Dermatology-Online

Mosquito bite on the eye

causes

The term "mosquito bite" is in itself rather misleading, since most mosquito bites are not a bite but a bite from the mosquito.

With their special mouth parts they penetrate the skin to a blood vessel, from which they finally suck the blood with their proboscis.

As a rule, the mosquitoes always transfer a trace of their salivary secretion, which is recognized by the body as a foreign material. And it is precisely this foreign material that then leads to a local inflammatory reaction.

The eye itself is rather randomly chosen by the mosquito as the place where it bites.

diagnosis

The easiest way to make the diagnosis is with an accurate medical history.

A memory bite of a mosquito in the area of the eye with an immediate expression of the symptoms is sufficient to classify a localized inflammation as a mosquito bite.

If a bite cannot be reliably stated, the external symptoms often indicate a mosquito bite.

It is typical that one

Redness,
Swelling and
Overheating occurs only locally and circularly around the suspected puncture.

The entire eyelid only swells in the event of pronounced allergic reactions.

Possible accompanying symptoms

Accompanying symptoms can be varied with a mosquito bite.

Most often, those affected feel less or more pronounced itching in the area of the mosquito bite, which can be rated as harmless.

Accompanying symptoms that are to be taken seriously only appear in allergic reactions and are expressed in the form of a

fulminant swelling in the area of the eye up to swelling of the eye,
Shortness of breath,
Fever or
Circulatory problems such as nausea and weakness.

swelling

The swelling of the eye is usually stated as the most distressing symptom of a mosquito bite in the area of the eye, because on the one hand it visually affects the person concerned and on the other hand it can also limit his vision if the swelling leads to narrowing of the eyelid fissures.

The increase in volume of the tissue around the mosquito bite is often very pronounced, especially in the eye, since the eyelids have an optimal blood supply.

Secretion brought in by the mosquito via its mouthpiece is thus distributed very quickly and far-reaching on a lid. Due to the force of gravity, the liquid is always distributed to the lowest point, so that the upper lid in the area of the eyelashes or on the lower lid the bags under the eyes preferably show a significant swelling.

Here it helps to cool the affected area at an early stage and not to manipulate the mosquito bite any further by, for example, scratching.

Ointments should only be used in the area of the eyelids as directed by a doctor, since accidental introduction of the ointment into the conjunctival sac can lead to inflammatory reactions in the eyeball itself.

Read more on the subject under: Allergic reaction to a mosquito bite

The itching

The itching is caused by the body's own reaction of the immune system to the mosquito bite, whereby the messenger substance "histamine" plays a decisive role here.

Special cells of the immune system release it when they recognize foreign material such as the saliva secretion of a mosquito, as it serves as an "attractant" for other immune cells.

As a result, the blood vessels are widened and the required cells of the immune system can get to the desired location.

As a further effect, however, it also irritates sensitive nerve endings in the skin, which trigger the annoying feeling of itching in the affected person

Infection after a mosquito bite on the eye

An infection is understood as the penetration of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, parasites) into the body and their reproduction.

In the event of a mosquito bite, bacteria can theoretically be transmitted through the mosquito's mouthpiece. However, experience has shown that this is rather rare.

It is much more likely that parasites or viruses are transmitted in the right environment (e.g. on vacation), which lead to the development of a disease such as malaria or dengue fever.

An infection of a "normally acquired" mosquito bite is mainly caused by manual manipulation such as scratching. Scratching damages the skin barrier and pathogens on our skin can infect the sting.

Read more on the subject under: Malaria and Dengue fever.

This is how I can tell that the mosquito bite is dangerous

In general, as with any other illness, it is also important that as soon as the general condition is significantly impaired, those affected should consult a doctor.

A mosquito bite can develop

an overreaction of the immune system with a fulminant swelling up to swelling of the eyelid fissure as well as with
Fever,
Nausea or
Expressing shortness of breath.

As soon as the person concerned feels that the reaction to the mosquito bite is abnormal, they should see a doctor. Especially with regard to the onset of shortness of breath, warnings such as scratching in the throat as well as a subjective swelling of the throat must be observed and responded immediately.

Treatment and therapy

A common mosquito bite on the eye does not require any specific therapy.
Here, waiting patiently is indicated, even if those affected feel disfigured by the mosquito bite on their faces.

The use of ointments or creams in the area of the eyes is not recommended, as is covering with cosmetic products.

If components of these get into the conjunctival sac, they can lead to further inflammation of the eye itself or, in the case of cosmetics, encourage infection of the mosquito bite.

To support the healing process, local cooling can be used, which can relieve both possible pain and swelling.

Medication is only indicated in the event of an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite, whereby the severity of the allergic reaction determines the choice and combination of medication.

Antihistamines (such as ranitidine) may be sufficient for mild allergic reactions.

If severe allergic reactions up to shock occur, usually only the combination of a cortisone, an antihistamine and adrenaline, which is usually injected by the emergency doctor, helps.

Such severe allergic reactions are a minority of clinical cases.

Duration and forecast

It is impossible to predict exactly how long the symptoms of a mosquito bite will last.

In general, however, it should not last longer than a week and the symptoms should not worsen.

If after 10 days there is still minimal reddening and slight itching, the course can be awaited further, since experience has shown that the typical symptoms decrease from day to day as long as the sting is not manipulated by scratching.

However, an increase in symptoms suggests a pathological course that should be clarified by a doctor.