Summer is a favorite time of year for many, because it is a time for vacations, vacations, trips and outdoor recreation. But the fauna is also “walking” at this time: insects come out to bask in the sun and chew leaves from your garden, and all sorts of small living creatures climb, crawl and fly into the house. But the biggest nuisance is the mosquitoes! Of course, everyone has encountered mosquito and midge bites, but the smallest members of the family suffer the most from them.
Young children have very thin and sensitive skin, so every mosquito bite results in a large blister for them. The whole thing also mercilessly itches and hurts, which adds trouble to both the baby and the parents, who are trying with all their might to alleviate the suffering of their child. We will tell you further how to help a child with a mosquito bite at home, as well as what folk remedies are used for this.
Mosquito on human skin
Are mosquito bites dangerous?
When a mosquito bites, it pierces a person's skin, thereby causing unpleasant sensations. Male mosquitoes feed on plant sap and therefore do not attack humans. And female mosquitoes need protein to reproduce. They consume it from the blood of animals and people.
The mosquito chooses places with thin skin and nearby blood vessels to bite.
When bitten, the female mosquito salivates under the skin. Saliva contains anticoagulants. These are substances that interfere with blood clotting and also cause itching, redness, swelling, and in some cases a rash. Some people are more sensitive to mosquito bites.
They may experience the following symptoms:
- Blisters appear at the site of the bite, up to 10mm in diameter
- The bitten area itches for a day or more
- Body temperature may be elevated for several days
- Swelling may occur and the bite site may be painful when touched.
- Sometimes a skin rash occurs, the spots spread beyond the damaged area of the skin
Mosquitoes have no poison, so poisoning from a bite is impossible.
However, a person may experience allergies. An even more serious danger is diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Only certain types of mosquitoes carry infections.
Features of culicidosis
If during a normal body reaction the bites go away on their own in three days or less, then with culicidosis they may not go away for a month. Moreover, lumps from several bites can join together and form single huge papules. Such lumps can be huge in area, swollen and very painful.
As a rule, an acute allergic reaction to mosquito bites appears already in childhood. A sudden reaction may indicate changes in the body, such as a malfunction of a particular organ or the presence of a parasitic infection.
Prevention of scratching
Immediately after a mosquito bite, swelling and redness and severe itching appear on the body. The last symptom makes a person scratch the wound, especially if it concerns a child. The itching is so strong and annoying that you have to scratch several times to get relief. However, by such actions the victim only harms himself and his health.
On a note!
To avoid scratching the wound to a dangerous state, you should initially perform one simple task - treat the mosquito bite. An antiseptic disinfects the wound, prevents infection, stops the inflammatory process, relieves swelling, and stops the allergic reaction.
Pharmaceutical preparations and folk remedies are used as a disinfectant against mosquito bites for children and adults.
- Ammonia alcohol, boric alcohol, ammonia.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Any alcohol tincture of medicinal herbs - motherwort, calendula, valerian.
- Tea tree oil.
- Juice of aloe vera, plantain, cucumber, lemon, potato, celandine, dandelion.
- Table vinegar solution.
- Baking soda.
- Laundry soap.
- Toothpaste.
On a note!
To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is also recommended to wash the mosquito bite site with cold or hot water. If you don’t have anything at hand, you can use your own saliva, which is a strong natural antiseptic.
What to use for little ones
Many pharmaceutical products are simply not designed for babies under one year old, so at this age it is better to focus on preventing insect bites. In addition, before one year of age, children are prone to allergies. This means that any means used to treat the unpleasant consequences of mosquito bites must be completely safe for them.
And here, again, proven folk methods come to the rescue. Using the above methods, especially applying herbal compresses, may well give the baby long-awaited relief. But we advise you not to experiment with applying toothpaste and vinegar to the skin of babies under one year old.
This short video explains why mosquito bites itch.
Allergy with secondary infection
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include widespread inflammation, large red spots, swelling, persistent itching, bumps, and additional rash. Treatment should be with antihistamines and antiallergic drugs. In the absence of proper treatment, the itching does not stop, which forces a person to constantly scratch. As a result, an infection gets into the wound and it begins to fester.
Signs of the development of pathogenic microflora are pus, weeping eczema, ulcers. Treatment should be with local antibiotics or combination drugs containing an antibacterial substance, a hormonal antiallergic substance.
