Children, more than adults, are prone to mosquito bites(1). That’s because a bug bite affects a child’s immune system, although the effect fades as he or she grows up(2). Insect bites may get infected due to constant scratching at the affected area, if it looks infected, consult with your doctor immediately.3
It is the children, too, who react more intensely to mosquito bites(4).
A big part of their skin swells and turns reddish. They may have low-grade fever, hives and swollen lymph nodes.
It’s interesting to note that mosquito bites come only from the female species(5). It is they who need blood to produce eggs. They may bite as much as 20 times before finding a small blood vessel and attacking it.
Physical effects of mosquito bites
How can you tell if a mosquito has bitten your child, especially when the temperature rises and these insects are all over? Physical signs include:
- Small, red bumps that are itchy
- Small, itchy red bumps show themselves 24 hours after a mosquito bite(6). These red bumps are the body’s way of reacting to mosquito saliva that enters the skin(7). Swollen hives, followed by red bumps may appear in older children and teens 24 hours after they get bitten.
- Swelling. Mosquito bites in the upper part of the face can make the area around the eye swell for many days. The swollen part is pink and large, especially for children aged one to five years old(6).
- In rare cases, blisters, bruises and major inflammatory symptoms can appear in two to four-year-old children. These symptoms tend to decrease as children grow older(7).
It is also the best time to teach children how important it is to protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors when it gets dark and mosquitos are most active, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves, and pants and keeping those tiny fingernails from scratching the insect bite.
This will help the child cope with the itch and the pain of mosquito bites. As they grow older, they will be well equipped with knowledge on safeguarding themselves against mosquito bites, and seek out appropriate treatment where necessary.
Most of all, children who can lean on their parents when a mosquito, or any other insect bites, will gain comfort(8) in the thought that in any physical or emotional challenge they face, their parents will be right there with them.
References:
- Mosquito Bite (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/mosquito-bite/
- Here’s What Every Parent Needs to Know About Mosquitos (July 5, 2019) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/heres-what-every-parent-needs-to-know-about-mosquitoes/
- Bug Bites, Stings and Kids (May 20, 2019) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Bug-Bites,-Stings-and-Kids
- Mosquito bites (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20375310
- Mosquito Bite (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/mosquito-bite/
- Mosquito Bite (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Mosquito+Bite
- The Itchy, Bumpy Blues: How to Treat and Prevent Mosquito Bites and Related Conditions (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.drgreene.com/treat-prevent-mosquito-bites
- Helping Children Feel Safe in Stressful Times (n.d.) Retrieved Sept. 8, 2020 from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/helping-children-feel-safe-in-stressful-times
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