Children are usually full of energy and are naturally curious about their environment. Since children want to explore the world and gain new experiences, this can be a challenge for many parents that want to monitor their children. This is especially true when they are playing outdoors and going to areas they’re not familiar with.
In most cases, getting injured from tripping or getting insect bites when they’re exploring is a common sight. However, this doesn’t mean that all the insect bites have been harmless. Mosquito bites are known for being one of the most common insect bites for children and adults alike, especially among humid and tropical regions of the country, like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and even more temperate states like Indiana.
Although many individuals and parents think that mosquito bites are more of just being a mild annoyance when the bite area starts getting itchy, they can also be catalysts for more serious health conditions.
Should you be worried when your children get rashes? How can you treat mosquito bites in children? Here are some essential things that you’ll need to know so that your children can safely explore their environment without being anxious about insect bites.
Reactions to Look Out For
But before we get into whether they should start seeing medical help, we’ll need first to discern our bodies’ reactions to these mosquito bites. In most cases, these bites and bumps will subside after a couple of hours. Some spots that might last longer than usual have the following possible reactions:
- Allergic reactions – There are instances where the body can have allergic reactions to the saliva of mosquitoes. The severity can vary. While some reactions are quite minor, some reactions can also form into large blisters and painful hives.
- Itchy bumps – This is known for being one of the most prevalent reactions that the body has when it comes to insect bites. In most cases, your children will feel an itchy sting and find a red bump. The itchiness is often attributed to the mosquito’s saliva, which can help gorge the area with more blood. This isn’t usually a cause for concern.
- Diseases -Mosquitos are infamous for carrying certain vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue. Certain types of conditions won’t have symptoms until a few hours or days in. This can be a cause for concern, and early signs should be addressed as soon as possible.
Treating Bites
When it comes to treating mosquito bites, you can always instruct your kids not to scratch the area that has been bitten. Scratching the area can damage the skin and increase the likelihood of infections happening. Most dermatologists would suggest using ointments and creams that can relieve the itch, especially if your kids keep on scratching it.
Suppose you’re worried that you’re living in an area that’s infested with mosquitoes. In that case, you can always commission the services of experts that are well-versed in weeding out mosquito breeding grounds and possible areas where they could be nesting. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far since mosquito control services are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that can keep mosquito infestations at bay.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Throughout most cases, mosquito bites are quite harmless, and the most common reaction is a rash. Even if the bump in the area might persist for a few days, this isn’t a cause for concern. Many people are allergic to the reaction.
However, you should start calling for professional medical aid if you find the following symptoms:
- These red bumps will stop spreading after a couple of hours. If it keeps on spreading, then you should start seeking medical attention. The bump shouldn’t get larger every two days.
- Your child has a noticeable plummet in their energy and feels sick.
- Dengue and malaria are known for exhibiting flu-like symptoms for milder cases. However, more extreme cases can induce muscle pain, vomiting, and headaches.
Mosquito bites might seem like a mild annoyance rather than something that parents should be worried about. However, they can also be a cause for concern if the bites linger for long. If you’re anxious about what these bites might entail, you can always consult a medical professional who’s well-versed in this matter. This way, you can get expert advice on what to do.
What is the bottom line, then? One of the best ways of preventing mosquito bites is by keeping your living area as clean as possible, covering up exposed skin, and using mosquito repellents when you’re out and about with your kids.
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