How rare are true allergic reactions to mosquito bites?

Allgergic reactions to mosquito bites?

• In the past, I would go to Hong Kong and always get bit my mosquitoes. I got bit the most. But, if I didn't scratch it, then it would go away, or just be a small red bump. But since last year, whenever I get bit by a mosquito (whether in Hong Kong or at a park in the US) it swells up like crazy. It'll hurt and swell up with a 2 inch diameter. The skin is much hotter to the touch than any other part of my body. Is this an allergic reaction? Why do I suddenly have allergic reactions to mosquito bites?

• Answer:

  All mosquito bites are basically a small allergic reaction to the mosquito saliva and you may be becoming more sensitive to the proteins in the saliva. Medically, it isn't considered an allergy unless it (1) blisters; (2) develops a widespread rash; (3) causes a very large swelling such as a good portion of an arm or a leg. Some people avoid really itchy reactions by taking OTC allergy medications such as Benadryl and Zyrtec prior to going into mosquito areas. The best thing to do is try to avoid mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and trousers and using mosquito repellents. If you begin wheezing, feel your throat tightening and have difficulty breathing, get to an ER immediately. Although rare, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock from mosquito bites.