IU opened up about a rare condition that she has been suffering from since she was a child. The global artist disclosed that she has been struggling with an incurable condition called Skeeter syndrome.
She talked about it during her latest appearance on her best friend Yoo In Na's YouTube show, Yoo In Radio. In a segment, IU was asked the question, "Would you rather hear the sound of a mosquito while sleeping or wake up covered in mosquito bites?" as translated in an article by Dipe by Dispatch.
IU admitted that while both are definitely something she'd be stirred about, it's better for her not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Obviously, it is dangerous for everyone to get mosquito bites, but it's a different and more dangerous case for IU.
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IU shares struggle with mosquito bite allergy or Skeeter Syndrome
"Both are absolutely infuriating, but I think I'd prefer not to get bitten," she said before explaining how her condition is like a "mosquito allergy."
As translated, IU elaborated, "As Yoo In Na knows, getting bitten by a mosquito leads to severe complications for me. When I get bitten, I develop large, swollen welts, sometimes so severe that I need antibiotics. The bites ooze and are painful."
For some people, mosquito bites would slowly fade without leaving a scar. But for IU, one mosquito bite could even lead to killing the tissues in her skin. "Mosquitoes always bite my face, leaving scars. Parts of my skin that were severely affected when I was younger are still damaged. Even if I poke those spots with a needle, I can't feel anything because the tissue is dead. That's why I hate mosquitoes more than cockroaches," IU added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Skeeter syndrome is an allergic reaction caused by mosquito saliva. It causes severe swelling and itchiness on one's skin after the mosquito bites. Unfortunately, the allergic reaction is not easily detected when you take a blood test—observing swelling and itchiness can only confirm if one has Skeeter syndrome. The Cleveland clinic notes that although it is a rare condition, Skeeter syndrome can affect anyone of all ages.
