First aid for mosquito bites. Mosquito bites - how and what to treat. Dangerous types of mosquitoes

Of course, a mosquito bite is not a pleasant experience, but most people tolerate it well. Standard consequences of a mosquito bite: discomfort due to itching and redness of the skin at the site of the bite. Even without the use of special means, the swelling and redness go away if you do not scratch the bite site.

But completely different consequences await children and people suffering from allergies. A mosquito bite can cause a sensitization reaction and general intoxication of the body. In this case, you cannot remain inactive, but you need to help the victim.

How and where do mosquitoes attack humans?

In the warm season, mosquitoes begin to overwhelm people in forests, dachas, parks and even apartments. Particularly many individuals can be seen near water bodies, in thickets of bushes and in the grass.

An interesting fact is that only female mosquitoes attack humans, because for reproduction they need protein, which is found in lymph and blood. The diet of males is limited to pollen of forest and meadow flowers.

It is not difficult to identify a mosquito that wants to attack. The blood-sucking insect makes a characteristic squeak. But it’s more difficult to notice when a mosquito lands on your skin, because there are a lot of soft shock-absorbing hairs on its legs.

Landing on the skin, the mosquito selects an area where the epidermis is more delicate, then lightly taps the skin with its proboscis and looks for a blood vessel. When the capillary is located, the insect sticks its proboscis and drinks the blood.

Itching after a mosquito bite occurs due to the fact that, along with saliva, the insect injects a toxic substance, in response to this the human immune system begins to produce antibodies. The mosquito also injects an anesthetic, so one female can bite a person several times without being noticed.

Mosquito saliva contains special substances that prevent blood clotting, thanks to which the female can drink until she is completely saturated.

What are the consequences of a mosquito bite?

As already mentioned, after a mosquito bite, redness and itching appear on the skin. In a person with normal health, swelling and redness persist for 3-24 hours. In the vast majority of cases, the consequences of a mosquito bite are limited to this, but, unfortunately, there are more serious side effects.

Mosquito bites can also provoke other symptoms, which are mild or lead to anaphylactic shock.

Mosquito bites are more difficult for people with weak immunity, autoimmune pathologies and a predisposition to the development of sensitization reactions, as well as children. In babies, the body’s resistance to the penetration of allergens is just developing, while the permeability of blood vessels is high, which is why toxic substances quickly spread into the tissues.

After a mosquito bite, an allergy like hives may occur: red spots, blisters and severe swelling appear on the skin. Side effects also include dizziness, weakness, fatigue and dyspeptic disorders (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting).

If medical assistance is not provided in time, the situation may worsen:

• blood pressure drops to dangerous levels;
• signs of suffocation will appear;
• the skin will become dry and acquire a bluish tint;
• the heart rate will decrease.

In this case, the person begins to delirium and falls into an unconscious state. Such symptoms are characteristic of anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema. If you do not seek medical help in time, there is a danger of death.

For some people, a mosquito bite goes away easily, but this is not always the case. If you notice more serious symptoms (nausea, weakness, asthma attacks, etc.), then you need to urgently go to the nearest hospital or emergency room!

The situation is a little different with young children: from numerous bites, their body temperature may rise and their appetite may disappear. Since such symptoms are characteristic of a respiratory infection, parents usually start giving appropriate medications. Such treatment can lead to negative consequences.

If a child develops a fever after being bitten by a mosquito and has lost his appetite, do not rush to give him antiviral medications; it is better to consult a doctor who will prescribe the correct treatment.

You should contact your pediatrician even if your child develops a slight allergy after being bitten. Parents neglect the help of doctors, believing that everything will go away on its own. But anaphylactic shock can lead to disruptions in the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, excretory organs, etc., and the restoration of these functions will take a long time.

What complications occur after a mosquito bite?

Female mosquitoes can be carriers of vector-borne diseases, in particular tularemia.

If you scratch the bite site and do not follow hygiene rules, there is a possibility that pathogenic bacteria, for example, staphylococci and streptococci, will enter the body. Treatment of such diseases requires the use of strong pharmacological drugs, including antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids.

Treatment for mosquito bites

If after the bite there is only slight redness and slight swelling, then it is quite possible to limit yourself to treatment at home.

