How to get rid of mosquito bites in a child. What to do if a child has severe swelling after a mosquito bite? When is the most dangerous time?

Summer is accompanied by a lot of pleasures, but there is one negative point that spoils the rest for both children and adults - these are insect bites, from which there seems to be no escape. Long walks in nature are important in the summer for children, but here they are excellent objects for blood-sucking insects. Parents should know what it is possible for a child to get from mosquito bites, how to treat the skin so that insects do not bite, how to anoint the bites and irritation after them.

What can a child get from mosquito bites: types of remedies

Children's skin is very sensitive, in addition to the fact that it reacts sharply to mosquito bites, many of the protective or therapeutic agents are not yet suitable for it. All parents know how dangerous mosquito bites are for children - these are serious allergic reactions. They must be treated immediately, otherwise they will develop into complicated forms of allergies.

When a child is bitten by at least one mosquito, and the bite site is swollen, it means that the baby's skin and body will give out the reaction with which they respond to the penetration of insect venom. It can be either local hyperemia, itching and swelling, or a general reaction, among which Quincke's edema is the most dangerous, causing suffocation and respiratory arrest.

Therefore, before a walk in the forest, it is necessary to protect children from bites, treat the skin with insect repellents. The most effective are the mosquito bite remedies for children purchased in pharmacy chains.

It is not recommended to buy protective sprays and ointments for children in stores - manufacturers do not open the full composition of the drug, hide the dangerous substances and components included in it. So it is better to buy more expensive in a pharmacy, but more reliable in composition and safety, especially when it comes to children 3-5 years old.

When the child scratched the bite, he needs urgent help. How to protect a child from mosquito bites, Dr. Komarovsky tells in his lessons.

Pharmacy funds

Pharmacies offer protective and medicinal products in the form of:

• creams;
• ointments;
• sprays;
• essential oils;
• balms;
• bracelets.

Some of them are designed to protect the skin and repel mosquitoes, others - to treat the effects of bites. Does the baby not bite? So, you need to resort to so that the bites do not itch anymore.

You can treat bite sites after a walk in the forest, in nature, a child can use special ointments. This is Akriderm, Levomekol, Heparin ointment.

How can I treat a child for mosquito bites

If a child is bitten by a mosquito, and blisters appear at the site of the bite, treatment should begin without delay. So, you need to be sure of the action of the chosen means. How to make sure of this?

Before the start of the "mosquito" season, if the product is used for the first time, an allergy test should be carried out. This is done simply: a certain amount of the product should be applied to the inside of the arm below the elbow. Here, the skin is considered the most susceptible to allergens of various origins.

If within a day redness, itching did not appear on the arm, then the drug itself does not cause allergies, and it can be safely used in the treatment of a child. How to remove an allergy, if there are no suitable remedies at hand, the doctor will tell you.

If one, second, third means cause an allergy ... of course, you need to see a doctor. It will help you choose a remedy for allergies and at the same time for treatment from.

There are products that are created on the basis of natural ingredients. These are pharmacy essential oils, or folk recipes. Pharmacies, on the other hand, present an extensive range of effective double-acting drugs: antihistamine and anti-irritant.

In addition, the entire range of such drugs has an important property: it protects the skin from microbes if the baby has already combed the bite site.

All protective and therapeutic agents, pharmacy or store purchase, it is important to apply to the skin, protecting the eyes, mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. If the product accidentally gets on the skin, this place should be thoroughly rinsed with running water.

How to treat the bite site so as not to harm the child, the local pediatrician will tell you. He can also recommend protecting the room so that at night the child is not bitten by mosquitoes that fly into the room during the day. It's Deta's, fumigators with labels that say they're not harmful to children.

First aid if the child is bitten by a mosquito

Sometimes protection is needed at any time of the year in apartments where mosquitoes swarm in the air ducts. Then you have to protect yourself from them in the winter. But summer is the most critical time. In the summer, it is very difficult to protect yourself from. Even if the baby has a normal reaction to bites, reliable protection should be provided. There may be several affected areas, and this will enhance the reaction of the body.

From bites, the skin first turns red, swells a little, then a burning sensation appears. Proper care is required for bite sites, for a child who may have an allergic reaction. It can manifest itself as a fever from bites, redness of the bumps from the bite, swelling and swelling.

As a first aid are used:

• disinfection with brilliant green, Fukortsin;
• reduction of itching with wet gauze pads moistened with plain water or Corvalol;
  taking an antihistamine;
• treatment of the area around the bite with an anti-allergic ointment such as Fenistil;
• if there is an extensive rash, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, vomiting, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Edema after mosquito bites are stopped:

• cold wet compresses;
• point pressure on inflamed places with a blunt cool object for 10-12 seconds;
• alcohol lotions, when alcohol is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1;
• treatment with ointments - Hydrocortisone, Sinaflan, only for children after 2 years.

