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Skeeter syndrome?
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nursingbug posted:
Hi Dr Moser- I recently read something in the paper about 'skeeter syndrome' where a child will develop hive like swelling where they are bitten by mosquetos- and the swelling will not improve for 3-5 days. This describes my daughter to a T- hers often turn into open sores. I didn't think much of it at first because my sister had the same thing as a child; but finally last summer I asked my daughters pedi if there was anything I could do for them- they are not life threatening but really irritate her, and I was concerned they would get infected- he told me to give her benedryl.
So is this an actual 'syndrome' or is it something that Drs just see and treat prn?
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Skeeter syndrome?Hi Dr Moser- I recently read something in the paper about 'skeeter syndrome' where a child will develop hive like swelling where they are bitten by mosquetos- and the swelling will not improve for 3-5 days. This describes my daughter to a T- hers often turn into open sores. I didn't think much of it at first because my sister had the same thing as a child; but finally last summer I asked my daughters pedi if there was anything I could do for them- they are not life threatening but really irritate her, and I was concerned they would get infected- he told me to give her benedryl. <br />So is this an actual 'syndrome' or is it something that Drs just see and treat prn?
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
Never heard of Skeeter Syndrome, but one can definitely have a more systemic reaction to any kind of insect bites. Even my own localized bites will itch for weeks. If anyone has Skeeter Syndrome, it wound be me.....

I have had kids in my clinic where their eyes are completely closed due to swelling....from ONE mosquito bite on the forehead.

Are you using a good insect repellent for your daughter? You may find that a longer-acting, less-sedating antihistamine may work better than Benadryl. Depending on our daugther's age, Benedryl can even be stimulating.
Report This| Share this:Skeeter syndrome?Never heard of Skeeter Syndrome, but one can definitely have a more systemic reaction to any kind of insect bites. Even my own localized bites will itch for weeks. If anyone has Skeeter Syndrome, it wound be me.....<br /> <br />I have had kids in my clinic where their eyes are completely closed due to swelling....from ONE mosquito bite on the forehead.<br /> <br />Are you using a good insect repellent for your daughter? You may find that a longer-acting, less-sedating antihistamine may work better than Benadryl. Depending on our daugther's age, Benedryl can even be stimulating.
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nursingbug replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
We do use repellent, but often they get her anyway- not unlike your blog
I had googled skeeter syndrome and found a reference to using zyrtec- I am considering that now. I like that there is actually a doseage recomendation for her age group on the packaging, where the benedryl dose is Dr. prescribed.
We haven't had to deal with this yet this summer. We were instructed to give her zyrtec before when she had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, in addition to steroids.
Report This| Share this:Skeeter syndrome?We do use repellent, but often they get her anyway- not unlike your blog <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br />I had googled skeeter syndrome and found a reference to using zyrtec- I am considering that now. I like that there is actually a doseage recomendation for her age group on the packaging, where the benedryl dose is Dr. prescribed. <br /> We haven't had to deal with this yet this summer. We were instructed to give her zyrtec before when she had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, in addition to steroids.
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD replied to nursingbug's response:
I use Zyrtec myself for itching, although I have to admit that I will scratch those mosquito bites anyway....for weeks, sometimes. Ther are some new mosquito repellent devices out there -- one that you wear like a beeper -- but I haven't tried it. I have used those ones that emit a special frequency beep that is supposed to confuse or repell them, but I can't really say it works either. I even wore two!

Until I find a better method, I am just going to DEET. I have to go outside now, so let the biting begin.
Report This| Share this:Skeeter syndrome?I use Zyrtec myself for itching, although I have to admit that I will scratch those mosquito bites anyway....for weeks, sometimes. Ther are some new mosquito repellent devices out there -- one that you wear like a beeper -- but I haven't tried it. I have used those ones that emit a special frequency beep that is supposed to confuse or repell them, but I can't really say it works either. I even wore two!<br /> <br />Until I find a better method, I am just going to DEET. I have to go outside now, so let the biting begin.
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