- Levomekol. Broad-spectrum antibiotic with an immunostimulating effect. Eliminates painful symptoms, stimulates tissue regeneration. It is allowed to fix it with a plaster and apply it under bandages. Treat scratched mosquito bites up to 4 times a day. Allowed for use by children under 1 year of age. The cost of the ointment is 148 rubles.
- Methyluracil. The antibiotic is used for poorly healing wounds, the presence of ulcers, and purulent lesions. The wound should be anointed with a thin layer, touching the healthy epidermis by a few millimeters. Children are allowed to use after 1 year. Do not use for longer than 5 days without consulting a specialist. The cost of the drug is 53 rubles.
- Elokom S. The combined medication contains an antibiotic, a hormone of the glucocorticosteroid group, and salicylic acid. Quickly eliminates an allergic reaction, destroys pathogenic microflora, stimulates the restoration of the skin. Mosquito bites with purulent ulcers and a large area of damage disappear in a couple of days. Apply the medicine twice a day. Price 85 rub.
If a child has scratched a bite to a wound, the situation cannot be left without due attention. In the absence of qualified therapy, symptoms will begin to intensify.
A contraindication to the use of the drug is the presence of individual intolerance. Side effects occur with prolonged uncontrolled use. If there is an infection, it is prohibited to use antiallergic drugs with the exception of combination drugs.
On a note!
A mosquito will not bite if you drop a few drops of essential oil of geranium, lavender, mint, citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus onto your body. An effective mosquito repellent is baby cream with vanilla. Drives bloodsuckers away up to 5 meters.
Treatment with medications
When you observe an excessive reaction in your child to skin damage from an insect bite, and in addition, any part of them has become well swollen, it is recommended to use pharmaceutical medications. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Gels and ointments are easy to use, penetrate perfectly into the pores of the skin, make it possible to reduce swelling and alleviate the baby’s condition. Ibuprofen and Naproxen have proven themselves well. They work great at eliminating inflammation and reducing swelling. You can buy drugs such as Hydroxyzine, Diphenhydramine, and Chlorpheniramine without a doctor’s prescription.
Among the products that have good antihistamine properties are Tavegil, Fenistil drops, and Suprastin. They are indicated and often prescribed by a doctor when there is an increase in the bite area and there is a local reaction to damage to the skin. Children's ointment "Bepanten plus", gel "Fenistil", suspension "Tsindol" also work effectively. You can lubricate the damaged area with both “Calamine lotion” and “Savior”. Manufacturers are concerned that such products are harmless to children and at the same time effective. For local treatment, it is even permissible to use Valocordin or Corvalol.
Today in pharmacies there is no shortage of special children's medications, in the convenient form of sprays, pencils, balms, which will become faithful assistants for adults in relieving their children of the discomfort caused by annoying insects. Most medications are designed so that you can take them with you when going on the road or for a walk.
Treatment of scratching without severe allergies
Mosquito venom causes severe itching. To cope with it, a person begins to scratch the wound. It is especially difficult for a child to overcome such a desire. As a result, droplets of blood appear, a clear liquid. The bite site should be immediately rinsed with cold water and treated with one of the pharmaceutical preparations.
- Balm, pencil or patch “Golden Star”.
The products contain petroleum jelly, paraffin, essential oils, eucalyptus, mint, cloves, and have no contraindications other than individual intolerance to the components. After application, the skin feels a slight tingling sensation, strong cooling, and the itching goes away immediately. Children and adults can treat the wound up to 4 times a day. Cream "Boro Plus". The composition of the drug includes aloe, sandalwood. They relieve itching and inflammation if a child scratches a mosquito bite until it becomes very red. Boro Plus is suitable for children of any age. It should be applied pointwise up to 4 times a day. - Balm “Rescuer”. The product has a fatty consistency and has a regenerating, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. It contains refined naftalan oil, sea buckthorn, lavender, tea and sandalwood oils, turpentine, beeswax, and vitamins. The balm should not be used together with other antiseptics (for example, iodine, hydrogen peroxide) to avoid an unwanted chemical reaction. For babies, you should purchase the “Children's Rescuer” balm. It can be used from birth.
If a child scratches a mosquito bite without causing an infection, the wound must be treated within 5 days. As the severity of symptoms decreases, the number of procedures is gradually reduced from 4 to 1 per day.
Preventive recommendations
On the eve of the summer season, responsible parents prepare ointments, preparations and substances for their child that can help cope with redness and itching. Additionally, preventive measures are carried out:
- Mosquito nets are installed on window and door structures.
