Mosquito Bites In Children: What To Do? – Being Parents

Mosquito bites are more common than you might think,  especially during the summer months. When these bites occur in children, it is necessary to pay special attention to them. They could indeed scratch to the point of hurting themselves.

In general,  children are very exposed to this type of bites because they are often outside to play. If treated, the bites should not be harmful to health, although they are extremely bothersome. The good news is that there are many ways to avoid and prevent these bites.

The body’s reaction to bites

The first thing children will notice when a mosquito bites them will be a pinch; it is the nerves in the skin that transmit this information. The mosquito precisely pierces the blood vessel and this automatically activates the coagulation of the child’s organism.

Mosquito saliva disables clotting, which the body considers to be something strange. He therefore reacts against this symptom. This then triggers the itching and inflammation known as a mosquito bite.

Usually, the mosquito bite is localized. It sometimes happens, and especially in children, that reactions far removed from the mosquito bite per se appear. The intensity of the reaction will always depend on the sensitivity of the child to the substances injected by the insect.

What to do against mosquito bites?

Usually, children do not realize when they are bitten by mosquitoes. They become aware of the situation with the symptoms of itching and swelling. In reality, children are easy prey for mosquitoes, especially when they spend many hours in the open air and in contact with nature.

When a mosquito bites a child, it  is recommended to put ice on the affected area to avoid the symptoms we have mentioned. It is also useful to apply a deodorant that is said to have aluminum chloride: this can help soothe the itching.

In addition, it is important to know that the cold puts the area of ​​the mosquito bite to sleep, calms it and prevents the terrible itching that the child feels.

After applying something cold, it is suggested to put  on calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to treat the sting. Any of these options will make the sting go away in a matter of days.

If signs of infection such as excessive swelling, pus or redness are observed, it is necessary to seek medical attention. Faced with unusual reactions, it is essential to see a doctor for an adequate consultation.

How to prevent mosquito bites in children

Preventing mosquito bites in children and adults is relatively simple. It is enough to take into account some useful points, especially for the youngest of the house, who are the ones who suffer the most from this type of bites.

One of the easiest measures to avoid the risk of bites is to control the times when the child is outside. In general, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. It is therefore recommended to control the space where children play at these times.

Another way to prevent bites is to prevent mosquitoes, just like other flying insects, from entering the house.  A good solution for this is to place mosquito nets in the house, especially in summer.

In addition,  it is essential to clean and empty any stagnant water  in the house or in the child’s environment. This is where mosquitoes reproduce the most. Therefore, if children play outside, it is necessary to ensure that there are no breeding grounds for these insects.

The most traditional way to prevent mosquito bites in children is to use some type of repellant on the skin.  As for clothes, if children are going to play in places where there will inevitably be mosquitoes, it is best to put them in a long-sleeved t-shirt and pants.

To conclude,  mosquito bites in children are common and very easy to prevent. When mosquito bites appear, the treatment is very simple and there is no need to worry: it will be enough to follow the indications to relieve the discomfort of the little one.