One must be able to provide first aid for anaphylactic shock, which is manifested by general swelling throughout the body. This is extremely rare, but it does happen. And extra knowledge does not hurt.

1. It is necessary to lay the child on his back, put a small roller under the chest. This provides an easier air supply.
2. Apply a cold compress to the bite site.
3. Enter Adrenaline or Prednisolone, give the child an antihistamine to drink.
4. Call an ambulance.

To treat redness of bite sites in children, the following are used:

• zinc paste;
• suspension Zindol;
• ointment Bepanten;
• "Star";
• ointment Boro-plus;
• Gardex;
• bite pencil;
• balm Rescuer;
• Fenistil gel.

With multiple bites, it is imperative to give the baby antihistamines, which include Suprastin, Fenistil drops.

Medications - to help the child

The most popular remedy is Fenistil, it is available in various forms - gel, ointment, drops. This drug gained its popularity precisely because of the possibility of using it to treat children from the effects of mosquito bites.

However, there are other means available for use in childhood. They can be used as long as the itching and hyperemia on the skin of babies lasts for days.

Here is some of them:

• Comarex- a remedy for the bites of various insects; available in the form of a gel; has a healing effect. The gel is applied to the child's skin for 2-3 hours, then washed off. Treatment of bite sites can be carried out 2-3 times during the day. Use only in children over 1 year old. Before use in children of any age, conduct an allergy test.
• Mosquitol- treats mosquito bites; has a fast cooling effect due to the content of menthol; damage to the skin is healed by the silver ions included in the preparation.
• Psilo Balm- relieves burning sensation, swelling; apply to the skin of the child no more than 2 times a day.
• Elidel– emergency assistance if the child shows signs of a severe allergy. Treatment is carried out in a course in accordance with the doctor's prescription.
• eplan- antiseptic agent of gentle action; can be used as a simple baby cream; well treats insect bites, reduces burning and swelling.

With regard to the treatment of children, it would not be superfluous to recall that any medication can be used only with the advice of a local pediatrician. Perhaps, instead of pharmacy drugs, the doctor will recommend folk remedies.

Homemade recipes - helping children from mosquito bites

There are simple home remedies to cure the effects of mosquito bites in a child. These are folk remedies known to current healers. Doctor Komarovsky greets them, he says that he helps a child up to a year old - these are just folk remedies.

1. Juice or. Wash fresh leaves, knead in hand until juice is released. Lubricate the bites with the resulting liquid, cover with a napkin for 3 hours. Treat once a day, for several days, until the bite wounds are completely healed.
2. Porridge of parsley, mint and plantain. Wash the leaves in the same amount, grind to a state of gruel. Apply it to the bites and cover with adhesive tape for 3 hours. Then remove the bandage and wash off the affected area. Processing is carried out 2 times a day.
3. Solution. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Baking soda is poured into a glass of water - 1 tsp. The resulting solution is prescribed for frequent treatment of bite sites.
4. . Grate, apply the mass pointwise to the bites.
5. Table vinegar. It is necessary to dilute it with water 1: 1, moisten the itchy places of bites of various insects with a solution.
6. Boric acid. Divorced 1 tsp. acids in a glass of water. And with this solution, you can repeatedly moisten the places of insect bites during the day to alleviate the general condition of the child.
7. Juice . Moisturize swollen bites.
8. Celandine. Its juice can cauterize fresh bites, and then redness and swelling will not spread.
9. Toothpaste with menthol. Relieves itching and reduces swelling at the bite site.

If a mosquito bite in the eye is found in a child, this should be treated with the help of an ophthalmologist. He will prescribe suitable drops and ointments that can be used in the eye area.

If, however, the child was bitten by a mosquito, one must carefully choose the means for its treatment. Knowing that it is possible for a child to get rid of mosquito bites, bites are treated quickly, it is only important to apply remedies depending on age. This is usually written in the instructions for use of the funds.

You should share the information in this article with your friends. To do this, simply click on the buttons of social networks, and all friends will be armed with the possible troubles that mosquitoes bring to the baby.

Often a mosquito attack for a child is accompanied by an unpleasant irritating itching, pain and swelling. These are common signs and parents know how to deal with them.

Some children tolerate them very easily, but for others they have very serious health consequences.

With regard to whether there can be an allergy to the lesions of such creatures, medical practice has shown that yes. In such circumstances, every responsible parent should be aware not only of the danger, but also of how to treat mosquito bites in children.

What it is?

In medical practice, a mosquito bite that leads to the development of an allergic reaction is called kulicidosis. Around the place where the insect has stung, swelling and redness appear, the color of the epithelium changes, and a rash occurs.