- Fumigators are installed in rooms and in recreation areas against mosquitoes for children, which are equipped with plates or containers with a special solution. It is better to choose a fumigator that is included in the children's series. There is information on the forums about what you can use.
- In order for the little one to be able to spend time near a river or at a summer cottage, it is necessary to use special clothes that are made from natural materials.
- For additional protection, repellent compounds are used, the aroma of which is poorly tolerated by blood-sucking insects and other pests. In this case, you should use hypoallergenic drugs.
- To protect the summer cottage and children, natural repellents are used. These include tomato bushes and tansy.
- When going on vacation, you need to prepare a first aid kit in advance. It should include products that can be used to treat bitten areas. It is advisable to add creams and gels to the composition, with which you can lubricate redness. Modern medications help cope with problems such as acne.
The likelihood that a baby will be bitten by a blood-sucking pest is high. Therefore, all parents should prepare in advance the ointments and medications that are necessary for first aid.
For additional protection, use special devices and portable devices. Particularly popular are straps that come with plates or removable cartridges. Such products are produced by various companies. Therefore, each parent will be able to choose a strap of a certain shade, which is complemented by a clasp or fasteners. They are comfortable to wear as they are lightweight and easy to operate.
Medical supplies
The civilized way to solve the problem is to go to the pharmacy and buy medicine that will help against various mosquito bites.
Pills
We will need allergy pills, especially if the reactions are severe, there are a lot of bites and they itch so much that it is unbearable. Cetirizine-based products work quickly, but be sure to read the instructions and check the contraindications before using them.
At the pharmacy, the pharmacist will recommend antihistamine ointments based on dimethindene. If you have already scratched yourself, take ointment with dexpanthenol to help the wounds heal faster.
Patch
Useful in case of nasty reactions, when a mosquito bite swells into a bubble, ready to burst. The patch will cover the irritated area, protect it from dirt and from your nails.
Antiseptic
Alcohol hand sanitizer is a quick way to relieve itching. It will reduce inflammation and at the same time disinfect scratches.
Essential oil
Tea tree oil, which dries the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, will also help against mosquito bites.
Aspirin
If you have no contraindications to aspirin, crush the tablet, add a drop of water and make a paste, which should be applied to the bite.
How to help a child?
The eyelid can also swell in children. They endure mosquito bites much more severely. In addition, the child practically cannot restrain himself when the bitten area itches and scratches it. Thus, the condition worsens.
The child’s body reacts differently to anticoagulants that enter the bloodstream along with mosquito saliva:
- Local allergy - swelling subsides after a day, and the diameter of the swelling does not exceed 10 cm.
- A mild degree is accompanied by an increase in temperature and rashes.
- A serious condition will be indicated by manifestations in the form of nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock, and vascular collapse.
If you have the slightest allergic reaction, you should immediately show your child to a doctor.
What to do if a child suffers from mosquito bites in the eye? How to relieve your baby from painful sensations in a short time:
- Use cold water or a piece of ice to wipe the eyelid.
- You should definitely use Albucid (Sulfacil) drops.
- You cannot do without antihistamines.
Thus, the remedies listed above will help solve the problem: soda solution, Aloe Vera gel, antipruritic agents.
There are many ways you can protect yourself from unwanted bites.
But if this happens, it is important to immediately begin treating the inflammation. The main thing is to be patient and let the swelling go away without scratching.
Home and folk remedies
It's scary to realize this, but sometimes they work no worse than pharmacy ones. Lifehacker has already written that it will help with a mosquito bite, here are more options.
Cold water and ice
The reaction to a bite is often accompanied by swelling, the area swells and hurts. Periodically soak the bite site in cool water or apply ice. This will help reduce redness, remove the bump, and cope with the itching.
Warm water and hot towel
Oddly enough, both cold and heat help with itching. Therefore, a warm shower will help if there are a lot of bites. In the shower, use regular soap and do not touch the washcloth so as not to injure the skin, and apply a warm compress from an ironed towel to very itchy areas.
Soda
Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of warm water and apply this solution with cotton wool to the bite areas. You can make a small cotton compress.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains over 130 active substances and over 30 amino acids that are beneficial for the skin. It is also a natural antiseptic, which means it is great for relieving the itching and swelling of mosquito bites. It helps reduce pain, itching and swelling, in addition to speeding up the healing process.
