5 Effective Tips To Treat Mosquito Bites In Toddlers

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Mosquito bites in toddlers are common, and the itching annoyance these bites cause can irritate your toddler significantly. These bites may sometimes cause severe infections, such as malaria, dengue feverⁱXA mosquito-borne viral disease that causes a high fever and acute pain in the joints. , and West Nile EncephalitisⁱXAn infectious disease characterized by brain inflammation caused by the West Nile Virus. (1).

Additionally, scratching the irritating bites might result in boils, scarring, and scabbingⁱXThe dried crusty surface of a healing skin wound. . Therefore, prevention is the best approach, and you must take precautions to keep your toddler safe from mosquito bites.

This post explains all you need to know about mosquito bites, including recognizing them in toddlers and steps to protect them.

9 Ways To Protect Your Toddler From Mosquito Bites

You need to protect your toddler from mosquito bites. Here is what you can do (2) (3):

1. Use protective clothing that covers their arms and legs. Wearing socks is also a good idea to protect them from the bites.

2. Make your toddler wear light colored clothes and avoid flowery prints to keep away the mosquitoes.

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3. Rather than applying insect repellent on their body directly, you can apply it on the clothes and rub gently. The repellents you use must contain eucalyptus oil, picaridin, or geraniol. It must not come in contact with their hands and eyes.

4. You must never rub DEET products on the clothes of your toddler. The chemicals can cause potential harm to their skin.

5. Using a mosquito net at home is a good practice that you should follow. You can keep one handy in your car and carry it wherever you go.

6. Keep your toddler away from areas that have too many mosquitoes. Stagnant water and woody regions are highly inhabited by these pesky insects. Keep your toddler away from motionless water.

7. You must look out for empty garbage cans, unused toys or portable pool for your toddler that are also suitable breeding grounds.

8. If you have broken window seals, repair them. Keep the doors and windows closed if you face the problem of mosquitoes where you live. Use a fan or an air conditioner instead.

9. You must be particularly vigilant with your preventive techniques during dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Quick tip

If you are using sunscreen on your toddler, make sure to apply it before the insect repellant (2).

6 Effective Tips To Treat Mosquito Bites In Toddlers

Toddlers usually become an easy target for mosquitoes to bite. Here is what you can do while treating mosquito bites in toddlers (4) (5).

1. If you find your toddler scratching the affected area, apply ice to prevent swelling and itchiness.

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2. You can also apply a roll-on deodorant containing aluminum chloride.

3. To treat the bite, you may also apply calamineⁱXAn OTC topical ointment used for relieving itching, pain, and skin irritation. lotion.

4. Continuous scratching may cause fingernails to break into the skin and cause growth of bacteria. So ask your toddler not to scratch it.

5. In case you find any signs of infection like pus, redness and swelling, call the doctor.

Experts say

According to the CDC, applying a paste of baking soda and water may relieve the itch caused by mosquito bites (4).

Symptoms Of Allergies From Mosquito Bites

Some of the common symptoms of allergies that you should look for are as follows (5) (6):

• Anaphylaxis (rare)ⁱXAn extreme reaction to an allergen causing breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.
• Large hivesⁱXSkin rash characterized by itchiness, commonly caused by allergenic foods or medications.

• Breathing trouble
• Blisters
• Difficulty swallowing

You should immediately see a doctor as these symptoms can be life threatening. Apart from being concerned about allergies, you must also consider the dangerous diseases transmitted through mosquito bites.

Be watchful

Mosquitoes may spread an infection called cellulitis, where the bacteria enters the punctured skin causing swollen lymph nodes, chills, fever, and widespread redness (10).

When To Be Extra Alert For Toddler Mosquito Bites?

In the following cases, you must take your toddler to a doctor at the earliest (7):

• If you find reactions occurring in different body parts and/or he complains of difficulty in breathing.
• In case itchiness or swelling gets worse.

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• If your toddler complains of pain and redness in the affected area and it does not subside even after 48 hours.
• If they talk or act in a confused manner.
• If you see pus draining at the site of the bite.

Infographic: Ways To Protect Your Toddler From Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes can vex adults and children alike, but they can be dangerous for toddlers, who are more vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. It is, therefore, vital to take steps to protect your toddler from mosquitoes. This infographic can be a quick and helpful guide to help protect your toddler from mosquitoes. Read on!

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Dr. Anuradha BansalMD

Dr. Anuradha Bansal is a highly accomplished pediatrician and neonatologist with 13 years of professional experience. Presently, she is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at PIMS Jalandhar. She has done her MBBS and MD Pediatrics at GMCH, Chandigarh. Thereafter, she polished her skills as senior resident at MAMC, Delhi. She has also done IAP Fellowship in...more

Jessica AlbertBE

Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor. Being a mother herself, she puts all her knowledge into creating...more