Mosquito allergy manifests itself in different ways. There are several stages of the pathological process. There are two types of reactions:

• Organic local reaction. At the site of the bite, there is redness up to 5 cm in diameter, swelling of the soft tissues. These signs are accompanied by burning and itching; if you bring an infection, then the affected area suppurates, nausea, weakness appear, the temperature rises;
• A pronounced local reaction is characterized by redness over 5 cm in diameter, tissue edema. Hyperemia and swelling can increase several days after the incident, persist up to a week and a half. Additional symptoms: weakness, nausea, loss of appetite.

The main reason for an allergic reaction lies in the fact that the immune system does not produce antibodies that resist insect poison and saliva.

For information, babies under 3 years of age react most acutely to insect bites, due to an inferior immune system.

There are several reasons for the development of allergies:

1. hereditary predisposition. If there is a family history of allergies to pests, then the information in the genetic code can be transmitted to the baby.
2. Failure in the activity of the immune system. It is impossible to predict the reaction. Allergies develop even in those children who do not have a tendency to such manifestations.
3. The special sensitivity of the child's body to bites. In this case, the reaction is aggravated by preconditions - sleep disturbance, malnutrition, general fatigue, etc.

The danger of bites lies not only in the development of allergies, but also in diseases that are transmitted by insects: mosquitoes are potential sources of yellow fever, flies are dysentery and typhoid, etc.

What does a mosquito bite look like: symptoms and photos

A normal skin reaction to a mosquito bite is a single wound on a body area, accompanied by a slight rounded redness. Sometimes in the center you can see a small hole - a trace from the sting of a bloodsucker. Often a blister appears in the middle of the redness, resembling a nettle burn. Itching is observed only at the site of the bite. If you do not comb the wound, all these manifestations disappear on their own within one or two days.

First aid

Knowing what to do after a mosquito bite can help prevent swelling. To avoid such undesirable consequences, you need to carry out several procedures:

1. We wash the place of "defeat" with cold soapy water.
2. We make an ice compress for a quarter of an hour. To do this, simply take the ice, wrap it in gauze and apply it to the bite site. Such manipulations will help remove dirt from the skin and prevent the development of the inflammatory process.
3. The next step is antiseptic treatment. As it, you can use plant juices, antiseptics, prepared according to a folk recipe (we will talk about them later).

These events are held twice a day. If a mosquito has bitten a child, then you need to explain to him that scratching the wound is highly undesirable, since this can lead to infection and long treatment.

Treatment

Therapy of mosquito bites at home is symptomatic. If the reaction of the body is moderate, a small bump of reddened skin does not require treatment. However, children are often allergic to the bite, so a course of therapy will be required. In order not to harm the child, the drugs should be used according to the age dosage. When treating folk remedies, it is also worth remembering that some recipes are designed for adults, and their use can cause an allergic reaction in an infant.

• with numerous bites, give syrup (tablets) for allergies;
• apply a gel, balm or ointment to the skin, any mosquito bite remedy for children to relieve itching and redness;
• let the deca drink more: it is important to remove toxins from the body. Suitable boiled water, mineral water without gas. Be careful with herbal decoctions: some increase allergic reactions;
• Dress your child in light clothing made from natural fabrics with long sleeves. Synthetic things are not suitable: irritation, signs of allergies are often aggravated by contact with a material that does not allow air to pass through;
• explain to older children that it is impossible to comb the bites, otherwise the infection will get into the wounds;
• after applying a healing gel or ointment, monitor how the body reacts. If after a few hours the size of the red spots does not decrease, the symptoms increase, urgently take the child to the hospital;
• if there was no gel or balm against mosquito bites at home, use folk remedies, then be sure to go to the pharmacy for medicine;
• with pronounced signs of allergy, call an ambulance, especially in the case of young children.

With the development of angioedema, incomprehensible, suspicious spots all over the body, severe shortness of breath, you should immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the medical team, it is important to provide first aid to the injured baby. Recommendations on how to deal with severe allergies in children are given above.

Medicines

Insect bites should be treated in two directions: relieve general symptoms with oral antihistamines and act directly on the affected area. Antiallergic drugs are given for several days until the condition of a small patient improves. Children up to a year are prescribed Fenistil, Zodak, Zirtek, Suprastin. Do not give medicines for adults, so as not to aggravate the condition.

Lubricate the bite sites should also be regularly until complete recovery and removal of edema. For local exposure, the following means are used:

• Fenistil gel - relieves itching, reduces hyperemia. The preparation contains anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory components.
• Psilo balm is a topical antihistamine with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties.
• Spray-balm Mosquitol - for a quick effect.
• Balm Rescuer - anesthetizes, reduces swelling and itching.
• Sudocrem is a zinc-based product. Relieves irritation, relieves blisters in a short time.