If after a bite there is at least one of the following symptoms, then you need to consult a doctor:

• a sharp deterioration in health;
• localization of a mosquito bite in the eye area;
• red spots with a diameter of more than 5 cm;
• temperature rise to 39-40°C.

Mosquito bite. First aid

First of all, you need to cool the bite site - this will prevent an increase in the area of ​​​​edema and infection with a serious infection. Ice cubes packed in a bag and thick cloth will help with this.

Another option is to remove a package of mixed vegetables or frozen meat or fish from the freezer and apply it to the bite site for about 5 minutes, and then take a break to prevent frostbite.

• hydrogen peroxide;
• 0.02% furatsilin solution;
• chlorhexidine;
• alcohol diluted with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio.

To prevent the formation of edema and inflammation, you can use 3% -1 table or apple cider vinegar. But keep in mind that to treat your baby’s skin you need to dilute the vinegar in equal proportions with cool water.

Most often, mosquitoes attack in nature, and you don’t always have a first aid kit at hand. In this case, medicinal plants will come in handy. For example, plantain and burdock can help; finding these plants is not difficult. Before use, it is recommended to rinse them with water and grind until a thick paste forms. Then you need to apply it to the swelling and secure it with a bandage. When the paste dries out, you need to replace it with fresh one.

Pharmacy remedies for mosquito bites

Even if you are not sensitive to mosquito bites, and they usually go away quickly, it is still better to take an antihistamine. This is especially true for young children, since it is harder for them to resist scratching bites than for adults.

Anti-allergy medications will help stop swelling and reduce itching.

• "Suprastin";
• "Tavegil";
• "Zodak";
• "Loratadine";
• Zyrtec.

All allergy medications cause drowsiness, so it is not recommended to take them before driving or before a difficult day at work that requires increased alertness and concentration.

If the temperature rises after a mosquito bite, but there is no way to see a doctor, then you need to take an antipyretic drug, for example, Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Paracetamol, Panadol, etc.

If you often travel outdoors and mosquito bites are not uncommon, then you need to have an ointment with an antihistamine effect in your first aid kit:

• Balm “Rescuer”. This product contains olive and sea buckthorn oils, essential oils of tea tree, lavender and rose, calendula extract, vitamins A and E. This balm is a universal remedy that helps not only with bites, but also in other cases. It will be able to soothe the skin and speed up its regeneration.
• Gel "Fenistil". The active ingredient is dimethindene maleate. The product helps not only with insect bites, but also with sunburn and itchy skin. It has an anesthetic effect, cools the skin, moisturizes, softens and prevents the occurrence of an allergic reaction.
• Cream "Gistan". The active substance is the synthetic glucocorticosteroid mometasone. The drug helps relieve itching, swelling and prevents the spread of redness. It is used after insect bites and for various skin diseases.
• "Psilo-balm." Diphenhydramine predominates in its composition. The gel has a powerful anti-allergenic effect. It copes well with itching and also pleasantly cools inflamed skin.
• Hydrocortisone ointment. The product has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is suitable for treating skin after insect bites and a number of skin diseases.

Of course, this is not a complete list. In the pharmacy you can easily find a variety of products with an antihistamine effect; they differ in composition, manufacturer and price.

If the victim has severe swelling or large allergic rashes, the doctor may prescribe gels, ointments or creams with hormonal components, for example, Advantan, Celestoderm, Triderm. You cannot choose such remedies on your own; they have an extensive list of side effects and contraindications, and are prescribed only by a doctor if necessary.

Folk remedies for mosquito bites

The juice of the following plants will help with mosquito bites:

• aloe;
• lemon or peppermint;
• sage;
• St. John's wort;
• parsley;
• thyme;
• wormwood;
• strings, etc.

To prepare the remedy, you need to crush the fresh plant in a porcelain or wooden mold. After using gauze, squeeze out the juice, moisten a sterile napkin in it and apply to the bite site for half an hour.

If you don’t have a freshly cut plant, you can use a dry one to prepare a medicinal infusion. To do this, you need to pour 3 tablespoons of the crushed plant into a teapot, pour boiling water over it and let it brew for 1-2 hours. Then filter out the dry residue, moisten a sterile napkin or cotton pad with the infusion and apply to the bite site.

