Try these home treatment strategies for mosquito bite relief in babies, toddlers, and older kids:
- Apply lotion or cream. Certain creams and lotions can help temporarily relieve mosquito bite itching for babies and older kids. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider first, but some common creams that they may recommend include calamine lotion and nonprescription hydrocortisone cream. You could also use a paste made with baking soda and water.
- Apply a cold compress. Because the bite is probably swollen and red, you can soothe the itchy pain with a cold compress or cool cloth.
- Help your child avoid scratching. Watch your child and try to keep them from scratching too much. Scratching can lead to skin fissures and infection, which can then leave marks on the skin. Talk to your baby’s provider if mosquito bites result in marks, as some creams can help minimize any scarring.
A soothing lotion and a cool compress are simple but effective treatments for mosquito bites and marks on babies, toddlers, and older kids. They can help relieve discomfort from an itchy or a swollen mosquito bite on any part of the body, including the head and face. Just be extra careful when applying lotion to the area around the eyes and mouth.
If you get the “OK” from your child’s healthcare provider to use these lotions and creams, consider keeping them in your baby’s first-aid kit, as mosquitoes can bite at any time!
For older children, your child’s healthcare provider may suggest additional at-home treatments for mosquito bites, or may recommend or prescribe an antihistamine medication to help with itching. Just remember to avoid any medication that’s not recommended by the provider.
Just like adults, infants too can get bitten by different types of insects. Most insect bites do not cause any major medical complication in babies and can be treated with topical creams and ointments. Some, however, do need medical attention. Here’s all that you need to know about insect bites on infants, the symptoms, prevention, and the various ways of treating them.
How Common Are Insect Bites on Infants?
Insect bites are very common in infants. However, it majorly depends on the time your baby spends indoors or outdoors. Babies who remain indoors most of the time are less likely to have insect bites or will have fewer insect bites than babies who spend more time outdoors. It also depends on how ventilated your house is, how long you keep the windows open, and the weather conditions. The weather is important because insect bites are more common during hot and humid weather than in cold weather.
Symptoms of Insect Bites in Infants
Insect bite symptoms may vary according to the affected area of the body, the type of insect, and whether or not toxins or irritants have penetrated the baby’s body. Some babies may not cry or show any signs unless the parents notice the bite, while some babies may cry frantically. When you do notice a mark on your baby’s body, do take a closer look to identify if it is an insect bite and also check for other symptoms to gauge if your baby could need medical attention. Here are some common symptoms that you will notice:
- Raised red bumps on the skin
- Itchy or painful red bumps on the skin
- Blisters on the skin
- Sometimes the insect bite mark can be seen.
- Sometimes there is no symptom at all
How to Treat Your Baby for Insect Bites
Most insect bites are treatable at home. You could use home remedies or buy safe over-the counter creams to ease the pain in the area where your baby has had a bug bite. Here are some ways you could provide first aid for insect bites on babies:
- Move your baby to a safer place to avoid more insect bites.
- If you notice the stinger lodged in the skin, try pulling it out with tweezers or your
- Clean the affected area with soap and water.
- You may apply 1 % hydrocortisone for relief from itching and pain due to ant bites and bee stings.
- Antibiotic creams and antihistamines are good for spider bites, should always be given after consulting the doctor.
- Some cases may require pain relief like paracetamol, but should be given after consulting the doctor.
- You may apply an ice pack on the affected area to soothe itching; it works well for bug bites too.
All the above-mentioned treatment options work really well in treating most insect bites. However, if you notice that the insect bite is becoming redder or the swelling is increasing, you should seek medical help immediately.
Home Remedies for Treating Insect Bites on Babies
Many times, parents need to treat insect bites immediately to soothe and calm the baby until they can reach a medical store and buy some medicine. That’s where home remedies come to the rescue. Here are some home remedies to treat insect bites on babies:
- Honey: Honey works really well on insect bites. You may apply it directly on the insect bite. The soothing properties of honey will help ease itching and also prevent infection.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is great for most skin-related problems. Fresh aloe vera gel provides relief from itching and pain. It is extremely safe for a baby’s skin too. Apply the natural gel directly on the affected area. If you do not have an aloe vera plant nearby, you may procure natural aloe vera gel from a good store.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help in treating mosquito bites in babies. But, ensure you do not use it straight from the bottle but dilute it in water before applying it on the skin. Apple cider vinegar is generally strong and leaves a burning sensation when applied directly on the skin. It could also leave a mark. Mix about 1/2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and then dab the mix with a cotton ball on the affected area. Ensure it does not go in your baby’s eyes.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a good disinfectant. You may take a few drops of lemon juice and apply them on the affected area. Alternatively, you may rub a lemon peel on the site of the bite to disinfect it.
| In SummaryTreating itchy mosquito bites on newborns, babies, toddlers, and older kids can be done at home following the advice of your child’s healthcare provider, who may suggest applying calamine lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. You can also apply a cool cloth to relieve pain and itching. |