In case of serious inflammatory processes, accompanied by significant edema, agents based on glucocorticoids are indicated. Such drugs quickly penetrate the superficial stratum corneum into the epidermis and suppress inflammation. You can use them no more than 1 time per day, if the doctor has not prescribed an individual dosage:

• Advantan cream 1%. The drug can be smeared from 6 months.
• Hydrocorizone ointment - used from 2 years.

Folk remedies

The most common skin reactions to mosquito bites are itching, redness, and swelling. Therefore, most folk methods are aimed at eliminating precisely these symptoms. The first thing to do after a mosquito bite is to rinse and disinfect the wound. For infants, ordinary boiled water at room temperature is used, for older children - water with a small amount of soap. If there are many bites, you can make a local bath with the addition of 1-2 pinches of sea salt, 1-2 teaspoons of mint tincture, or the same amount of apple cider vinegar.

To alleviate suffering and reduce itching, folk healers recommend the following remedies:

• Baking soda solution or slurry. For the solution, 1 teaspoon of soda is taken in half a glass of cold water. For gruel - the same amount of powder, mixed with a few drops of water to a pasty state. The solution is used to make lotions or wipe bites. The slurry is applied to the wounds in a thin layer, and after drying, it is washed off with damp gauze or simply washed off with water. Given that the external use of soda is safe, this method is suitable for children of any age.
• Toothpaste . A small amount of mint, menthol or eucalyptus toothpaste is applied with a cotton swab to the bite site. After drying, the paste can be removed with a piece of cotton wool moistened with water at room temperature, and then repeat the steps.
• Apple vinegar . The tool should be used only in cases where the wounds are not combed! A small ball of cotton wool is moistened with a drop of vinegar, after which it is applied to the bite site and, if necessary, fixed to the skin with a piece of adhesive plaster. After 15-20 minutes, the procedure can be repeated.
• Plants: plantain, mint, aloe vera, parsley. The leaves need to be kneaded with your hands, then smear the mosquito bites with the released juice.
• Kefir or curdled milk. The wound treated with these products itches much less. Lubrication of the bite site with a dairy product can be repeated many times, until the condition is relieved or the itching and redness completely disappear.
• Ice. A piece of ice wrapped in several layers of clean, dry cloth reduces the development of edema and relieves pain. The minimum time for applying cold to the affected area is 10 minutes, the maximum is 1 hour. In case of extensive skin lesions, ice should be kept for 10 minutes at intervals of 10-15 minutes. Thus, the inflamed area will not be supercooled more than required.
• Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, chamomile, basil and others). As a first aid, only tea tree oil can be applied undiluted to the bite site, in the amount of 1-2 drops. Other oils must be diluted according to the instructions before use on the skin! Repeat the action every hour or as needed. For severe inflammation, a paste consisting of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 drop of lavender oil is recommended. These ingredients should be mixed in a small container and diluted with a small amount of distilled water to a paste-like consistency. The resulting remedy is applied to the bite site with a cotton pad until the discomfort decreases. Scented oils can be used on children from birth, however, before proceeding with the treatment of the wound, make sure that the child is not allergic to this product. Using a cotton swab, apply a microdose of oil to an undamaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin and follow the baby's reaction for 10-15 minutes. If there are no changes in the condition of the skin and the general well-being of the child, you can safely use the oil to apply to the bite site.

How to choose the right tool

When choosing a method to reduce the manifestation of unpleasant consequences after a mosquito bite for a child, one should be careful and careful. The ideal option is the use of medications and folk remedies as prescribed by a doctor. If it is not possible to seek advice from a doctor, or you do not consider it necessary, carefully read the instructions from the manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

According to Dr. Komarovsky about mosquito bites in children, when observing symptoms of growing allergies, the following steps should be taken:

• immediately apply a piece of ice to the site of swelling for 15 minutes, which will help remove itching and slightly relieve swelling;
• to eliminate the manifestations, a special anti-allergic ointment, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, follows;
• use oral tablets with anti-allergic effect;
• if the above manipulations do not bring much effect, then it is necessary to make an intramuscular injection of a hormonal drug such as Dexamethasone.

These measures are useful for various insect attacks, especially if allergy symptoms are manifested by bites in the face, head:

Prevention

It is much easier to prevent the appearance of itching and swelling due to the "attack" of bloodsuckers than to deal with their consequences. Experts identify several options for avoiding mosquito bites:

By knowing how to treat mosquito bites in children and adults, you can avoid the unpleasant consequences of this mosquito "attack".

Insect bites often go unnoticed, leaving no ill effects. But there are reverse pictures, when a mosquito bite in a child leads to complications that threaten not only health, but also life. The reaction to a bite is a consequence of the penetration of poisons into the body (bee, wasp) or saliva (mosquito, mosquito, midge). The main symptoms are redness, itching, swelling and burning. The development of anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema is not excluded.

