my issue. I have diabetes, and mosquitoes seem to love me. I wish there was a possum in my yard. I plan to ask my doc about this as my skin gets more sensitive as I age.
Liz
Once I got my allergies under control with shots (four years worth) and anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric, all it takes to calm a bug bite is camphor, the active ingredient in the children’s itch cooling gel put out by Benadryl, also an ingredient in Vick’s.
Jan
We’ve been invaded with wasps. My three day-old bites are getting worse. Thanks, I’m going to try these remedies on them.
Carol
I didn’t know it was called Skeeter Syndrome. Yes, I am afflicted with it. No-see-um bites are awful as well as chiggers. Hot water works the best for me. If I cannot get to hot water, I hold an ice cube on the bite. Vick’s has worked well too. Many years ago, at least 45, I had six chigger bites on my back. The bites turned into lumps, and I itched for days. My father said to put kerosene on them. I would not. Finally out of desperation, I relented. He got a Q-Tip and dabbed a small amount of kerosene on each bite. I could feel the relief instantly, bite by bite, as each spot was treated. However I do NOT recommend this toxic method. Stick to the other remedies.
Joyce
I used to be a “mosquito magnet” with itching bites that lasted for days. Then I accidentally discovered that using Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint pure Castile soap to shower with made me unattractive to mosquitoes and possibly flies. I shower with the soap exclusively during warm weather. No one can smell the peppermint but apparently the mosquitoes can and don’t like it! I buy the soap at health food stores and Trader Joe’s. One big bottle lasts two summers for me.
Kathy
I have always been the mosquito bait in the group, wearing the neon sign that says, “Bite here (and here, and here…)!” However, I have not had a single bite this year despite a very rainy spring and summer. The only way I can account for this is cutting out all sugar (except for a bowl of berries every morning) since changing to a LCHF diet last fall. Something to consider!
Chris
I developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia about three years ago. Thankfully, it has remained very low-grade and has not required treatment. But I now have such excessive reactions to mosquito bites that I avoid going outside much of the summer. Even with repellent, I get bitten, and July is when I have the worst reactions. If I get bitten on my forearms, within a day my skin blisters and breaks down around the bite, and an area the size of a quarter will weep for days and then take weeks to heal. And my entire forearm swells and itches intensely. Triamcinolone lotion seems to make things worse, and I become hyper-sensitive even to bandaids. My doctor tells me this is due to the CLL, and gave me the topical lotion but has never suggested oral prednisone. I’m going to ask about that at my next visit. I have found that your suggestion to use heat to alleviate itching does help, although it’s effective for a longer time on more typical small bites.
Carla
I’ve had severe reactions to mosquito bites all of my life. I recently discovered that a drop or two of essential oil blends containing copaiba and frankincense shrink the swelling and stop the itching.
Will
I do not have Skeeter Syndrome, but am very attractive to mosquitoes. I recently purchased a Therapik and it has greatly reduced the amount of itching I suffer after being bitten.
Peggy
If you have tested tea tree oil on yourself (24hrs small spot) previously, I find this helps itch, reduces inflammation, in addition to reducing the risk of staph colonization (or MRSA), fungal infections, or just about anything. For sensitive skin areas, tea tree oil can be diluted (coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba or witch hazel) up to 10 x and can still help. Use glass bottles only, apply with Qtip as needed.
Topical steroids are much better than oral steroids, but be cautious! Side effects can include thinning of the skin and turning off your own steroid production, especially if applied more than a few days to thin skin areas (or in children).
JP
Yup, I’ve got “Skeeter Syndrome,” and in allergy testing years ago I reacted to 1/10,000 of a mosquito bite! One bite on my ankle meant fever plus swollen foot, leg, knee and horrible itching lasting quite a while… I swear by TheraPik these days, often using it 3 times on a bite before it helps. So much better than meds!
Mary
Toothpaste stops itching from mosquito bites! It doesn’t seem to matter what brand. Extremely effective!
