Mosquito bites

Mosquito bites are the itchy bumps that appear after mosquitoes pierce the skin to feed on your blood. The bump usually clears up on its own in a few days. Occasionally a mosquito bite causes a large area of swelling, soreness and redness. This type of reaction, most common in children, is sometimes referred to as skeeter syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Bites from mosquitoes often cause small red lumps on the skin. Other symptoms include:

• Dark spots that resemble bruising
• Swelling or redness
• Small blisters instead of hard bumps
• In children and people with immune system disorders, mosquito bites sometimes trigger:

 * A low-grade fever
 * Hives
 * Swollen lymph nodes

Causes

Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes feeding on your blood. Male mosquitoes do not feed on blood. Female mosquitoes have a mouthpart made to pierce skin and siphon off blood. Molecules from the mosquito's saliva are injected into the host, causing a mild immune response.

Prevention

Prevention of mosquito bites is important in avoiding mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Measures to prevent mosquito bites include the use of mosquito bed nets (preferably insecticide-treated nets), insect repellent on exposed skin, covering much of the body with clothing, and draining standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Treatment

Most mosquito bites stop itching and go away on their own in a few days. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can help with the itching and swelling. If a mosquito bite causes a large skin reaction, or if a child has a fever or other signs of illness, a healthcare provider should be contacted.

See also

• Insect bites and stings
• Insect repellent
• Malaria
• Zika virus
• Dengue fever
• West Nile virus

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