How Mosquito Bites Can Affect Allergies

Mosquitoes are a persistent pest this time of year here in Florida. For some, their trademark bite can cause a localized allergic reaction. “Really large welt, like a really large mosquito bite, like larger than expected…and some people will even get a fever with mosquito bite,” said Lee Health Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Laura Veras.

Dr. Veras said these allergies most commonly affect children. “What happens is that these individuals that get these reactions, they develop an allergy to proteins found in the mosquito saliva.”

However, Veras said there is some good news. “Typically they don’t progress to anything more than those large local reactions, so it’s not like what we see with severe allergic reactions to bee stings or wasps where they can get life-threatening allergic reactions…. The good thing is most children because we see this a lot of children will outgrow this with time.”

A topical hydrocortisone or an antihistamine could help treat it, but prevention is your best bet. “The best you can do is wear protective clothing wear insect repellent,” said Dr. Veras. It’s important to remember that you should never scratch bites, because then they can become infected. See a doctor if your conditions aren’t improving.

Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care.

[debbie]

I'm an adult. Whenever I get bitten I have to get professional help. The reaction is just like that of a Bee r wasp Sting. Over the counter meds do not work. I'm really curious about the reason for this.

[hackman]

😮 this happened to my friend but he's an adult so what's that mean? The large bumps.

[Justakid]

Mosquitoes so if I get bitten by one it goes really bad

[samirkumar]

I have got papular urticaria for mosquito bites for 1 year