Causes of Mosquito Allergy

In medical practice, a mosquito bite that leads to the development of an allergic reaction is called kulicidosis. Around the place where the insect has stung, swelling and redness appear, the color of the epithelium changes, and a rash occurs.

Mosquito allergy manifests itself in different ways. There are several stages of the pathological process. There are two types of reactions:

• Organic local reaction. At the site of the bite, there is redness up to 5 cm in diameter, swelling of the soft tissues. These signs are accompanied by burning and itching; if you bring an infection, then the affected area suppurates, nausea, weakness appear, the temperature rises;
• Severe local reaction characterized by redness over 5 cm in diameter, tissue edema. Hyperemia and swelling can increase several days after the incident, persist up to a week and a half. Additional symptoms: weakness, nausea, loss of appetite.

The main reason for an allergic reaction lies in the fact that the immune system does not produce antibodies that resist insect poison and saliva.

For information, babies under 3 years of age react most acutely to insect bites, due to an inferior immune system.

There are several reasons for the development of allergies:

1. hereditary predisposition. If there is a family history of allergies to pests, then the information in the genetic code can be transmitted to the baby.
2. Failure in the activity of the immune system. It is impossible to predict the reaction. Allergies develop even in those children who do not have a tendency to such manifestations.
3. The special sensitivity of the child's body to bites. In this case, the reaction is aggravated by preconditions - sleep disturbance, malnutrition, general fatigue, etc.

The danger of bites lies not only in the development of allergies, but also in diseases that are transmitted by insects: mosquitoes are potential sources of yellow fever, flies are dysentery and typhoid, etc.

Treatment of edema and hyperemia from a bite

The etiology of symptoms such as swelling and redness at the site of the bite can be contact with any insect. Definitely, it is not always possible to determine the type of pest. Therefore, it is necessary to observe clinical manifestations in order to establish the culprit.

If there is a slight swelling and redness, the symptoms are accompanied by itching, then the likely insects are a mosquito, spider or bug. Against the background of severe swelling without hyperemia, while with severe pain and burning, the culprits are a bee, hornet, wasp, bumblebee.

If the bitten child feels normal, the body temperature has not risen, there is no fever and other systemic symptoms, then treatment can be done independently:

• Apply ice to the affected area. It acts on the blood vessels, as a result of which they instantly narrow. This slows down the absorption of toxic substances into the systemic circulation, prevents the progression of swelling;
• Press down on the bite site and nearby tissues with clean hands. The effect, as well as from the cooling manipulation;
• Dilute alcohol with water in equal proportions. Make a lotion for a few minutes, or just wipe the affected area;
• Soda solution. Mix soda with water, put gruel on the bite;
• The use of ointments - Rescuer, Triderm, Trimistin.

Tip: the well-being of the child should be carefully monitored. If shortness of breath, fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain appear, call a medical team.

Bump after bite: first aid

A mosquito bite, though rare, can lead to hardening of the skin. The main reason for the formation of bumps is the addition of an inflammatory process.

Therapeutic measures:

1. Treatment of the focus with an antiseptic solution. You can use brilliant green or iodine, aqueous solutions will not give the desired result.
2. Thoroughly wash the skin with laundry soap for 3-5 minutes.
3. A compress based on an alcohol solution - diluted in proportions of 1 to 4. Apply for 2-4 hours. It is strictly forbidden to leave it all night - a chemical burn is not excluded.
4. Lubrication of the skin with anti-inflammatory creams - Trimistine, Hydrocortisone.

If the bump does not decrease, then systemic treatment with antibacterial and antihistamines is required. Dosage and frequency is determined by the doctor.

Allergic reaction to a mosquito bite: treatment tactics

Mosquito bites in children, leading to the development of an allergic reaction of varying severity, are not uncommon. Why the immune system reacts this way, it is not possible to say for sure. Most doctors tend to heredity, poor environmental conditions and poor nutrition.

The main manifestations of systemic allergies: swelling after an insect bite, the appearance of skin rashes - spots, papules located close to the bite site, as well as in remote areas of the body.

Note: the most dangerous condition is anaphylaxis, which is based on a sharp decrease in blood pressure, leading to loss of consciousness with the cessation of breathing and heartbeat.

Depending on the clinical manifestations and their severity, they choose how to treat allergies in babies. Therapeutic measures include drugs:

• Antihistamines - Loratadin, Tavegil, Claritin;
• Hormonal ointments - Sinaflan, Flucinar;
• Means with a diuretic effect (Furosemide). Appointed in violation of the patency of the upper respiratory tract;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Antibiotics.