Linda V
I believe I have a case of Skeeter Syndrome, a term I have never heard until today. I am 74 years old and have had this problem all my life. My mother often had to take me, but not my brother, to the doctor because of infected mosquito bites. I recall that he gave me a small squeeze tube of dry sulfa drug, the name of which I don’t remember. I had to dampen the bites and squeeze out a small amount of the dry medicine that eventually cleared up the infection. Mosquito bites on me itch like crazy!! If I scratch at all, I get infection at the bite sites. Out of necessity, I started using an antiseptic cream with lidocaine as soon as I get bites. It stops the itching and stops infection. I carry a tube of the cream with me at all times! I love your site and faithfully read the articles in every edition. Thanks for such helpful information!!
Mayra
I have the same exact reaction to mosquito bites. The itching lasts for many days and they become big and red circles. I have discovered that applying a slice of cut lime on the bites have been the solution!! i suppose its because it acts as an antiseptic for the bite area and the redness and itching disappears almost completely the next day !
Bela
I’m surprised they didn’t mention permethrin as a preventative to mosquitoes biting you in the first place. You put it on your clothing, shoes and hat, not your skin. I’ve used it in mosquito and tick country with great success.
Kathy S
Several years ago while briefly sitting on a chair in the grass, I got bitten by something. It was 24 hours later before the itching began. By then both legs (ankles to below knee) were covered w/small red spots The itching was unbearable. Two visits to ER was a waste of time. Finally Primary Dr gave me a jar of triamcinolone acetone cream. Applied over itch area 3 x times daily. Very little relief. What I discovered on my own was small pieces of wet paper towel frozen for a minute or two in my freezer then applied to itchy area. Instant relief from itches. That is my go-to remedy for any itchy areas.
Jo
While my reaction isn’t a week-long one, the itch and redness persists for several days. I have learned that if I can avoid scratching and put an ice cube on it instead, I can usually avoid further itching, and the bite goes away. Sometimes it takes a couple of ice applications but that beats days of scratching.
Candy
I have Skeeter Syndrome, and mosquitoes literally feast on my skin. I also use Triamcinolone Acetonide. It works great, and is the only thing that has. Sometimes using After Bite immediately after getting bitten, works.
Ginger
I can’t tell you how happy I was to see this. Mosquito bites last on me for at least a week, and the itching returns with a vengeance usually at early evening each day. I’ve complained about it for many, many years. Worse, I’m like a mosquito magnet. Always wondered what the heck was going on. Now I know at least why the bites itch so long. I had learned to use a mild prescribed cortisone cream to dab on. Thankfully that does the trick. Didn’t know others suffered too.
Frank
I’m not sure if I have the syndrome but I do react very negatively to mosquito bites. Each one becomes a large reddened area that itches like crazy. My defense is to try to prevent them. I’ve found the Thermacell products, especially the one worn on your body really work and keep the bugs away.
Jeannine
Try Zincuta Ointment. For me, it stops the red, the itch and reduces the bump. You may need more than one application and applying it as soon as you notice the bite helps.
John
Using a hair dryer for local heat application is another effective method to combat itching and more from insect bites.
Tallyn
“Skeeter bites,” plus any stings, trigger psoriasis (PPP), and I have an already-compromised immune system. I always carry ampules of the old Sting Kill, which if quickly applied (sometimes 2-3 times, depending on how soon I treat the bite), stops the itch, swelling and redness and the days of dealing with it. Sting Kill contains benzocaine USP 20% and Menthol USP 1%. I keep ampules with me, near the doors of my house, in the garden shed and in my car. I never go outside without it in the warm months.
Fredericka
I live in an area where at times during the year, mosquitos can carry your car off they are so big and so numerous. Last year, a friend recommended Vitamin B-1. I started taking it daily and I have yet to have a mosquito bite. I don’t know if it works for everyone, but it sure does for me.
Patricia
I had no idea I had skeeter syndrome! All these years dealing with the red itchy areas for days and days on end. I thought everyone else had the same reaction to mosquito bites that I had.