Skeeter syndrome is a localized severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites, caused by allergenic polypeptides in mosquito saliva. It is characterized by inflammation, peeling skin, blistering, ulceration, and sometimes fever. Symptoms of skeeter syndrome include redness, heat, abnormal swelling surrounding the bite site, pus, and pain at the site. Skeeter syndrome may be confused with cellulitis in some cases, especially when the bites happen to young children. However, skeeter syndrome usually progresses over the course of hours, while cellulitis typically evolves over the course of several days. Clinical examination alone cannot distinguish between a response caused by infection, such as cellulitis, and skeeter syndrome. Skeeter syndrome is diagnosed by determining whether the large areas of swelling and itching occurred after mosquito bites. Since IgE and IgG are key players in mosquito allergy, diagnosis can be confirmed by an immunosorbent assay measuring IgE and IgG to mosquito saliva antigens. Taking oral cetirizine regularly has been known to help those who suffer from skeeter syndrome. In addition to oral steroids, topical steroids, and other anti-itch creams can ease the reaction. If you have a more severe case of skeeter syndrome, you may need to take systemic corticosteroids. The best way to prevent skeeter syndrome is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent and other prevention tips.