If, against the background of redness from a bite, pain appears, inflammation has joined, anti-inflammatory drugs (usually non-steroidal) are prescribed. These are Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Ibufen. In a systemic inflammatory process, drugs are administered intravenously. Antibiotics are needed when suppuration is observed at the site of the inflamed area. In the early stages, ointments are used - Levomekol. At the advanced stage, a tablet form is used - Amoxicillin, Cefodox.

Non-traditional methods of therapy

Mosquitoes bite all people without exception. Some react normally, no negative consequences develop, others experience swelling, redness, pain, itching and burning.

Folk remedies help to alleviate the condition:

1. Add one teaspoon of the bite to 500 ml of water, soak a cotton napkin in the solution, apply to the swelling. Leave the compress on for 10-15 minutes.
2. Apply kefir or sour cream to the affected area. They not only effectively fight burns, but also neutralize the effects of mosquito bites.
3. Apply a drop of tea tree oil to the skin, rub with light massaging movements.
4. A decoction based on Veronica officinalis: take 1 tbsp. l. plants in 250 ml of water, brew for 10 minutes. Apply a patch.

It is strictly forbidden to rub the bites. This will lead to the spread of toxic substances throughout the body. Scratching can cause infection of the wound, which leads to prolonged treatment.

In conclusion: any insect bites that cause severe discomfort, itching, burning and swelling should be seen by a doctor. These symptoms indicate an allergy or an inflammatory process.

Oh, red summer, I would love you if it were not for the heat, and dust, and mosquitoes, and flies!

A. S. Pushkin.

Summer outdoor recreation is often overshadowed by the attack of blood-sucking insects. Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Russia, and in the northern regions they are an integral part of the community of blood-sucking insects, called - midges. How dangerous are they, can they be carriers of diseases, and what helps against mosquito bites?

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

More than 90 species of mosquitoes live in Russia. In the middle lane, the most common:

• malarial mosquitoes (genus Anopheles);
• spring mosquitoes of the genus Ochlerotatus;
• and autumn peeping mosquitoes (Culex).

Mosquitoes are two-winged insects. Their males are completely harmless and feed on plant nectar, but females need protein to continue the race, which they receive from the blood of animals and humans.

The female mosquito consumes blood only once, after which it lays eggs and dies. The bite itself can be painless, but usually a person experiences discomfort, similar to an injection. The insect chooses areas with delicate skin and closely spaced blood vessels. It pierces the skin and capillary wall with a proboscis and injects saliva containing anticoagulants - substances that prevent blood clotting. Poisoning from mosquito bites is impossible, because mosquitoes do not have poison.

Anticoagulants cause swelling and redness of the skin at the puncture site, itching. If you comb the bite site, mosquito saliva will spread into the surrounding tissues and the reaction will only intensify.

Mosquito bites can cause trouble if there are a lot of them. Also, young children do not tolerate them well because of the itching that occurs.

A more serious danger is allergic reactions and various transmissible diseases (contagious diseases transmitted by blood-sucking insects).

In central Russia, diseases transmitted by mosquito bites are isolated cases.

Allergy to mosquito bites

Allergic reactions to a mosquito bite occur less frequently and are not as strong as from an attack by stinging insects - bees, wasps. Signs of developing allergies are:

• swelling of the skin in places of bite;
• temperature rise;
• headache;
• nausea.

In exceptionally rare cases, allergy from mosquito bites can cause urticaria, vasomotor rhinitis, and bronchospasm.

Mosquitoes as disease vectors

Infectious diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites are found mainly in southern countries, mainly in the tropics. They can be of two types:

• diseases in which mosquitoes serve as mechanical carriers of pathogens;
• diseases in which the pathogen needs to live a certain time in the body of a mosquito.

The latter are the most dangerous, but the development of infection requires a sufficiently long cycle in a mosquito and the creation of a natural focus of wild warm-blooded animals, which is possible only in hot countries. The infection is transmitted with the saliva of the female at the time of feeding on blood. In Russia, only three diseases have been registered, while in the countries of the tropical zone there are several dozen. Therefore, when going on an exotic trip, do not forget to clarify which vaccinations are recommended for prevention.

How to treat mosquito bites

In our climate, the biggest nuisance from mosquito attacks is itching and swelling.

How to get rid of itching from a mosquito bite? There are several simple recipes.

How to smear mosquito bites so that they do not itch? The pharmacy sells many remedies for insect bites in the form of ointments, balms, lotions, sprays and sticks. Such means include "Asterisk", "Vitaon", "Psilo-balm".

Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory ointments can be used: Sinaflan, Advantan, Fenistil-gel.

What to do if a mosquito bites in the eye? Rinse the mucous membrane of the eye with cool clean water and drip eye drops with anti-inflammatory action, for example, "Sulfacyl-sodium" ("Albucid").

