IU reveals battle with Skeeter Syndrome since childhood

South Korean singer and actress IU recently opened up about her lifelong battle with Skeeter syndrome, an incurable allergic reaction to mosquito bites, during an appearance on actress Yoo In Na's YouTube show, Yoo In Radio.

When asked whether she’d prefer hearing a mosquito while sleeping or waking up covered in bites, IU candidly explained why mosquito bites pose serious health risks for her.

"As Yoo In Na knows, getting bitten by a mosquito leads to severe complications for me," IU shared. "When I get bitten, I develop large, swollen welts, sometimes so severe that I need antibiotics. The bites ooze and are painful."

She elaborated on the long-term effects, noting that mosquito bites on her face have left permanent scars and areas of dead tissue that have lost sensation. "Parts of my skin that were severely affected when I was younger are still damaged. That’s why I hate mosquitoes more than cockroaches," she added.

Skeeter syndrome, according to Cleveland Clinic, is a severe localized allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Symptoms include intense inflammation, swelling, and in some cases, difficulty moving.