Mosquito bites in a histamine intolerance
Especially in summer, we struggle with the discomfort and allergic reactions from insect bites. One topic usually cannot be avoided: mosquito bites.
In this article, we want to answer the following questions: What is the connection between mosquito bites and histamine intolerance? What treatment options are suitable for mosquito bites? And what can generally help against mosquito bites?
Why is histamine released during a mosquito bite?
Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes. They suck blood from our skin using a proboscis. The blood is needed for their own egg production and associated reproduction. The local reactions triggered in humans are due to the protein composition of the mosquito's saliva.
The saliva has the function of numbing the tissue around the bite site and inhibiting blood clotting. An immediate-type reaction to these proteins is observed in 75% of the population.
The foreign proteins from the mosquito's saliva trigger an immune response and activate mast cells. These, in turn, cause the release of the messenger substance histamine. The release of the body's own histamine influences the overall histamine level.
The histamine release during a mosquito bite causes the subsequent wheal formation and itching. Normally, wheals of about 1 cm in size occur.
In individuals with particularly sensitive mast cells or an increased number of mast cells (MCAS/mastocytosis), such immune reactions can be significantly amplified, leading to the release of a particularly large amount of histamine.
If histamine intolerance or similar is present, a mosquito bite can also have significantly stronger effects depending on the person's sensitivity and can sometimes become dangerous. Due to its triggering effect, it can lead to increased symptoms and reactions due to the caused histamine surplus. Possible symptoms include:
- Swelling of the bite site (wheal formation)
- Severe itching
- Severe skin redness
- Circulatory problems and drop in blood pressure
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
What does an allergic reaction to mosquito bites look like?
An "actual" allergy to mosquito bites is an IgE-mediated allergy, in which antibodies are formed against mosquito saliva. However, this occurs quite rarely. Precise studies on the frequency are not yet available. The detection of such a mosquito bite allergy is also difficult because only a few allergens in mosquito saliva have been identified so far.
Allergies to stings from insects such as honeybees, wasps, hornets, or bumblebees are much more common. These are triggered by the insect's venom, known as Hymenoptera venom. It contains potentially allergenic peptides, as well as specific main allergens.
An immunological cross-reaction to allergens in bee and wasp venom is possible in cases of existing pollen or food allergies.
Typical symptoms of an allergy to mosquito bites can include:
- significantly larger swelling
- hives
- swelling of the mucous membrane
- swelling of the eyes, lips, and tongue
In case of severe allergic reactions, treatment with corticosteroid-containing ointments, antihistamines, and possibly antibiotics is necessary. Be sure to consult your doctor here.
Now the question arises:
What to do to minimize histamine release after a "mosquito attack" and what helps particularly well against mosquito bites?
To reduce histamine release and associated symptoms, you can resort to various household remedies, ointments, etc.:
- Place half an onion on the bite: The essential oils have an anti-inflammatory effect
- Cooling: After "disinfecting" with the onion, cooling is recommended. Here you can use cold water, gel patches from the pharmacy, or a cool pack wrapped in a towel
- Antihistamine in ointment or gel form: If the symptoms cannot be relieved, you can get an ointment from the pharmacy and apply it to the affected areas. If you store the ointment or gel in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, the cooling can relieve the itching. In an emergency, an antihistamine in drop form (which is actually intended for oral intake) can also be used to rub on the bite site.
- In general, we recommend, especially in summer when mosquito bites are most common, paying attention to a strict low-histamine diet.
Lieferzeit: 2-3 Tage
Here are some natural and low-histamine tips to keep mosquitoes away:
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Citronella oil: This essential oil can be used in the form of candles or via a diffuser, especially suitable for balmy summer evenings. Mosquitoes hate the smell of this oil, but for many people, it smells pleasantly fruity.
ATTENTION: If you suffer from mast cell activation syndrome, you should try essential oils carefully. - Coconut oil: You can apply coconut oil to your skin, as mosquitoes and ticks also dislike the smell and consistency of coconut oil. For an even more intense effect, you can use coconut oil as a carrier oil and mix in some citronella. However, pay attention to your individual tolerance of essential oils on your skin and follow the manufacturer's application recommendations.
Sources
- Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung (DAZ) online: "What helps with mosquito bites?". Available at: www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de (Accessed: 06.07.2022)
- Przybilla B, Ruëff F: Insect stings: clinical features and management.
- Deutsches Ärzteblatt 2012; 109(13): 238–48. DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2012.0238
PharmaWik (2019): Mosquito bites. Available at: https://www.pharmawiki.ch/wiki/index.php?wiki=M%C3%BCckenstiche (Accessed: 06.07.2022) - ECARF (2017): Allergy to "mosquito bites" – does it exist? Available at: https://www.ecarf.org/allergie-gegen-mueckenstiche-gibt-es-das/ (Accessed: 07.07.2022)
