Mosquito Allergy and Skeeter Syndrome in Phoenix
Testing and allergy drop treatment for unusually large mosquito bite reactions
Skeeter syndrome is an allergic reaction to proteins in mosquito saliva that causes unusually large swelling, redness, and sometimes blistering around a bite. Carefree Allergy and Asthma tests for mosquito allergy with skin testing and treats it with custom allergy drops.
Normal Bite or Skeeter Syndrome?
Most mosquito bites itch for a short time and go away. A mosquito allergy looks and lasts very differently.
Normal mosquito bite
- A small itchy bump
- Fades in a day or two
Skeeter syndrome
- Swelling that can spread several inches, sometimes a whole cheek, eyelid, or forearm
- May feel warm or hard
- Can last days
Because the swelling can be so large, skeeter syndrome is often mistaken for a spider bite or an infection.
Why Mosquito Allergy Is a Growing Problem in Arizona
Monsoon season leaves standing water behind, and standing water drives mosquito surges across the Valley. Some mosquitoes in the Phoenix area bite during the day, not just at dusk, so bites are harder to avoid.
“Mosquitoes have been really bad in this part of the country, and my patients who are very allergic to mosquitoes are avoiding the outdoors, even during the day, because these mosquitoes are out all day long.”
How We Test for Mosquito Allergy
- Mosquito is tested with a skin prick test. An intradermal test can be added if needed.
- Mosquito is included in our standard allergy testing panel.
- If you've already been skin tested with us, an individual mosquito test is $50.
- There's no minimum age. Whether skin testing can be done depends on how well the patient tolerates it.
Treatment: Mosquito Allergy Drops
Treatment is sublingual immunotherapy: custom allergy drops taken under the tongue that gradually train the immune system to react less.
- Mosquito can be combined into the same custom drop mixture as your other environmental allergies, like dust mite or cat.
- The custom mixture is usually ready in 1 to 2 weeks.
For Parents
“If your child's mosquito bite reactions are unusually large, they might be allergic.”
Kids often have stronger reactions to mosquito bites. If your child's bites keep swelling far beyond a normal bump, testing can confirm it.
When to Go to the ER
Go to the ER or call 911 for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or any symptoms of anaphylaxis.
We don't treat the allergic reaction itself. We treat the allergy behind it, so future bites cause less of a reaction.
Mosquito Allergy FAQs
Ready to Get Answers and Real Relief?
Book an appointment or reach out — we see patients in person in North Phoenix and by telehealth across Arizona.