Beat the bite: pathophysiology and management of itch in mosquito bites

Abstract

Mosquito bites are the most common cause of acute itch in humans. The pathophysiology of itch in mosquito bites is not well understood, but 3 mechanisms have been hypothesized. These mechanisms are based on the assumption that mosquito salivary components are somehow implicated in the pruritus that results after a bite. In the first mechanism, salivary components such as histamine are said to directly induce itch via classic pruritic pathways. The second mechanism involves an IgE-dependent hypersensitivity response to salivary components. Finally, in the third mechanism, salivary components modulate an IgE-independent inflammatory response. Individuals’ susceptibility to being bitten relies on factors that may be altered by genetics, as certain immune-related loci have been associated with mosquito bite trait characteristics. Furthermore, certain disease states such as hematologic cancers and HIV may exaggerate the response to mosquito bites. Several preventative measures such as mosquito repellants should be used to prevent the bite of a mosquito, and in cases where bites cannot be avoided, most treatment options serve to relieve symptoms.