Insect bites are not just a scratchy nuisance. Today there are many serious medical complications that can arise from being bitten by those pesky insects. The scratching of those bites can lead to infection as well.
In order to protect your kids and yourself this summer this article is going to walk you through proper use of insect repellent and what kind of repellent you need for yourself and your kids. Also some tips on what to do once bitten.
Types of Repellent
You will find the store shelves stocked full of insect repellents. There are natural non-chemical types and the traditional chemical ones. If you go for the natural type stick with the ones that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus or citronella oil.
The chemical based sprays come in a range of 5% to 30% DEET concentration for children. When choosing a chemical repellent check the contents to insure the concentration of DEET is 30% or less. You do NOT want to use a concentration higher than 30% on children. Chemical based repellents are not recommended for infants under two months.
Two recommended chemical based repellents are:
Cutter Advanced
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 12 Lotion (long lasting)
Two recommended natural based repellents are:
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
Bite Blocker
Applying the Repellent
For the repellent to be effective you have to make sure it applied correctly:
- Apply any sunscreen product your child will be using FIRST!
- Read the label and follow the directions on the product.
- Apply the spray type outdoors to avoid inhaling the repellent.
- Hold the insect repellent about 6 to 8 inches from your child and spray exposed skin and your child’s clothing. Make sure to avoid the face, eyes, mouth, nose, ears and hands (smaller kids tend to put things they touch in their mouths so don’t want it to transfer from their hands to mouth)
- Apply the insect repellent to your child’s face by spraying a small amount on your hands and carefully applying to the cheeks, forehead and neck. Never spray your child in the face with the repellent.
Some additional helpful tips:
- We all know summer time is hot but try to dress your child in thin, loose-fitting, long sleeve clothing if they are going to be in the woods or areas where insects are in high concentration.
Shoes and socks as opposed to sandals.
Avoid perfumes, colognes and scented bath soaps as they attract mosquitoes like crazy.
Keep the kids away from standing water. This is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
If the kids will be playing in the woods have them change clothes once they are done playing and keep an eye out for ticks and chigger bites.
For outdoor parties citronella candles work well to keep insects at bay.
Treating insects bites
Once bitten, the basic treatments are cool compresses, antihistamines, anti-itching compounds, and anti-inflammatory medicines.
A cool compress can be as simple as a washcloth soaked in cold water that is then pressed on the bite area. Ice packs can also be used however make sure to wrap it in a towel and do not leave it on for more than 20 minutes.
Common antihistamines include:
* diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
* brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromfed), chorpheniramine (Chor-trimeton, Pediacare, Naldecon, Rynatan, Triaminic), triprolidine (Actifed) , pyrilamine, clemastine (Tavist), and carbinoxamine (Rondec). These are usually a part of multisymptom cold relievers.
* cyproheptadine (Periactin). A long acting prescription antihistamine, sometimes used for prophylaxis for frequent migraines and recurrent abdominal pain.
* hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril). A long acting prescription antihistamine.
* loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are newer, second generation antihistamines that are available by prescription to treat allergies and are usually less sedating than older medications.
You can make a simple anti-itching compound with baking soda and water. Add just enough water to make it into a paste and apply liberally to the bite areas.
Calamine lotion is another effective anti-itching product. It typically last longer than the homemade type but when kids starting scratching use what is quickest. (Scratching can lead to open sores that get infected)
A topical anesthetic containing pramoxine (such as the prescription PrameGel or the over-the-counter Caladryl) can take away the pain and itching.
There are also steroids for the treatment of insect bites. Check with your pharmacist and/or doctor for the steroid that is right for your child. Steroids can react with other medicines your child might be taking so it is always recommended to be cautious and ask first before using them.
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