Keep your aloe vera plant handy, tear off one of the leaves, and apply the juice directly to the bite.
Honey
Numerous scientific studies support the medicinal value of raw honey (not the kind you find in a cute plastic bottle with a teddy bear). Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for many natural home remedies.
When it comes to soothing itchy bites, honey is a great pain reliever. Place a drop on the mosquito bite to experience almost instant relief. Apply as often as needed until itching and swelling subsides.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural mosquito bite repellent that helps reduce swelling and soothe itching and also prevents swelling. If you are bitten, apply crushed garlic directly to the bite area. Leave the garlic paste on for a few minutes and then wash it off.
Ice
Another simple yet effective way to achieve natural relief from an itchy bite. Cold therapy soothes the nerves that cause itching and pain so you don't feel either.
The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation at the site of the bite, which reduces swelling, providing immediate relief. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes.
Apple vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a common natural remedy for many problems, including natural relief from mosquito bite itching. It has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent disinfectant and soothes the itching of mosquito bites.
Simply soak a cotton swab in vinegar and apply it to the bite.
Lemon or lime juice
Many acids can help relieve itching, and lemon or lime juice is no exception. Citrus fruits have natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anesthetic properties, making them quite useful as a natural remedy for mosquito bites.
Simply cut a lemon in half and rub the pulp over the bite area for instant relief. Drinking the juice also helps reduce the chance of developing an infection. However, do not use lemons as a preventative measure before going outside.
Not only is this ineffective, but applying citrus juices to your skin when exposed to sunlight can cause blisters.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, which needs to be boiled and not just poured with boiling water, will help. The flakes must be ground into dust in a coffee grinder or blender, mixed with water and made into a thick paste. Apply it to the bite areas and wash off after 10–12 minutes.
Tea brewing
It is most convenient to apply a bag to the bite, which has previously been squeezed out and cooled.
Plantain
Seriously, plantain. Or basil, which is now much easier to find in the kitchen than plantain on the side of the road. The leaf should be washed, chopped or crushed (it works well in a blender), and the green mass should be spread on the bite areas. When you don't have time to do this, crush the leaf in your hand to release a little juice to the surface and apply it to the bite.
Sources
- https://inet-health.ru/ukus-komara/
- https://dou99.ru/infektsii/rebenok-raschesal-ukus-komara-zanes-infektsiyu
- https://apest.ru/komary/ukusy-komarov/raschesannyj-ukus-komara/
- https://notklop.ru/komary/ukusy-komarov/raschesannyj-ukus-komara/
- https://jota.su/allergiya-na-ukusy-nasekomyh/raschesal-ukus-komara.html
- https://Lifehacker.ru/komarinye-ukusy/
- https://stranasovetoff.ru/kak-snyat-zud-ot-ukusov-komarov-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
What actions should you avoid?
It is forbidden to use alcohol-containing liquids or preparations such as “Stars” for the eyes. They can cause irreversible damage to the corneal layer and burns. Such drugs work well if the bite is located on other parts of the body, but not on the eyes. Also, you should not wash your eyes with household chemicals; the exception is simple soap. You should not use antibiotics or hormone-containing drugs without medical advice.
Do not scratch or rub the wound. The baby is put on special protective mittens so that he cannot scratch the bitten area. You cannot postpone going to the doctor and treatment if the bite fell directly on the conjunctiva, the eye is completely swollen, if the child’s general condition has changed, he has become lethargic, and also if the swelling of the child’s eyelid does not go away and the eye is swollen even more than on the day bite.
"Grandma's" advice
Several recipes to help a child who has been bitten by a small midge, after which the eye is swollen:
- Rub a few mint petals, washed in clean water, with your fingers and carefully apply the resulting paste around the bite site.
- To relieve swelling of the eyes in the bite area, apply cabbage leaves, plantain petals or parsley to it. They also help relieve itching.
- It is possible to make a lotion from parsley juice so that the eyelid does not itch so much and does not swell even more, so that the hyperemia and swelling go away. To do this, you will need to finely chop fresh, washed greens and squeeze out the juice. Soak a piece of bandage in the resulting liquid and apply it around the eye if it is swollen.
Drugs should not get into the eyes. The use of improvised means does not eliminate the need to seek specialist advice. The doctor will examine the baby’s eye and prescribe appropriate treatment for the bite.
