Skeeter Syndrome: Mosquito Bites That Last and Last

It’s mosquito season. Warm wet weather is unfortunately conducive to mosquito sex. Before they lay their eggs to produce more mosquitoes, they need human blood. And when they bite, you itch. Have you suffered with mosquito bites that last for weeks?

For most people, the itch of a mosquito bite is a temporary annoyance, lasting from a few hours to a few days. But some unfortunate souls have a much more dramatic reaction. A mosquito bite can trigger an immune reaction that has been dubbed “skeeter syndrome.”

What Is It Like to Have Skeeter Syndrome?

One reader shared this:

“I have had severe reactions to bug bites since I was a child. Mosquitos, chiggers, ants, spiders, mites, bees, wasps, hornets would get me whenever I went outside. The welts and lesions would last for days. My mom blamed it on my red hair. So I just avoid the outdoors as much as possible. If I do go out I must use DEET spray. DEET itself can give me itchy skin and itchy eyes, which is why mostly I just stay indoors in the summer.”

Another reader has a similar predicament:

“I am extremely sensitive to mosquito bites. Sometimes I itch for weeks afterwards. When I was in Greece, I was bitten so badly, I looked like I had chicken pox. My husband rarely gets bitten; mosquitoes eat me alive.”

Here is a dramatic story from a different reader:

“I was on holidays in Italy when I had a hyper-allergic reaction to mosquito bites. A huge rash developed, like the palm of a hand, over the next two days. The bites turned into hot red welts and tiny blisters, like a burn. I had to go to the pharmacy to get hydrocortisone cream and oral Zyrtec.

“Nothing is worse than being on holidays overseas with a rash. Of course, now I’m worried about mosquitoes here at home. Long trousers hitting my leg really irritates the rash, so I’m hoping it doesn’t take weeks to heal.”

What Can You Do About Mosquito Bites That Last Too Long?

Doctors may prescribe a potent topical steroid such as triamcinolone or clobetasol to apply to such exaggerated bites. That is usually enough to relieve the worst of the misery. In a severe case, though, a physician might prescribe oral prednisone.

Many people have found their own solutions, though.

Here is just one example:

“By accident I found a fabulous remedy–Softsoap Milk and Honey hand soap. It relieves all symptoms within about 15 minutes.

“Usually, my bites would stay red and swollen and itch for a week or more. This soap completely relieves all symptoms within minutes. I believe it is due to the honey.”

We are somewhat skeptical that there is enough honey in the soap to make a difference, but perhaps there is. We could find no studies of plain honey applied to mosquito bites shortening their duration. Scientists have found, though, that honey, particularly manuka honey, can speed chronic wound healing (Nutrients, July 28, 2024). Scientists also found that manuka honey could halve the time it took for venous leg ulcers to heal (Pharmaceuticals, Jan. 23, 2025). Whether the benefits would ease suffering from mosquito bites that last remains to be determined.

Easing Discomfort from Mosquito Bites That Last and Last:

Home remedies don’t always work for others. They are rarely tested.

Here are some additional approaches sent in by readers:

“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 the injected proteins. Otherwise, the bite itches for days, and the area swells and stays red, sometimes for a couple of weeks.”

Another reader commented:

“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 well for me.”

How Can You Avoid Skeeter Syndrome?

The best way to avoid skeeter syndrome is to prevent bites. DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are all effective insect repellents.

Repellents to Keep Mosquitoes Away:

Q. I killed a mosquito last night, and that got me thinking about repellents. I have some concerns about DEET, which seems to be the standard.

A few years ago, I was camping with friends. One of my companions slathered DEET on herself and then poured wine into a plastic glass. Her fingerprints are permanently etched into the wine glass.

We’re not talking about disposables here. These cups are thick, dishwasher-safe, clear, reusable glasses. I’m hesitant to use a product that etches plastic.

I’ve had reasonable success by wearing a neckerchief permeated with permethrin and applying picaridin repellent.

What DEET Does:

A. DEET is an effective insect repellent that can certainly keep mosquitoes away. Unfortunately, it can behave like a solvent. It may dissolve some items such as plastic watch crystals, paint, nail polish and synthetic fibers. DEET may also harm certain breathable fabrics.

Both Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggest that oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin can each serve as an alternative to DEET. They are quite effective repellents. Brand names include Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Sawyer Picaridin and Natrapel Picaridin.

Mosquito Repellents for Youngsters:

Q. What mosquito repellents are safe for kids? I seem to remember that you have written about problems with DEET.

A. DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) has been controversial for decades. It was developed by the US military shortly after World War II to protect troops from dengue, malaria and other tropical diseases carried by mosquitoes. In 1957, DEET made its debut on the consumer market. Not only does it keep mosquitoes away, it is also effective for repelling ticks. As a result, it can help protect youngsters from Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as well as West Nile virus.

Over the years there have been a few reports of neurological reactions in young children (Human & Experimental Toxicology, Jan. 2001). The CDC and the EPA both say that DEET is safe as long as parents follow the instructions on the label.

If you prefer to avoid DEET, read on. Fortunately, there are effective alternatives. Pediatrician Alan Greene recommends picaridin-containing products such as Natrapel and Sawyer on his website www.DrGreene.com. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective and considered safe for children. Consumer Reports suggests that adults should apply insect repellent to their own hands and then rub it on children’s exposed skin.

An effective repellent along with protective clothing are especially important for anyone, child or adult, who has an allergic reaction to mosquito bites.

Learn More:

You can read more about skeeter syndrome in this post. If you prefer to listen, you may want to check out our podcasts on the topic. Show 1174: What to Do About Skeeter Syndrome was earlier. Show 1436: Why Mosquitoes Bite You and How to Outsmart Them is a recent episode on the science of mosquito attractiveness.

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