Mosquito Bites In Babies – Causes, Remedies, Treatment and Prevention

Sometimes, mosquito bites can cause serious diseases to the baby. Mosquito bites cannot be completely avoided, but prevented to a large extent, and as parents, you will need to be proactive and vigilant.

Look for the following signs/symptoms of mosquito bites and how to protect your baby from those pesky brutes:

• Swelling on the skin
• Small red bump
• Dark spots may appear a day or two after being bitten
• An elevated area with a pronounced white center and red dot
• Scratching by the infant indicative of itching

Seek immediate medical attention if below mentioned aggravated symptoms appear

• Rashes
• Swollen neck
• Severe itching
• Swelling of lips
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Bumps turn to blister or contain pus

Causes Of Mosquito Bites In Infants

Young children are attacked more by mosquitoes because they make easy prey and are not aware of how to deal with them. Plus, they are sweet too! The most common reasons children often get bitten by mosquito bites are:

• Uncovered body parts The exposed parts of your infant’s body are the main targets for mosquitoes. Dress him in loose, light-colored full sleeves, pajamas, and socks
• Unhygienic environment Get rid of stagnant water bodies or flower vases and decorative petal pans filled with water. Keep the garbage cans closed or dispose of them quickly
• Uncovered food Food attracts everyone – and their sight and smell attract mosquitoes. Keep food covered. Use exhaust fans/ventilators. Kitchen hygiene must be maintained at the highest levels when you have an infant at home
• Dampness Avoid watering plants, particularly during the evening. Keep away wet clothes or towels. See to it that the roof is not leaking or the cement is not coming off
• Decorative waterfalls They look amazing in your porch with beautiful flashing lights and the peaceful sound of gushing water, but these may turn out to be one of those horrendous breeding hideouts
• Sweat Don’t let sweat sit on your little one, wipe it immediately. Mosquitoes are attracted to the warmth and smell. Keep a soft towel handy
• Perfumed creams and lotions Baby creams/powders/lotions containing perfume invite mosquitoes. Opt for non-aromatic creams

How Can I Treat Mosquito Bites On My Baby?

Treating mosquito bites in babies would involve 3 basic steps as enlisted below:

Swelling

Once the baby is bitten, the area would swell, so you would need to eliminate swelling in the first go. A cold compress works rather fine, and so does perfume or deodorant that contains aluminum chloride. This will help in reducing the itch caused by the mosquito bite as well as the size of the bite.

Itching

Mosquito bites are itchy, and it is difficult to keep from scratching. These insects feast on our blood and then leave residual saliva on the skin, which causes itching. You can use calamine lotions readily available in the house to reduce and eliminate itching. You will also need to discourage scratching (that’s actually the tough part). Cut your child’s nails shorter so that he cannot scratch the bite area thus minimizing infections.

See The Doctor

Signs of infections, redness, swelling, fever, vomiting, or nausea indicate a serious underlying condition, and you should seek your doctor’s advice as soon as possible

Remedies For Mosquito Bites and Stings in Infants

Following are some of the effective remedies for mosquito bites in babies:

• Antihistamine cream You can apply mild anti-histamine creams that are available over the counter to the infected areas. This will reduce swelling and itching. For young babies, it would be wise to consult the doctor.
• Roll-on deodorant containing aluminum chloride It is helpful and easy to carry in a purse. Use it only in an emergency!
• Aspirin paste  Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and combats infection. Crush a few aspirin tablets with water and apply the paste to bites.
• Listerine Listerine mouthwash, particularly the menthol flavored can be diluted and dabbed with cotton overbites. This has a cooling effect and soothes the itch.
• Calamine Applying calamine lotion on the bites will pacify itchiness
• Hydrocortisone cream/gel Cream/gel containing 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied up to 4 times a day or as per the instructions.

It’s better to consult the pediatrician before applying antibiotic creams, especially if there is any discharge or blisters. Again, if there are too many bites, it’s best to consult a medic since it may become terribly itchy and infected!

Natural Remedies To Treat Mosquito Bites In Babies

In addition to Vaseline and toothpaste, tea tree oil, lemon, onion, and mint leaves are also effective remedies. Although these may sting a bit, they are antiseptic and work favorably to distract your little one from itching.

Here are some effective and safe home remedies for mosquito bites in babies:

• Simply refrigerate a dampened green tea bag and then apply it to the affected area. It is soothing and effectively calms down the itching
• Apply ice to the bite to reduce swelling and irritation. Wrap ice cubes in a soft cloth and hold it over the bite
• Wet a clean soft cloth, wring out excess water and hold it with pressure on the bite. This provides instant, but temporary relief.
• Rub the inner side of a banana peel on the site. It is an effective measure against mosquito bites and itching.

Preventing Mosquito Bites and Stings In Babies

Your infant may ignore the repeated warnings to cease scratching those bites, it will be better to clip his nails so as to prevent any infections from scratching. Also, practice the following preventive measures against mosquito bites and stings in babies.

• Mosquito net The good old net is so far the best and safest method of warding off mosquitoes. Buy a good-quality mosquito net. First, shoo away any mosquitoes around your baby’s crib, place you, baby, in the crib, and tuck in the net tightly.
• Citronella oil  This oil is a common ingredient in repellents. Best to apply 2-3 drops of citronella oil on the exposed parts of your baby.
• Eucalyptus leaves/Neem leaves Burn these leaves in the room before going to the bed or wrap them in a muslin cloth at appropriate corners of the house.
• Swatter Since your child is an easy target, educate him about mosquitoes. Help him use the swatter as a fun game
• Table fan The strong blow of air will keep away the mosquitoes. Direct fan towards your baby from an appropriate distance.
• Child-friendly repellents Use mosquito repellents – but use them sparingly. Lay your hands on the mosquito repellent bands, badges, and creams like Odomos, Vicks, and Avon Skin So Soft.  These are relatively safe for children.
• Spray repellents on clothes Spraying repellents containing DEET/permethrin (in safe amounts containing up to 30% DEET) on the clothes/bedding/net will fend off mosquitoes.
• Dress baby in light-colored clothes Dark colors invites mosquitoes.
• Ban their entry Close doors and windows during the evening to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Seek your child’s doctors’ advice if you notice any redness, swelling, or signs of infections, which can be indicative of dangerous diseases that mosquitoes often carry. So protect your child from mosquitoes and let him enjoy his childhood without any irritating buzzing and bites!