Bug Bites – The Basics
Warm weather brings more fun for families outdoors–and that means more exposure to bugs.
I hear from parents often at this time of year when they are concerned about their child’s bug bites. Here’s some information to help keep your child itch-free and healthy after spending time outdoors this summer.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
It’s well worth trying to prevent bug bites, when possible, rather than having to deal with uncomfortable kiddos. To help prevent mosquito bites:
- Avoid places that mosquitos like to gather, like areas with standing water, especially in the evening,
- Keep house windows and doors closed if they don’t have a screen.
- Wear lightweight, long sleeved clothing.
- Use mosquito repellents, such as:
- DEET products between 10% to 30%. These are safe to use on kids as young as 2 months old. Parents should spray onto their hands and pat onto young kids’ skin.
- For kids over age 3, lemon eucalyptus products may be used.
- Always apply sunscreen first, then bug repellents on top
When the Bug Bite Itches
Reactions to bug bites can vary between kids. Some kids develop “skeeter syndrome” which is an allergic reaction to mosquito bites. No matter how severe the reaction, you can try using:
- Oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, diphenhydramine) in weight-based dosing to help reduce the urge to itch.
- Topical hydrocortisone, topical diphenhydramine or calamine lotion, which are available over the counter. Use 2 times daily on itchy bites.
- Cool compresses on the itchy, swollen bites to relieve discomfort.
Be sure to keep kids’ nails short! Lots of scratching through the skin can lead to infections in the bites.
Tips About Ticks
Most tick bites are harmless. However, over the past few decades, tick-borne diseases have spread more across the US. It’s a good idea to look for ticks and remove them if attached. Here’s how to help prevent problems from ticks:
- Wear long sleeves if playing or hiking in high grass or wooded areas; tuck in long pants into socks.
- Use bug repellent with DEET on skin or permethrin on clothes.
- After coming indoors from areas where ticks might be, check clothing, hair, and skin folds for ticks, and take a shower.
- Check your pets for ticks after walks, as they may bring them into the home.
Although bugs can be pests, sometimes discovering the creepy crawlies in the outdoors are part of the fun, especially with a young child in tow. Try not to let bugs keep you indoors this summer! Being outdoors with your kids is great for the mental and physical health of your entire family!
Resources for Parents:
My Doctor Online
Insect Bites and Stings
Centers for Disease Control
Ticks
American Academy of Pediatrics
Choosing an Insect Repellent for Your Child
Featured Author
Dr. Lindsay Frost's biography reads: I joined the pediatrics team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2018 to help kids thrive. During my medical training, I pursued a Masters degree in public health and health promotion. I enjoy being able to foster long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing care in both health and illness as children grow. Some of my most relevant experiences as a pediatrician have come from my two children, who have “trained” me first-hand on the challenges of parenthood.
Read more at https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/providers/lindsayfrost Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.