My skin massively overreacts to mosquito bites

[EvangelicalAboutButteredToast]

Is anything I can do to speed up the healing process. The time line is I get bitten, usually on the leg, then I have days of low level throbbing and itching as it gets bigger and redder. Then it takes weeks to slowly calm down and fade away. It’s so unsightly i usually have to cover it with a plaster.

I never itch it. I just hate the time line of the thing. Probably get bitten three or four times a year.

I'm the same. Went on a a school trip years ago and had to stay in bed for two days slathered in calamine. That was Denmark.

I also got terribly bitten in Corfu.

There is definitely a hormone link. DH never even gets bitten. It's like they heat seek me. My reactions were worst when I was a teen and now they are getting bad again.

I have to use Smidge if I go into our garden early evening, otherwise the little bastards find me every time.

Agree with pps. I gave "skeeter syndrome" - suddenly onset in my mid 20s! I use smidge, one of those band things. Avon skin so soft (I couldn't tell you if this works I just use everything out of sheer desperation tbh!)

Then anti histamines (fexofenadine up to 4 times a day as per my dr), hydrocortisone cream (not convinced this does anything)

The bug bite thing. Really you need to use it immediately.

Also have used cream to prevent infection... because drs thought infected every time but I don't think it actually was infected. And also aloe Vera for soothing and arnica for swelling.

Tbh they still hurt, swell, sometimes blister, bruise and last ages but who knows if it would be worse if I didn't do all these things.

Also long sleeves and trousers don't work for me. Frequently get bitten through leggings.

Anthisan cream made them worse. I'm also allergic to lanoline! It's also in camillosan and made breastfeeding another layer of awfulness until I read the packet.

Which antihistamine tablets do people recommend? Looks like the OTC options are cetirizine or loratadine - which should I go for? Or should I ask my GP to prescribe something?

I take cetirizine and it's pretty good but doesn't help extreme skin reaction. The GP just prescribed the one that begins with an F (big long name with fs and xs...) to try and get rid of a plaster rash and it does seem better at that but is worse at the hay fever bit.

Oh yeah - fexofenadine! Mentioned upthread!

Makes me feel a bit sick, though.

I usually take one of each to cover all bases.

You can get fexofenadine otc. I think it's trial and error tho some seem to work better for some people than others I've found.

I find the heat cure is the only thing that stops the unbearable itching. I get a teaspoon and pour boiling water on it or heat it on the gas ring. It needs to be as hot as you can bear without burning yourself, there’s a definite skill to it. But you need to put the back of the hot spoon on the bite and hold it there for 10-20 seconds. You literally feel the relief there and then if you do it right. Something to do with killing the enzymes or something, I dunno but it works.

this may have already been mentioned, but the electronic devices are superb.
I survived camping in Scotland with one of these:
https://amzn.eu/d/0dfZBVmp

I live in a mozzie ridden area and react similarly although it's got much better in recent years. Prevention better than cure obvs so cover up before dusk. DEET on exposed areas. Ignore the recommendations for Avon SSS it's pointless. Keep windows closed and put on as many fans as possible where you sleep. They can't land in a breeze

If you do get bitten then resist all urges to scratch. Heat treatment kills the itch: hairdryer works best for me so point hairdryer on hot onto bite until you can't stand it. Move hairdryer away and repeat about 5 to 10 times. Itch will disappear. Anthisan not much use but antihistamines yes but layer on all the treatments I say.

100% this

this device is amazing. It’s a bit hurty for worth the 10 seconds of discomfort. I get same issue as OP and it is the ONLY thing that works.

Please can I ask which kind of vitamin B you're all finding useful? Is it a vitamin B complex? I am tempted to try it as I react badly to bites as well.

The heat pens are excellent but you need to carry it around with you and use it immediately on a fresh bite to stop the reaction

I take mine with me wherever I go, they are no bigger than a lipstick. I'd rather that than suffer for weeks from a bite. They are also very effective for swimmer's itch.

Mine does the same, I take antihistamine but the only thing I’ve found that calms it right down and cools the burning is a mixture of bicarb and water. Make into a paste and leave it on there for about 10 mins a couple of times a day. It takes the heat and itch out.

I remember getting into a hot bath three months post holiday in Portugal and a mozzie bite rearing it's head again as if a new bite . Itching like crazy. 🙈

Every time I go on holiday I get an injection to prevent an adverse reaction to bites. Works a treat, costs €50

I usually get bitten very badly and they swell up and weep. I've found that applying tea tree oil to bites helps soothe the itching.

That really interesting to read - DS is allergic to lanoline - the bf creams were an issue when bf him as well.

He doesn't react to bites really but I would probably have given it to him if he did - well now I won't. So a huge thanks for pointing that out to me.

Where from and what are you injected with?

I'm allergic to lanolin too. It's quite common.

I'm the same OP. Antihistamines do nothing. The only thing that works for me is running just-boiled water on the back of a teaspoon, then pressing the back of the teaspoon onto the bite (yes it hurts). I have to do it as soon as possible after getting bitten.