Babies tend to get bitten by insects more frequently than adults. It is only because they are easy preys and they are not aware of these insects in their surroundings. Insects, especially mosquitoes are almost everywhere, more so outdoors where children play. But there is no way mosquito bites can be absolutely avoided. The chances can be minimized though. Parents should be more careful and vigilant of where their kids are playing, so the children are less available for mosquitoes to attack.
How Can I Treat Mosquito Bites on My Baby?
1. Treatment for Mosquito Bites on Baby
- Eliminate swelling. It happens pretty often that one catches mosquitoes biting on their children, what you should do is gently sweep that mosquito from your child’s skin and cold compress it to minimize swelling and itching. Any perfume or deodorant that contains aluminum chloride also works wonders and eases down the itch and swelling. It also shrinks the size of the bite.
- Eliminate itching. Calamine lotions come in handy for reducing itching due to mosquito bites. Also hydrocortisone lotions are used frequently for this purpose.
- Scratching should be discouraged. It is very difficult for kids to not scratch themselves when they have been bitten, but it is important that you tell your child not to do so, as scratching, sometimes, leads to skin abrasion or hypersensitivity that may increase the risk of bacterial invasion via abraded skin leading to infections. Nails should be cut short in order to prevent your kids from scratching and to minimize bacterial invasion and transmission.
- Seek doctor’s advice. If you see any signs of infections, redness, swellings, then you must seek immediate consultation from a healthcare professional. Many dangerous diseases are carried by mosquitoes that can be transmitted or contracted via mosquito bites. Usually, mosquito bites are not that harmful. But if your child is having an unlucky day, then you must know the symptoms. The symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headaches, etc. It is better to see a doctor who may run some tests to detect infections and diseases in early stages.
2. Natural Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites on Baby
Home remedies are available for almost all little things. They might or might not effect, but they have been carried on from generations to generations and people do believe in them. Some home remedies for mosquito bites are as following:
|
Natural Remedies |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Vinegar |
Due to acidic nature, vinegar can be used as an anti-septic. One should immediately try to apply vinegar to a bug bite. But if there are many bites, it is recommended to take hot water shower with at least good two to three cups of vinegar in water. Apple cider vinegar works best. |
|
Aloe vera |
Aloe vera is a quick remedy for a lot of things. In case of mosquito bites, aloe vera can provide good relief too. It can be either directly rubbed from the plant or organic juices of aloe can also be used. |
|
Water and baking soda |
Generously applying a thick paste of water and baking soda feels good to ease the itchiness and irritation. Relief from itching and pain is almost instant. |
|
Toothpaste |
Tooth paste can also be applied. Mint gives a soothing feeling which feels better on the bitten area. |
|
Raw honey |
Honey can also be applied as honey possesses anti-microbial quality that can prevent infections. |
|
Lime |
Feels tingly and burns on the bitten area but works well. It prevents infection. Lemon peels can also be rubbed for the same purpose. |
|
A dry bar of soap |
Dry soap bar can be rubbed on the infected area. It reduces itching temporarily. Soap must be washed out after a while. |
|
Paste of salt |
Salt paste can also be used. Thick paste in water can be instantly made and applied for antiseptic purposes. |
|
Oils |
Some essential oils can also help in itch relief. There is a wide range from rosemary oil to lavender to tea tree, etc. |
|
Garlic paste |
This works wonders, but kids usually do not like this as it burns a lot. The smell of garlic keeps mosquitoes away and prevents them from coming back. |
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites on Baby
Following are a few steps that can help mothers to prevent mosquito bites on their infants.
1. Dress Your Baby in Covered Clothes
Even if the weather is warm, make sure your baby is wearing protective clothing that prevents mosquitoes and other insects to bite them. Clothes that cover full arms and legs should be worn by babies.
2. Apply Insect Repellents
Insect repellents can be used on clothes of the babies. It must be made sure that such products are never used on baby’s skin as the chemicals can be harmful. DEET is present in these repellents for best protection, but it must not be used at all on babies that are under age of two months.
3. Use Mosquito Nettings
This netting can be used to cover your baby’s crib, car seat or any other thing that your baby is using. It prevents mosquitoes from getting near to the baby.
4. Keep Your Child Away from Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be found where there is stagnant water and even in wooded areas. Children must be kept away from places like these.
5. Repair Your Broken Window Screens
All windows with broken nets must be repaired. It is preferable to use fans instead of windows as the air from the fans keeps away mosquitoes too.
What If My Baby’s Allergic to Mosquito Bites?
1. Symptoms of Allergies to Mosquito Bites on Baby
The common symptoms of allergies from mosquito bites are lesions, inflammation of the bitten area, red patches, hives and lymphangitis, etc. Also anaphylaxis which brings along wheezing and swelling of the throat must be immediately checked as it can be life threatening.
It isn’t just the allergies one should be worried about when it comes to mosquito bites, but there are other concerns too such as mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases.
West Nile virus is one of the most common viruses spread by mosquitoes. The signs may include rash, fatigue, fever, headaches, light sensitivity, meningitis, neurological problems, vomiting, nausea and body aches, etc.
2. When to Seek Medical Help
You should take your child to the doctor immediately if:
- There are reactions occurring in other parts of the body too and breathing is getting heavier.
- Swelling or itching does not subside after a day’s time or even gets worst.
- The pain on the bitten area does not settle down.
- There are other things that are bothering.
