Mosquito Bite: How to Care for Your Child

Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable, but most don't cause serious problems. All signs of a mosquito bite usually are gone within 10 days.

• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water each day until healed.

• Put cool compresses on the bite area to help with swelling and itching. If you use an icepack, wrap it in a towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

• Make sure your child takes any medicines for itching as directed by your health care provider.

• If the health care provider recommends an antibiotic ointment, use it as directed.

• Your child has redness or soreness around the bite that gets worse.

• Your child develops:

  • a fever or swollen glands

  • joint pain or body aches

  • red eyes

  • headache, sleepiness, or other flu-like symptoms

  • trouble walking

  • pain, numbness, or tingling

Your child seems to be having an allergic reaction. Signs include:

• swelling of the face, lips, or eyes

• feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting

If your child is having trouble breathing, call 911 right away!

Why do mosquito bites itch? A mosquito's saliva (spit) makes a bite itch. When a mosquito bites a person, some of its saliva goes under the skin. Sometimes, the saliva has germs that can cause infection or illness.

How can I prevent mosquito bites? To prevent mosquito bites:

• Have your child wear long pants and long sleeves in the woods.

• Try to keep your child inside the house or inside screened-in play areas at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use screens on doors and windows. Repair broken or damaged screens.

• Remove water from gutters, tires, wading pools, and other outside containers, because mosquitoes live there. Change water in pet dishes and birdbaths daily.

Can I use insect repellent to protect my kids from mosquito bites? When used correctly, insect repellent is safe for kids:

• Repellents with 10%-30% DEET and are safe to use once a day for children 2 months of age and older.

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus is safe for kids 3 years of age and older.

• Application tips:

  • Put repellent on skin on the arms and legs not covered by clothing.

  • Put repellent on the face by spraying into an adult hand and then wiping it across the forehead and cheeks of the child (away from the mouth and eyes).

  • Don't put repellent on young children's hands because they might put them into their mouths.

  • Wash skin with soap and water as soon as kids come back inside to remove repellent.

• Permethrin is an insect repellent that can be sprayed on clothes. Do NOT apply it to your child's skin. It can be used for children of any age.