Citrus juices: lemon, grapefruit or lime will help reduce swelling and itching. You need to cut the fruit into pieces and periodically wipe the bite area. This remedy will not only relieve symptoms, but also help repel blood-sucking insects.

Another popular method is to use simple soda. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute one teaspoon of soda in a glass of warm water. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and apply it to the bite site.

Also, do not forget that special means will help to avoid bites. They need to be applied before going outdoors and updated periodically. When choosing a mosquito repellent, pay attention to its composition. Manufacturers often add essential oils of medicinal plants that repel insects. Such components can cause an allergic reaction, so test the product on a small area of ​​skin before applying them.

A mosquito bite most often passes quickly and without serious consequences, but even in this case, the itching causes noticeable discomfort. To avoid unpleasant side effects, you can use various folk remedies or ointments and gels purchased at the pharmacy.

Summer is the most beautiful and beloved time of the year by many. Trips outside the city, walks in the park, relaxing in the country or near the lake, what could be more wonderful? What a pity that this idyll can be overshadowed by mosquitoes and their bites. A situation when their child is bitten by mosquitoes becomes a unique test for parents.

These annoying insects haunt people not only on walks, but also within our apartments and houses. Very often they attack during sleep, and, as a result, the baby wakes up in the morning with severe itching and a spoiled mood. In this article we will tell you what you need to know and do if a mosquito bites a child.

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

The opinion that mosquito bites are absolutely harmless is erroneous. In no case should you neglect the bites of these insects, because mosquitoes can be carriers of a variety of viral and infectious diseases. In addition, they can provoke the development of a severe allergic reaction.

At the site of the bite, the insect secretes a special substance that prevents blood clotting, which makes the sucking process much easier for mosquitoes. It is this substance that causes all the symptoms characteristic of a mosquito bite:

• redness;
• edema;

Children's bodies are especially sensitive to mosquito bites, because their skin is much thinner, and the development of the response occurs much faster than in adults.

Statistics show that 95% of children (after a mosquito bite) develop an allergic reaction to one degree or another. An important nuance is the possibility of infection of the bite area in young children. Since the bite site causes severe itching, children instinctively scratch it, which can provoke infection and the development of an inflammatory process.

In this regard, every mother is worried about the following question: “The child was bitten by mosquitoes - what should I anoint with?” Let's look at what to do in such a situation in order to prevent possible consequences.

It is very easy and simple to relieve your baby’s condition after a mosquito bite. All actions are aimed at preventing scratching of the wound and minimizing the possibility of infection:

• First of all, it is advisable to disinfect the bite site. Hydrogen peroxide, decasan, miramistin, chlorhexidine or furatsilin solution are perfect for this purpose.
• To reduce swelling, it is recommended to apply a cold compress for a few minutes.
• Anoint the bite site with a product that reduces itching and prevents the development of allergies.
• If the child is allergic, or if there are several bites at the same time, the baby must be given an antiallergic drug.

How does an allergy to a mosquito bite manifest?

It is very difficult not to notice the development of an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite in a child. After all, its symptoms appear not only at the site of the bite, but also spread to the entire body. An allergic reaction is manifested by the following symptoms:

• swelling and redness develop at the site of the bite, the diameter of which can be from 4 to 15 cm (in some cases more);
• the baby becomes very restless and irritable, constantly scratching the problem area with his hands;
• the child does not sleep well.

In such cases, you cannot do without antihistamines for internal and external use, which are recommended to be taken according to the instructions and after consultation with a pediatrician.

What symptoms require immediate medical attention?

Since an allergic reaction can be quite unpredictable, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor if you have the following signs:

• At the site of the bite there is severe redness and swelling with a diameter of 10 cm or more.
• The bite site is very hot to the touch.
• The lymph nodes became enlarged and painful.
• The child's body temperature rose.
• The baby is worried about headaches, nausea and episodes of vomiting.
• The child has difficulty breathing.

Parents are often concerned about the question of what to do if a mosquito bites a child in the eye? The only and correct answer is to show the baby to the doctor. It is dangerous to apply ointment to this area of ​​the body; the degree of swelling is rapidly growing and only a specialist can prescribe competent treatment in this situation.

What to choose at the pharmacy for mosquito bites?

