Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
Why is my child reacting to a mosquito bite?
- Once bitten, your child’s immune system reacts to the proteins in the mosquito’s saliva.
- This usually causes itchiness and swelling where the bite happened.
- Sometimes the immune system remembers these proteins. This means that your child can have more swelling each time they get a bite in the future.
What are the symptoms of mosquito bites?
- Most common:
- Itching, swelling and redness at the site of the bite
- This will usually last for about 36 to 48 hours (about 2 days)
- The bite area itself can take up to 7 to 10 days to fully resolve
- Itching, swelling and redness at the site of the bite
- Mosquito borne diseases:
- These are not common.
- Symptoms vary and some children may only have mild symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- Fever, body aches, nausea/vomiting, widespread rashes, seizures
- Zika: can cause joint pain or the whites of your child’s eyes may look red (conjunctivitis)
- West Nile Virus: may cause paralysis, more commonly involves the face, and can look like a facial droop
What can I do to prevent mosquito bites?
- Avoid areas of standing water and be sure to remove any standing water around your house.
- Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so indoor activities at these times are best.
- Cover as many areas of your child’s skin as possible, including the use of hats.
- Mosquitos are attracted to your child’s body odor, skin temperature and breath.
- Use insect repellant on any exposed areas of skin.
- A repellant with picaridin (best option) or DEET offers the best protection.
- Be sure to read and follow the directions on the container.
- Both can be used in children 2 months of age and above.
What is the treatment for mosquito bites?
- Cool compresses help with swelling and itch.
- You can use anti-itch options like calamine lotion and aloe vera.
- Topical creams like hydrocortisone 1% and diphenhydramine cream can be helpful as well.
- For children 6 months and above a non-sedating oral antihistamine, like Claritin/loratadine or Zyrtec/cetirizine can also be given.
- Tylenol or ibuprofen (6 months and above) can be given for pain or fever.
- If your child is having a more severe reaction, prescription medication may be needed.
When to call your child’s provider:
- Your child has a fever, body aches, nausea/vomiting, a spreading rash, or seizures.
- Your child’s bite looks infected or is worsening after 48 hours (about 2 days).
- Your child is complaining of joint pain, or the whites of their eyes look red.
- You think your child is having trouble using their facial muscles.
- You think your child needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 10/2023