Your child’s reaction to mosquito bites and insect bites is greater compared to yours. This is because the reaction to these bites is larger in the early childhood stages, and lessens over time(1). To effectively manage these bites and protect them from future incidents, here’s what you need to know about mosquito and other insect bites in kids.
What are mosquito bites?
A mosquito bite commonly causes itch, redness, and swelling. This occurs when a female mosquito bites you with its mouthpart (proboscis) for the protein in your blood, used for laying eggs(2). As it sucks your blood, its saliva is injected and the proteins in the saliva trigger a response in your immune system. When inflammation and fever occur, it is deemed an allergic reaction which is called Skeeter Syndrome - a common occurrence in children(3).
Common symptoms
For mosquito bites and other insect bites, the signs and symptoms vary from an individual’s sensitivity to the insect. Some may experience the occasional itch, while others could experience more severe reactions. Adults can experience a severe reaction to a bite from an insect that they were not exposed to before. For kids, the reaction may be more significant after 2-3 days(1).
What are mosquito bites?
A mosquito bite commonly causes itch, redness, and swelling. This occurs when a female mosquito bites you with its mouthpart (proboscis) for the protein in your blood, used for laying eggs(2). As it sucks your blood, its saliva is injected and the proteins in the saliva trigger a response in your immune system. When inflammation and fever occur, it is deemed an allergic reaction which is called Skeeter Syndrome - a common occurrence in children(3).
Common symptoms
For mosquito bites and other insect bites, the signs and symptoms vary from an individual’s sensitivity to the insect. Some may experience the occasional itch, while others could experience more severe reactions. Adults can experience a severe reaction to a bite from an insect that they were not exposed to before. For kids, the reaction may be more significant after 2-3 days(1).
Mild symptoms include a light red bump that appears after a few minutes of a mosquito or insect bite. Within days, an itchy dark red bump or bumps may appear. After a few more days, a bruise-like welt or a dark spot can appear.
More significant reactions include a larger area of redness, itch, and swelling. For some, blisters also may appear. Low-grade fever can also be expected.
Severe symptoms to look out for are fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and other signs of infection. When severe symptoms appear, it is advisable to contact a doctor immediately.
Children are more sensitive to mosquito bites and other insect bites. A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, may occur in children, although rarely. When this happens, seek immediate medical attention.
Signs for anaphylaxis include(4):
- Wheezing or coughing
- Outbreak of red, itchy welts (hives) or rashes
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in breathing
- Tightness of throat resulting in difficulty in swallowing and speaking
- Swelling of lips and tongue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Treatment
Mild and significant reactions to mosquito bites and other insect bites in kids can be treated at home. For bee stings, scrape the sting out. Pulling it out with tweezers causes more poison to be injected from the lingering sting - but if ever in doubt, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. To alleviate itch and other symptoms, here’s what you can do(5)
- Avoid scratching the area. Scratching the itchy area may cause temporary relief but may result in further infection.
- Clean the bitten area with water and soap. Mosquito bites and other insect bites increase your exposure to diseases from the various germs these insects carry. Cleaning the area will reduce the chances of any infection.
- If the bite is on your arms or legs, elevate your limb. Rest with your limbs raised above your heart. This slows down the blood flow, reducing the swelling in the area.
- Apply an ice-pack or cold cloth on the area. Reduce the swelling by applying this for approximately 10 minutes or as long as needed.
- Apply anti-itch creams. Applying anti-itch or unscented moisturizers will alleviate itch and other discomforts on your mosquito bite and other insect bites. Be sure that these topical medications are prescribed by your doctor and follow the product instructions carefully. It is always best to consult your pharmacist or doctor to be absolutely sure.
Prevention is cure
To reduce the possibility of your child experiencing a mosquito bite and other insect bites, there are several measures you could adopt(6).
At home, you can install insect screens and consider using insect repellent devices. Closing the windows and screens before turning on the lights can reduce the number of insects that enter your home.
Outdoors, make sure there is no stagnant water in containers that mosquitoes can breed in. If there are pools of stagnant water, keep your kids away from playing in these areas. Securing trash bins properly will also prevent attracting insects.
Wear protective clothing. When traveling to areas with possible exposure to mosquitoes and other insects, make sure your kids’ arms and legs are covered when choosing what to wear. Insect repellent can also be sprayed on their clothing.
References:
- Insect bites and stings (2018). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://www.rch.org.au/ kidsinfo/fact_sheets/ Insect_bites_and_stings/
- Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment (2020). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html
- Mosquito bites - Symptoms and causes (2020). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310
- Insect Bites and Insect Stings (2018). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/insect-bites-stings
- Anaphylaxis in Infants and Children (2019). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/ Anaphylaxis.aspx
- Prevent Mosquito Bites (2019). Retrieved on September 2, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
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