The pharmaceutical market offers a fairly wide range of products that will help alleviate the baby’s condition after mosquito bites. The table presents a comparative description of the most effective and popular means for external use.

Drug name	Active substance	Properties and application features	Approximate price, rub
Fenistil gel	dimethindene	Gel with a pronounced antiallergic effect. Excellently relieves itching and significantly reduces swelling. Can be used from birth (not on large areas of skin).
Psilo-balm	diphenhydramine	It relieves skin itching well, has cooling and anesthetic properties. When using this gel, sun exposure is not recommended.
Balm “Rescuer”	beeswax, sea buckthorn oil concentrate, tea tree oil, lavender oil, echinacea extract, turpentine, vitamin E.	Has antibacterial and wound-healing effects. It relieves inflammation well and significantly reduces itching. Requires careful use in children, as cases of allergic reactions to the constituent ingredients of the balm are known.
Boro Plus	complex of Indian herbs (sandalwood, tulsi, kapur kachari, neem, turmeric, vetiver)	The cream contains natural ingredients that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Relieves skin itching and stimulates skin regeneration.
Balm “Star”	Clove oil, camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil	The natural components of the drug relieve itching and reduce the inflammatory process. The balm has a cooling effect. Not recommended for use by children under 2 years of age.

What if the pharmacy is far away?

Very often situations arise when civilization is far away, but mosquitoes do not sleep. How can you help a child if you don’t have any of the above at hand?

We hasten to please you - there are a lot of folk remedies for mosquito bites:

• The simplest and most effective remedy for mosquito bites is baking soda. To prepare a solution that perfectly relieves itching and swelling, you need to dilute 1 teaspoon of soda in 200 ml of water. Lubricate the bite areas 3-6 times a day.
• Herbal compresses. In the field, certain plants will help you out. In the fight against insect bites, plantain, mint and parsley take precedence. You need to crush the leaves of these plants and apply them to the bite site.
• Salt bath. If you have multiple bites, you can give your child a salt bath. To do this, you need to dissolve 0.3 - 0.5 kg of sea salt in the required amount of water and immerse the baby there for 7 - 10 minutes. It is not recommended to use this method if the toddler has scratched the bite sites and there are open wounds on the child’s body.
• For older children, bite sites can be wiped with calendula tincture or salicylic alcohol, and tea tree or lavender essential oil can also be used spot-on.

Experts want to draw your attention to the fact that the effect of using traditional methods is very short-lived. The above methods are not recommended for use by newborns and infants.

Ways to prevent mosquito bites

Everyone knows the truth that it is easier to prevent than to treat the consequences later. This phrase perfectly describes the situation regarding mosquito bites.

In modern life, there are a lot of effective means and methods that will help prevent mosquito bites - fumigators, various repellents, baby creams and emulsions, aerosols and special bracelets. Let's look at which remedy should be preferred and in what situation.

Repellents are special products that repel mosquitoes, and they can be applied to the baby’s skin and clothes. You need to understand that in most cases, the composition of these products is far from natural, so when using them it is recommended to strictly follow the instructions. You need to choose repellents taking into account the age of the baby. After completing a walk or relaxing in nature, you need to thoroughly rinse the product off your baby’s skin.

For children from 1.5 to 3 years old, it is advisable to choose a cream, gel or emulsion. They are quickly absorbed by the skin and retain their effect for 2 to 4 hours. These forms cannot be used if there is a violation of the integrity of the skin (wounds, scratches, abrasions).

It is advisable to use aerosols for children after they reach 5 years of age. This form of protection should only be used outdoors and should only be applied to clothing. It is not recommended to use repellents in aerosol form for small children, since there is a high probability that aerosol particles may enter the respiratory tract and cause bronchospasm or intoxication of the body.

Fumigators are a special device with plates or a container of liquid that works when connected to an outlet. Please note that fumigators are not recommended for use indoors and should not be left on all night. Experts advise turning on this device (with the window open) for 1.5-2 hours before bedtime. This time is enough to destroy the mosquitoes that are in the room.

How to protect your baby from mosquito bites?

Sources

1. What to Expect in Year One, 3rd Edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.
2. WhatToExpect.com, Insect Repellent for Children and Toddlers, June 2018.
3. American Academy of Pediatrics, Choosing an Insect Repellent for Your Child, March 2017.

