Why do I always seem to have an overreaction to mosquito bites?

Question

While mosquitos seem to be a mere annoyance for most people I know, it always seems that I get an extreme reaction to them. Each bite appears as a huge swollen bump and is accompanied by days of unbearable itching. Bites I've received on my cheeks or eyebrows have even caused my eye to swell shut for a day. I always use precautions, spraying myself generously with repellents containing DEET, but they still find a way to me, albeit a little less than when unprotected. Is there a specific allergy for certain bugs? More to the point, is there a way to prevent them or the reaction that results? This problem severely interferes with many of my summer outings and I'd really appreciate any help or direction. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have the exact same problem! Mine always turn purple too for some reason. I went to see my doctor about it and he recommended getting an over the counter allergy medicine, like claritin, and it helped me alot so you could try that. I wouldn't take benadryl, it makes you sleepy, but get one with an antihistamine.

Answer 2

You don’t have to sit back and just passively put up with insects, especially those that like to bite (mosquitoes, wasps etc.). Eat asparagus and your sweat will develop an odor that repels insects Or apply lemon oil to your skin.

If you are bitten, there are natural substances to soothe the irritation. Aloe vera has extraordinary powers of soothing skin disorders. It is available in forms for both internal and external application in most health and beauty stores.

If you have one of these amazing plants growing at home, cut the tip off one of the leaves (the leaf will heal itself). Apply the pulp and juice to the itching or swollen area.

Lightly boiled cabbage or leek makes an excellent analgesic poultice. Of course, if you are hiking in the woods, you might have a little trouble finding cabbage! Plantain also works well. Cut it and rub it to get to the juice then apply it to the affected area.

Answer 3

You obviously have a very bad allergy to mosquitos, worse than the average person.
Try finding something with lavender in it to use when you are sitting outside. I have found that lavender is the best repellent to bugs. There are a lot of natural repellants that have lavender in them. Why not give them a try, if they don't work alone, add them along with the deet.

Answer 4

Some of us are very prone to attack - I know I am! You need to make sure you apply the repellant at lest 15mins before you leave your house, and keep applying every half hour.

Mosquitos are worst at dusk, so try to be inside and you could also ask your doctor for more advice, as you seem to have a very bad reaction if your eyes are swelling.
Put icecubes on your bites to numb them so you can try and avoid scratching. If you need to scratch, rub your skin with the heel of your palm, then apply the ice cube. Warmth makes the itching worse, so try and keep cool.

Answer 5

Being from the deep south, I can definitely sympathize with you. Try spraying for mosquitos around your yard or using citronella candles when you're outside. This will help with the problem when you're at home. Also, continue to use bug repellant on yourself. Try different kinds like rub on lotions or other sprays. When you get a bite, treat it with something---at Walgreens or CVS they have tons of products specialized for bug bites-even rub on sticks to stop the itching! Good luck!

Answer 6

I get the same way. Take an antihistamine or buy the Benedryl cream. You could always buy some Dermoplast pain relief spray at any drugstore. It will numb the itch. Or you could try taking a antihistamine and using a topical hydrocortisone cream on the bites. HTH

Answer 7

Your body is producing extreme amounts of hystamine due to the bite which is foreign to your body and determined to be a threat.
Try taking some benedryl or another antihystamine , this should solve the problem.
I wish you well!
Mr. G. : )

Answer 8

Yes-I swell up like a golf ball in agony and scratch it until it bleeds and turns into a large sore. And my husband just flicks them off. Not fair, but some of us are allergic to these horrid creatures. I wouldn't mess around, but would discuss this with my doctor in your case.

Answer 9

I think maybe California would be a great place for you to live. I haven't seen one mosquito since I've lived in San Francisco.

Answer 10

More then likely you are allergic. I would go to your doctor and ask for something that you can take. Also they have a shot that you can give yourself in the case that you catch a bad reaction.