“I swell up like a blimp when I get a mosquito bite, I must be allergic”
“While allergic reactions can occur with stinging insects like yellow jackets, hornets, honey bees, wasps, and fire ants, they do not occur with biting insects such as mosquitoes or chiggers. Mosquito bites cause local swellings (hives) that are itchy but they are not allergic reactions. Use topical calamine or hydrocortisone ointment for itchiness and use mosquito nets and insect repellents to prevent bites.” —Chitra Dinakar, MD, director of FARE Center of Excellence at Children’s Mercy, Kansas City.
