Differential Diagnosis for Mosquito Bite Allergy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Skeeter Syndrome: This is an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, characterized by large, itchy, and swollen lesions. It is the most common and likely diagnosis for individuals experiencing an adverse reaction to mosquito bites.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Papular Urticaria: A skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites, including mosquitoes. It presents with itchy, raised papules.
- Insect Bite Hypersensitivity: A general term for allergic reactions to insect bites, which can range from mild to severe and includes symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching.
- Contact Dermatitis: Although less common, some individuals may experience contact dermatatitis due to substances on the mosquito's saliva or other environmental factors.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Although rare in the context of mosquito bites, it is crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its potential severity.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can occur if the bite area becomes infected. It presents with redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever.
- Lymphangitis: An infection of the lymphatic vessels, which can be a complication of an infected insect bite, characterized by red streaks and swelling.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Cellulitis (Wells Syndrome): A rare condition characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the skin, which can be triggered by insect bites, among other causes.
- Bullous Pemphigoid: An autoimmune skin disease that can be triggered by insect bites in rare cases, presenting with blistering skin lesions.
- Hypersensitivity Vasculitis: A condition involving inflammation of the blood vessels due to an allergic reaction, which can be very rare in the context of mosquito bites.