There is a wide variety of mosquitoes in nature. Most people tolerate a mosquito bite calmly and almost painlessly. However, mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, and their bites can cause an allergic reaction. So how can you relieve the itching after a mosquito bite without scratching and swelling?

Are mosquito bites dangerous?

When a mosquito bites, it pierces a person's skin, thereby causing unpleasant sensations. Male mosquitoes feed on plant sap and therefore do not attack humans. And female mosquitoes need protein to reproduce. They consume it from the blood of animals and people.

The mosquito chooses places with thin skin and nearby blood vessels to bite.

When bitten, the female mosquito salivates under the skin. Saliva contains anticoagulants. These are substances that interfere with blood clotting and also cause itching, redness, swelling, and in some cases a rash. Some people are more sensitive to mosquito bites.

They may experience the following symptoms:

• Blisters appear at the site of the bite, up to 10mm in diameter
• The bitten area itches for a day or more
• Body temperature may be elevated for several days
• Swelling may occur and the bite site may be painful when touched.
• Sometimes a skin rash occurs, the spots spread beyond the damaged area of ​​the skin

Mosquitoes have no poison, so poisoning from a bite is impossible.

However, a person may experience allergies. An even more serious danger is diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Only certain types of mosquitoes carry infections.

Is it possible to scratch mosquito bites?

If you scratch the bite site, the saliva of the female mosquito will spread, and a wound will quickly form at the scratching site. This will cause increased itching and redness. Therefore, the bite itches more and more.

If you scratch a mosquito bite, infection can enter through the damaged skin and infection will occur.

Small children often scratch the puncture site, which is why they do not tolerate mosquito bites well. To remove itching, you can smear the damaged area of ​​skin with special products that are available in pharmacies.

Mosquito bite marks look like pimples on the body. But the bite always has a point in the center of the outbreak.

Allergic reactions in children and adults

Allergies to the bites of these insects do not occur often in adults. However, in children, especially under three years of age, this is a common phenomenon, because Children's immunity is not yet accustomed to fighting the saliva that is released during a bite.

There are three main reasons for allergies to mosquito bites:

1. Heredity
2. Special sensitivity
3. A sharp reaction of the immune system to substances contained in insect saliva

Another reaction of the body to a bite is hives. It appears as a rash on the body and severe itching.

A severe and dangerous reaction is nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anaphylactic shock. Angioedema may also appear.

Symptoms for which you should consult a doctor

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe red swelling of the skin at the site of the bite
• Headache, chills
• Increased body temperature
• Convulsions and loss of consciousness
• Attacks of suffocation

Diseases transmitted through mosquito bites

Infectious diseases transmitted through insect bites are mainly common in southern countries in the tropics. Infections are transmitted through the saliva of the female mosquito. Not all mosquitoes are dangerous. However, while in the tropics, every mosquito bite should be treated carefully, because... it may pose a health risk.

Diseases that can be transmitted through mosquito bites:

1. malaria,
2. fever,
3. encephalitis,
4. helminthiasis.

Malaria is the most common disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Sometimes it can be fatal. The carrier of the infection is the malaria mosquito.

Malaria mosquitoes (or Anopheles mosquitoes) exist throughout the world, but are especially dangerous in the tropics and subtropics. They transmit infection through malarial plasmodia.

Malaria is characterized by flu-like symptoms - headache, weakness, chills. Timely consultation with a doctor will help to avoid serious consequences for the human body.

First aid for a mosquito bite

To prevent complications, you should know how to provide first aid for a mosquito bite.

1. Do not touch or scratch the bite site to avoid infection.
2. The place where the mosquito pierced the skin should be washed with warm water and soap to avoid the entry of germs and bacteria.
3. You can apply something cold to the bite site.
4. If you have allergy symptoms, you should take an antihistamine.

Today, there are effective folk remedies that will also help in treating a bite. However, before smearing the bite, you should evaluate the condition of the skin. In case of a single bite, it is enough to apply ice.