And if a mosquito has bitten on the lip, what to do in this case? To reduce itching, a piece of ice is applied to the damaged area.

If you have an allergy, take a tablet of Suprastin, Tavegil or other antihistamines: Zirtek, Claritin, Telfast. If you develop extensive swelling, difficulty breathing or fever, consult a doctor.

Folk remedies for mosquito bites

Folk remedies will help get rid of itching after mosquito bites:

You can use essential oils. Tea tree oil, mint, lemon, rosemary will soothe the skin. Some essential oils: eucalyptus, geranium, juniper - have an insect repellent effect.

How to treat mosquito bites in children

Mosquitoes cause particular inconvenience to children. Children's skin is very delicate and reacts violently even to minor damage. How to smear mosquito bites in a child? Use alcohol, ice cubes, lotion. For children over two years old, the Golden Star balm is suitable. It is very important to distract the baby and convince him not to comb the itchy place.

How to smear mosquito bites on a child up to a year old? Try to get by with folk remedies. It is not recommended to use strong antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ointments, but if necessary, consult a pediatrician.

Allergy in children to mosquito bites occurs no more often than in adults. An infant needs medical advice. Older children in mild cases can be given: "Suprastin", "Diazolin", "Fenkarol". With the spread of edema, severe urticaria, respiratory disorders, you need to call an ambulance.

Folk remedies for mosquito bites for children

As folk remedies for mosquito bites for children, use:

• soda in the form of a solution or gruel;
• tea tree oil;
• sour cream or yogurt;
• mint toothpaste.

A good way to relieve itching from mosquito bites in a child are lotions from the gruel of dandelion leaves, plantain, basil.

To summarize, mosquito bites are practically safe, but they cause a lot of discomfort and can ruin outdoor recreation, especially if you have small children with you. To relieve itching and swelling at the site of the bite, use simple means: alcohol, lotion, baking soda. Various pharmaceutical balms and ointments for insect bites work well.

When traveling to tropical countries, take measures to prevent infectious diseases that can be transmitted by mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are annoying insects that cause trouble for everyone. And children, due to their still fragile immunity, are more susceptible to mosquito bites than adults. Parents need knowledge on how to help a child if an eye is swollen after a bite. How to provide first aid to a child, how to treat mosquito bites.

Male mosquitoes should not be feared, because their food is plant pollen. But females need protein, which is contained in the blood, to lay eggs. The bites themselves are not dangerous, because there are no toxic substances in the saliva of these insects. Accordingly, they cannot poison our body (as, for example, snakes). But the liquid that is injected into the bite contains anticoagulants that cause reddening of the skin and a feeling of intense itching. The affected area begins to itch, and it is difficult for the child to endure such discomfort. They often scratch the skin until they bleed, because of which they can involuntarily infect the infection.

Allergy symptoms

Immunity directly affects the manifestation of certain symptoms, the body will react differently. Culicidosis (an allergic reaction to mosquito bites) is divided into two types of reactions: local and general. The first is mild symptoms:

• A slight seal appears on the skin, slight redness;
• The swollen place is disturbed by itching, it really wants to be scratched;
• In some cases, a watery blister develops at the site of the bite.

The second type of culicidosis (general reaction) is manifested by a more serious form of symptoms:

• Edema occurs not only at the site of the bite, but also extends beyond it;
• Urticaria appears all over the skin, which is accompanied by severe itching;
• The condition worsens, the temperature rises, dizziness appears.

Mosquito bites in children pass quickly, painlessly, and can provoke an allergic reaction. Therefore, the condition of the baby must be carefully monitored.

First aid

The first thing to do is to neutralize the effect of anticoagulants. Here is a diagram of the necessary actions:

1. Rinse the bitten area with running water using laundry soap.
2. Wipe the wounds with hydrogen peroxide, furacilin solution or chlorhexidine.
3. Apply an ice pack to prevent swelling.
4. Lubricate the bite sites with an antihistamine, such as Fenistil gel.
5. Let your child drink an antihistamine - Suprastin or Claritin.

Pay special attention that the last two points cannot be used by infants. To provide first aid to babies under one year old, it is better to resort to folk remedies. They will bring more benefit to babies than ointments and tablets.

