Interest is growing in the 'Skeeter syndrome' that singer and actress IU confessed to suffering from since childhood.
On the 19th, IU appeared on the YouTube channel run by actress Yoo In-na and explained, “When I get bitten by a mosquito, I develop a lump like an old man with a tumor, and it bursts and becomes painful to the extent that I have to take antibiotics.”
IU said it is “a kind of mosquito allergy,” and explained, “(When I get bitten by mosquitoes) it spreads widely, turns red, swells like edema, and even blisters form.”
She continued, “When my face gets bitten like that, it leaves scars. Even now, the areas I suffered severe bites from mosquitoes in childhood have dead skin, to the point where poking it with a needle doesn't hurt.”
According to Seoul National University Hospital, it is very rare for people to show allergic reactions to mosquito bites. However, some may experience severe swelling at the bite site, sometimes with blisters and accompanied by fever. This condition is referred to as Skeeter syndrome, which IU confessed to suffering from.
Skeeter syndrome lacks a fundamental treatment beyond avoiding mosquito bites or receiving symptomatic (conservative) treatment when bitten. Experts advise that the most crucial aspect of Skeeter syndrome is ultimately not getting bitten by mosquitoes.
It is safe to seek hospital treatment as soon as symptoms appear. If not treated in time, symptoms can persist for more than 10 days. Additionally, neglecting blisters, etc., may risk secondary infection.