To get rid of severe itching and swelling, you can use the following remedies:

• ammonia or any product containing alcohol
• vinegar
• toothpaste
• tomato or onion juice
• ointment made from milk powder and water (1:2)

Home method

You've been bitten by an insect, any kind, and the blister itches. Take a cup and pour boiling water into it. You can brew tea or coffee at the same time. We put a metal spoon there and wait until it warms up to a “non-handling” state. You want the metal to be at such a temperature that you are at the point of being patient but still able to hold the spoon in your fingers. Not red-hot, but just very hot so that there is no burn.

And press the heated end against the bite. We wait 15-20 seconds for the bite to warm up at maximum speed. Ready. It will no longer itch, because the insect's saliva itches, causing allergies and skin reactions, and it disintegrates under the influence of heat. The bite stops itching instantly and a small red dot remains on the skin.

For the especially lazy, you can pointly lean both the edge of the cup and any heated object.

It happens that someone has bitten someone who is particularly toxic (a bug, a flea), then the operation will have to be repeated after 8 hours, because the bite will start to itch a little again.

Mosquito repellents

When outdoors, the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to avoid attracting their attention. Mosquitoes choose their prey based on three criteria: appearance, smell and elevated body temperature. Most often, mosquitoes fly to blue and green colors. Therefore, it is better to wear clothes in lighter colors.

Perfumes, sweet-smelling creams, deodorants - these scents attract annoying insects. For the summer, it is better to choose less fragrant scents.

In the evening it is better to avoid physical activity, because... Mosquitoes are attracted to the increased temperature of a person’s body and react to the secretion of sweat.

Indoors, special mosquito nets can be installed on windows and doors. They are sold in different sizes and are easy to attach.

This way you can open the window and let in fresh air, and you are not afraid of annoying mosquitoes entering the room. The mosquito net can also be replaced with regular gauze. There are also many creams and aerosols on sale that will help protect against mosquitoes in the summer season.

A mosquito bite most often does not harm the human body. His traces disappear within a few days. But if allergies or other symptoms of dangerous diseases occur, you should immediately take the necessary measures and consult a doctor.

"Oh! I was bitten by a mosquito! If you are a pessimist or have been guilty in a past life, then you can immediately prepare for redness, swelling, nasty itching and a good dozen repeated bites in the same place. For most lucky people, a mosquito bite ends up being insignificant due to the proteins contained in the insect's saliva. This reaction takes place within a few hours. But in some cases, the consequences can be much more serious - it can be a severe allergic reaction, or infection with one or vector infections, the causative agents of which are carried by mosquitoes. These diseases include Zika fever, West Nile fever, and numerous encephalitis caused by arboviruses.

Help for mosquito bites

So, what should you do if you become a tasty morsel for mosquitoes? Here are some of the most important recommendations for this case.

Rinse the affected area. Damage to the skin can lead to infection and other complications. Wash the bite area thoroughly with water and soap, such as oatmeal soap. Oat extract cleanses and gently disinfects the skin, moisturizes it and relieves itching.

Use anti-itch cream. A calamine-based lotion is suitable, which will quickly and effectively relieve discomfort. Hydrocortisone cream will prevent or eliminate swelling and inflammation.

Apply ice or a cold compress to the bite site. This will reduce swelling and reduce sensitivity and itching.

Take an antihistamine, such as Trexyl. It is necessary if an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite occurs.

Whatever happens, do not scratch the bite site!

For most people, especially for people, scratching the itchy bite area is the very first and natural reaction. Unfortunately, this only provides momentary relief. Moreover, scratching only provokes inflammation, which becomes stronger the more we itch. It is almost certain that an infection will get under the skin when scratching. The most that can be done in case of severe itching is to slap the sore spot or press it firmly - this will also temporarily reduce the unpleasant sensation, but will not aggravate the situation.

When should you seek help after a bite?

A mosquito bite usually goes away without a trace in one or two days. But if redness, itching and swelling do not disappear, this means that the wound has become infected and professional treatment is necessary.

More serious symptoms that should not be ignored under any circumstances are fever, headache, muscle and joint pain.

About home remedies to combat the consequences of mosquito bites

There are many household remedies that can help quickly cure insect bites. Here are some of them.

Tablespoon. Many believe that pressing a spoon to the bite site helps relieve itching and inflammation. In our opinion, the spoon should be cold and silver, that is, it should have antiseptic qualities. The myth that you need to apply a warm spoon has no scientific basis.