Treatment of mosquito bites

Today, pharmacology produces a huge amount of funds that help with insect bites. What to do if the child combed. To make the wounds heal faster, treat them with pharmaceutical products:

1. Golden Star. This famous balm can be found in almost every home first aid kit. It perfectly relieves inflammation and neutralizes the state of itching. The asterisk cannot be smeared close to the eye, otherwise it will start to bake very strongly.
2. Fenistil. An anti-inflammatory drug with an antihistamine effect, this gel quickly relieves itching and discomfort. It also eliminates swelling and prevents the formation of a rash. However, it is contraindicated for infants and babies up to a year.
3. Nezulin. Antibacterial cream with natural ingredients. It not only eliminates puffiness and itching, but also soothes the skin. Another of its advantages is that this cream has deterrent properties, which is important for prevention.
4. Bepanten. This is a cream with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect, it does not dry the skin and relieves itching very quickly. Its undoubted quality is that it can be used from birth, it will not bring any harm to babies.
5. Hydrocortisone. And this anti-inflammatory ointment is an “ambulance” in cases where severe swelling has appeared, and other remedies do not help. But for young children under one year old, this drug should not be used, as it contains hormones.

Do not forget that each medication has contraindications (for example, an allergic reaction to one of the components), it is not known how the remedy will affect the child. Therefore, before use, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Folk remedies for mosquitoes

Not all pharmaceutical preparations are suitable for children, and especially when it comes to babies. They are shown medicines only in extreme cases, since the body is not yet strong. But traditional medicine is most preferable for them. How to anoint a mosquito bite:

1. Onion, garlic. If you notice a mosquito bite on the skin of a child, attach half an onion or garlic to it and apply a bandage. Within a few minutes, the redness will pass, and the blister will not appear at all. But use this recipe only if the baby did not have time to comb to the wound.

2. Baking soda. Dilute a teaspoon with a slide in a glass of water, make a compress for the child: just moisten a bandage folded several times and apply to the place where the mosquito bite fell. Soda will help to quickly relieve itching, soothe the skin.

3. Table vinegar. Another excellent home remedy, but it is suitable for children over three years old. Dilute vinegar with water (in the ratio of one part vinegar to five parts water) in the same way as in the case of soda, make a compress for the child.

4. Fish oil. Few people know that this nasty-tasting remedy is very effective, especially in the presence of wounds. Fish oil quickly tightens them, moisturizes the skin. In addition, the unpleasant odor repels insects.

5. Dandelion juice. If you anoint a child with a mosquito bite with this remedy and apply a bandage, then after three hours all unpleasant symptoms will pass. Juice can be replaced with dandelion tincture.

6. Bay leaf. Every housewife in the kitchen will always find this fragrant seasoning. If the child was bitten by mosquitoes - pour a few leaves with a glass of boiling water, after the liquid has cooled - wipe the bites with a moistened cotton swab.

7. Camphor oil. This remedy is very gentle on the skin, soothes itching and relieves redness. So that he does not smear the oil - apply it on the skin, cover with cotton wool on top, bandage it - and let the baby hold it for two hours.

8. Fresh mint. This fragrant green perfectly soothes the skin so that the child does not comb the wound - apply mint gruel to it. Mash the grass and wait for the juice to stand out. Greens can be replaced with mint toothpaste.

9. Tea tree. To disinfect wounds and prevent infection, tea tree essential oil is ideal, it is sold at any pharmacy. It is not necessary to dilute it - it should be applied to the wounds with a cotton swab.

10. Herbal collection. And this recipe is good because a decoction of herbs is used for any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, even if the child's eye is swollen from a mosquito bite. St. John's wort, chamomile, oak bark, plantain and celandine are mixed in equal parts, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Moisten the cotton and apply.

Fermented milk products (kefir and sour cream), vegetables (potatoes and tomatoes) and citrus fruits help well against mosquito bites. These folk remedies help, not only for small children - adults can also use them if there are no medications at hand.

How to protect babies up to a year

For newborns, it is not easy to choose a safe remedy for mosquito bites, because most drugs contain age-related contraindications and are dangerous with an allergic reaction. Even folk remedies, with their effectiveness, are not allowed to use everything - exclude those that contain unpleasant odors. For example, fish oil, which, although safe, can cause a headache in an infant due to an unpleasant odor.

One of the most effective ways to fight mosquitoes, doctors call lavender oil - a remedy that is approved for use from birth. They are recommended to lubricate the baby's skin and his things, as well as make a bag with dry grass of this plant and hang it over the crib - the smell of lavender repels insects.

Prevention of mosquito bites

Preventive measures are divided into two groups: general protection and personal. The first group involves the prevention of the premises. What actions to take to minimize the entry of mosquitoes into the apartment:

1. Use fumigators (for example, an excellent tool - Raptor), they will provide a restful sleep. Put nets on the windows - not a single insect will fly through them.
2. Mosquitoes hate certain smells, take advantage of that. Spread juniper, anise, valerian or cedar leaves around the house - mosquitoes will not fly close.
3. Some essential oils work in a similar way. Carnation, lavender, eucalyptus, grapefruit, tea tree repel insects.

Remember that any repellents, sprays, aerosols have specific restrictions and can only be used if the funds are appropriate for the age of the child.