Wissenswertes

Mosquito bites in a histamine intolerance

Especially in summer, we struggle with the discomfort and allergic reactions of insect bites. One topic that almost always comes up is mosquito bites .

In this article, we will 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 when a mosquito bites?

Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes . These insects use a proboscis to suck blood from our skin. The blood is needed for their own egg production and reproduction . The local reactions triggered in humans are due to the protein composition of the mosquito's saliva.

Saliva's function is to numb the tissue around the injection site and inhibit blood clotting. An immediate-type reaction to these proteins is observed in 75% of the population .

The foreign proteins in 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 affects the overall histamine level.

The release of histamine following a mosquito bite causes the subsequent formation of wheals and itching. These wheals are typically about 1 cm in diameter.

In people with particularly sensitive mast cells or an increased number of mast cells (MCAS/mastocytosis), such immune reactions can be significantly intensified , resulting in the release of a particularly large amount of histamine.

If a person has a histamine intolerance or similar condition, a mosquito bite can have significantly stronger effects, depending on their sensitivity, and can even be dangerous. Due to its triggering effect, it can lead to intensified symptoms and reactions caused by the resulting histamine surge . Possible symptoms include:

  • Swelling at the injection site (wheal formation)
  • severe itching
  • severe skin reddening
  • Circulatory problems and drop in blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal problems
mosquito

What does an allergic reaction to mosquito bites look like?

A "true" allergy to mosquito bites is an IgE-mediated allergy in which antibodies are produced against mosquito saliva. However, this is quite rare. Precise studies on its prevalence are not yet available. Diagnosing such a mosquito bite allergy is also difficult, as only a few allergens in mosquito saliva have been identified so far.

Allergies to stings from insects such as honeybees, paper wasps, hornets, or bumblebees are far more common. These are triggered by the insects' venom, known as hymenopteran venom. It contains potentially allergenic peptides as well as specific major allergens.

An immunological cross-reaction to allergens in bee and wasp venom is possible in the presence of 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 cases of severe allergic reactions, treatment with cortisone-containing ointments, antihistamines, and possibly antibiotics is necessary. Be sure to consult your doctor about this.

Now the question arises:

What can be done 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 use various home remedies, ointments, etc.:

  • Place half an onion on the sting: The essential oils have an anti-inflammatory effect.
  • Cooling : After "disinfecting" with the onion, cooling is recommended. You can use cold water, gel plasters from the pharmacy, or a cooling pad wrapped in a towel.
  • Antihistamine in ointment or gel form: If the symptoms persist, you can get an ointment from the pharmacy and apply it to the affected areas. Storing the ointment or gel in the refrigerator for 20 minutes can help relieve the itching. In an emergency, an antihistamine in drop form (which is actually intended for oral use) can also be rubbed onto the sting site.
  • In general, we recommend paying attention to a strict low-histamine diet , especially during the summer months when mosquito bites are most common.
Good to know: In summer, the heat can also be a strong trigger for histamine intolerance. Since sun exposure and high temperatures can't always be completely avoided, a low-histamine diet is very important.

Here are a few more natural and low-histamine tips to keep mosquitoes away:

  • Citronella oil: This essential oil can be used in candles or via a diffuser, and is particularly well-suited for balmy summer evenings. Mosquitoes hate the smell of this oil, but many people find it pleasantly fruity.
    WARNING: If you suffer from mast cell activation syndrome , you should try essential oils cautiously.
  • Coconut oil: You can apply coconut oil to your skin, as mosquitoes and ticks dislike its smell and consistency. For an even stronger effect, you can use coconut oil as a carrier oil and mix in some citronella. However, be sure to check your individual skin tolerance to essential oils and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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Sources

  • German Pharmacists' Journal (DAZ) online: "What helps with mosquito bites?". Available at: www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de (accessed: July 6, 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: July 6, 2022)
  • ECARF (2017): Allergy to “mosquito bites” – does it exist? Available at: https://www.ecarf.org/allergie-gegen-mueckenstiche-gibt-es-das/ (Accessed: July 7, 2022)

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