Mosquito Bites – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Mosquito bites appear as itchy bumps on the skin after mosquitoes feed on human blood. These bumps typically disappear on their own within a few days.
In some cases, mosquito bites can cause severe swelling, pain and inflammation—a reaction sometimes called skeeter syndrome.
Beyond the discomfort, mosquito bites pose serious health risks. These insects can transmit dangerous diseases through their bites, including:
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
- Malaria
- Yellow fever
- Various brain infections
The severity of mosquito-borne illnesses varies widely, from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. Most mosquito bites are merely annoying, but recognizing when a bite might indicate something more serious is important for proper treatment.
Symptoms
Mosquito bites typically appear on exposed skin. When a mosquito bites you, you might notice:
- An itchy, red bump that develops within minutes
- A painful, hive-like spot forming within 24 hours
- Small blisters on the affected area
Some people have stronger reactions to mosquito bites. More severe symptoms include:
- Large, inflamed swelling around the bite
- Widespread hive-like rashes
- Puffy eyes and surrounding areas
Children tend to experience more severe reactions to mosquito bites than adults do.
When to Get Medical Help
Seek medical attention if mosquito bites come with warning signs of a serious condition. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience high fever, intense headache, body aches, or signs of infection after being bitten by mosquitoes.
These symptoms might indicate a more serious health issue that requires professional treatment.
Causes
Mosquito bites happen when female mosquitoes feed on human blood. During a bite, the mosquito releases saliva into the skin. This saliva causes the body’s immune system to react, creating the familiar itchy bump.
Several factors draw mosquitoes to people:
- Body odor and sweat
- Perfumes and floral scents
- Carbon dioxide from breathing
- Body heat
The female mosquito needs blood to produce eggs, which is why they bite humans and animals.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of getting mosquito bites:
- Body heat and sweat attract mosquitoes.
- Perfumes and floral scents make you more noticeable to mosquitoes.
- Geographic location where mosquitoes thrive.
- Outdoor activities without proper protection.
People who sweat more or use scented products often experience more bites. Living in warm, humid areas with standing water also increases risk.
Spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, without using repellent makes you an easy target.
Complications
Scratching mosquito bites may lead to skin infections. This happens when bacteria enter the broken skin from your fingernails.
More seriously, mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases through their saliva when they bite. In the United States, people may contract West Nile virus, dengue fever, and certain types of encephalitis from infected mosquitoes.
Globally, especially in tropical regions, mosquitoes spread more deadly diseases including:
- Malaria: caused by parasites transmitted through female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Yellow Fever: a viral infection that can cause liver damage.
- Dengue Fever: causes severe flu-like symptoms and can be life-threatening.
When a mosquito bites an infected person or animal, it picks up the disease-causing organism. The mosquito then transfers this pathogen to its next victim during feeding.
Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can bite both day and night and even live inside your home. To limit your contact with them:
- Fix any holes in window or door screens and camping equipment
- Use mosquito nets over baby cribs and strollers
- Sleep under mosquito netting when outdoors
- Choose unscented personal care products
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents, so avoiding fragrant lotions and soaps can make you less appealing to them.
Apply Bug Spray
When mosquitoes are active, use insect repellent. The most effective options contain one of these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DEET | Longer protection | Not for babies under 2 months |
| Icaridin/Picaridin | General use | Not for babies under 6 months |
| Oil of lemon eucalyptus | Natural option | Check age restrictions |
| IR3535 | General use | Follow label instructions |
| Para-menthane-diol (PMD) | Natural option | Not for children under 3 |
| 2-Undecanone | General use | Follow label instructions |
Apply bug spray outdoors, away from food. You might need to reapply after 6-8 hours. If using sunscreen too, put it on first, about 20 minutes before the repellent.
Always wash your hands after applying repellent and follow the package directions. Don’t let children apply it themselves or get it on their hands, in their eyes, or mouth.
Treat Your Clothes
For extra protection, use permethrin on clothing and gear, not on skin. Some stores sell clothes already treated with permethrin. This treatment can last for about two washings.
Remember:
- Don’t wash bed nets or place them in sunlight
- Follow label instructions carefully
- Permethrin is for fabrics and equipment only
Wear Protective Clothing
If weather allows, cover up with:
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Hats
- Socks
- Closed shoes
Light-colored clothing may be less attractive to some mosquito species. Tuck pants into socks for added protection in high-risk areas.
Take Preventive Medication
If recommended by your doctor, get vaccinations or take preventive medicines before traveling to areas with mosquito-borne diseases.
If you tend to have large reactions to mosquito bites (sometimes called skeeter syndrome), consider taking a non-drowsy antihistamine before you know you’ll be exposed to mosquitoes.
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water to breed. To reduce mosquitoes around your home:
- Clean roof gutters regularly
- Empty kiddie pools at least weekly
- Change birdbath water every few days
- Remove old tires from your yard
- Empty flower pots or turn them upside down
- Drain fire pits after rain
- Check for water collection in tarps, buckets, or other containers
Even small amounts of water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So, regular checks around your property are important, especially after rainfall.