Onion. The juice of a fresh onion can bring relief, but until tears flow from your eyes from this procedure. Then you will no longer have time to bite. Of course, onion juice should not be rubbed into bites on the face, near the eyes and nose.

Suppositories for hemorrhoids. Phenylephrine, the active component of rectal suppositories, relieves swelling in the area of ​​​​hemorrhoids. The same effect is achieved in areas stung by mosquitoes.

Lemon or lime juice. It has antibacterial properties, cleanses the skin and relieves severe itching. The citrus scent serves and prevents further bites. Try not to go out into bright sunlight - citrus juice can cause burns.

Toothpaste. Many people claim that applying toothpaste to the affected areas makes the skin itch less.

Baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate has an alkaline reaction and promotes the fastest healing of mosquito bites, since in places of inflammation there is an acidic environment that promotes the proliferation of pathogens, microbes and fungi.

Table salt. Sodium chloride has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, it draws excess water from the skin and relieves swelling. Add a little water to a teaspoon of salt and rub the resulting paste onto the bite site.

Apple vinegar. You can apply lotions to the bite sites using a cotton swab. If your hands or feet are affected, you can make a bath of two or three glasses of apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Of course, acidic lotions should not be applied immediately after using baking soda, as the effect will be reduced to zero.

Basil. Grind basil leaves in a mortar and apply the paste to the skin. The camphor contained in the plant will reduce skin sensitivity, provide pleasant coolness and soothe severe itching. , as well as the smell of citrus fruits, mosquitoes do not like.

Alcohol. No, this is not at all what you think. There is no need to prepare the gin and tonic. Alcohol is required to disinfect the bite site. Although... Did you know that mixing gin and tonic was invented by officers of the British colonial troops in India, who were being treated for mosquito-borne malaria? Quinine, a medicine for malaria, tasted very bitter and the British began mixing water, lime juice and gin to wash down the powder. Treating fevers has become more enjoyable. And returning to the metropolis, the former military men did not give up their acquired habit.

Be careful when using the home remedies described. People react to them differently. For example, citrus fruits can cause allergies in children no less severe than mosquito saliva. If possible, in case of allergies, consult your doctor.

How to get rid of mosquito bites once and for all?

Do you want to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes this summer and in the future? Installing a new mosquito trap

Every child loves the summer, because on hot days you can go with your parents to nature, to the dacha, or to walk along the alleys of the park with sweet ice cream or cotton wool. However, not only children love summer, but also stinging and biting insects, which pose a serious threat to children.

In the forest, “bloodthirsty” mosquitoes and midges await the baby, in the clearing there are busy bees and bumblebees, and in the city there is a wasp who loves sweet foods. By the way, a small child endures a wasp sting much more severely than a bee attack.

In any case, it is extremely important to know what to do if a child is bitten by mosquitoes, midges, bees and other insects.

Competent first aid, provided in a timely manner, will relieve pain and prevent the development of allergies.

Mosquitoes and midges are the most common insects in central Russia that suck human blood. In the summer they cause a lot of inconvenience to children and adults.

A common feature of these “enemies of man” is the following: before starting a “meal”, they try to introduce saliva into the skin through the proboscis, which contains anticoagulants - compounds that prevent blood clotting.

However, in our country, a mosquito bite extremely rarely becomes the cause of any illness; much more often, the site of the mosquito “attack” itches so much that the child is able to get an infection.

Signs of an insect bite are a reddened small area of ​​skin, slight swelling and severe itching. Usually, after a couple of days, such symptoms disappear, and the skin takes on its previous appearance.

An allergy to the bite of a mosquito and other blood-sucking insects rarely develops and is not as severe as to the injection of stinging insects - bees and wasps. Signs of emerging allergies in children are as follows:

• swelling of the skin at the site of the bite;
• elevated temperature;
• headache;
• severe itching;
• vomit.

Very rarely, hypersensitivity to the bites of blood-sucking insects can lead to types of allergies such as hives, bronchospasm or anaphylactic shock.

If a child is bitten by a midge, the sensation is much more painful. The fact is that, unlike mosquitoes, which pierce the top layer of skin with their proboscis, small midges bite off part of the skin. As a result, the bite site swells and swells much more.

So, since in our climate zone the most unpleasant results of an attack by a mosquito “flock” or smaller midges are itching and swelling, special medications or the help of a doctor are usually not required.

