Mosquito bites on babies are itchy bumps that forms after mosquitoes puncture the skin and feed on the blood. It usually disappears in a few days. Sometimes, it can result to severe swelling, soreness and redness and this type of reaction is called skeeter syndrome.
Bites from mosquitoes carry viruses or parasites that cause severe illness such as malaria, yellow fever and infection of the brain or encephalitis.
A baby can be bitten by mosquitoes while playing outdoors and usually affects the necks, ankles, hands and the face. It causes swelling and severe itching. Bites can cause serious disease on the baby. Babies are easy preys of mosquitoes and not aware how to deal with them.
Causes of mosquito bites on babies
- Exposed areas of the body of the babies which are not covered with clothing.
- Stagnant bodies of water, flower vases and decorative petal pans with water are breeding areas of the mosquitoes.
- Uncovered garbage cans
- Uncovered food which easily attracts mosquitoes and other insects
- Dirty kitchen
- Watering plant during evening
- Sweat on babies attracts mosquitoes due to its warmth and smell
- Perfumed cream and lotions applied on the skin of babies
Symptoms
- Small red bump
- Large area of swelling on the skin
- An elevated area with white center and a red dot
- Dark spots forms that looks like a bruise in a day or two after the bite
- Scratching of the skin indicates itchiness
- Mild fever
- Swelling lymph nodes
- Hives
Treatment
- Apply cold compress on the bitten area to lessen the swelling and the pain. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring out excess water and then place it on the area. Another alternative is applying a deodorant with aluminum chloride to lessen the itchiness and the size of the bite.
- Apply calamine lotion on the bite to lessen the itchiness of the area.
- Cut fingernails of the baby to avoid scratching the bite and prevent development of infections and worsen the condition.
- Apply prescribed over-the-counter antihistamine creams to lessen the itchiness and the swelling.
- Crush 1-2 tablets of aspirin. Add a few drops of water, mix them until it becomes the consistency of a paste and then apply it to the affected area. Aspirin has acetyl acids which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that prevent development of infections.
- Prescribed 1 %hydrocortisone cream or gel applied to the bitten area at least 4 times every day.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Mix them well and soak a clean washcloth in the solution and place it directly on the bitten area and leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen the itchiness and restore the normal pH level of the skin.
- Make a salt paste by mixing sea salt with a few drops of water. Mix them well until it becomes a paste and then apply it directly on the affected area to stop itchiness.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/mosquito-bites
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310