But what to do if a child is bitten by mosquitoes? First aid for blood-sucking insect bites is very simple:

1. Regular medical or ammonia alcohol, any alcohol-containing lotions, or plain cool water can help your baby get rid of itching.
2. If you need to relieve swelling after a mosquito bite, it is better to make a paste of baking soda and boiled water. Such compresses should be placed on the site of swelling.
3. To avoid infection of the wound, it is necessary to treat it with any antiseptic - brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, the same alcohol.

If your child is bitten by a midge, you can additionally apply a cold compress to reduce itching and swelling. In addition, it is allowed to lubricate the swelling with regular ice cubes.

The younger the child, the more pronounced his reaction to insect bites. In this case, it is better to make do with traditional medicine recipes, rather than immediately stuffing children with potent drugs. Experts recommend using the following products, proven over decades:

• if the skin at the site of the bite is very itchy, lubricate it with tomato juice;
• parsley (or rather, its pulp) is another popular folk remedy for mosquito bites;
• mint toothpaste can help with itching and unbearable burning;

• rub the swelling with a raw potato or onion;
• if your finger or ear is swollen, try smearing it with sour cream or yogurt;
• to help children after a midge bite, make a lotion from ground plantain and dandelion leaves;
• Various essential extracts will also help the baby, for example, tea tree oil, which, when applied to the skin, relieves inflammation, kills bacteria and heals wounds;
• Zvezdochka balm helps relieve itching and reduce discomfort from mosquito bites.

In some situations, parsley and other folk remedies do not help relieve swelling and swelling of the skin. In this case, you will need a medication, for example, Rescuer ointment and Boro Plus cream. They contain thermal water and various elements that help speedy healing of wounds.

So, the most popular drugs that can help mosquito bites:

• Fenistil gel;
• Boro plus cream;
• Rescuer ointment;
• Fenistil;
• Fladex;
• Baby Gardex.

Each drug is considered safe enough for a child, but before using them you should consult a doctor for advice. It is the doctor who will decide which ointment is suitable for an early baby.

It should be understood that with severe swelling and severe allergies, only a hormonal gel can help.

Dr. Komarovsky advises, in the absence of allergies, to limit yourself to an ordinary cold compress; ordinary parsley can also help. If an allergy has begun, then the choice of remedy depends on its severity. The most common drug is Fenistil gel. Komarovsky also recommends taking the baby to the hospital if he has previously been diagnosed with allergic reactions.

Stinging insects such as bumblebees, bees or wasps release poison when attacked, which is usually not safe for children. However, if the baby has allergies, then a wasp sting poses a serious danger to his health and even life.

Hypersensitivity reactions most often occur immediately after a bee attack. With multiple bites, the allergy is very pronounced.

The bite site swells, dizziness occurs, fever, vomiting and swelling of the larynx begin. The latter is especially dangerous because it can cause suffocation.

Experts identify the following characteristic signs that develop after stings from bees, bumblebees, wasps and other stinging insects:

• sharp painful sensations;
• the bitten area begins to swell, which is extremely dangerous, especially if a bee, wasp, or bumblebee has stuck its sting into the child’s head and neck;
• redness of the skin;
• headache;
• gagging;
• heat;
• chest pain.

A bee's sting resembles a jagged spear, which is why these insects can only sting once. But the wasp and bumblebee are capable of attacking as many times as they like. However, bees, bumblebees, and other stinging insects attack only when they sense danger.

Do not forget that a wasp sting is much more painful for a child than the sting of a bee or bumblebee. That is why first aid should be provided to the baby as soon as possible, although it is best to consult a doctor at the first bee attacks.

What should parents do to help their baby? First aid for bee and bumblebee bites consists of the following immediate measures:

1. Remove the sting that was left after the bee attacked. This must be done extremely carefully, for example, with tweezers. You should not squeeze the wound with your fingers, as the effect of the poison will only intensify.
2. Although the wasp and bumblebee do not leave their weapons in the wound, their bites, like the sting of a bee, are dangerous due to infection. That is why the skin needs to be washed with soapy water and then treated with an antiseptic.
3. Since the venom of a bee, bumblebee or wasp is alkaline, it can be neutralized with lemon juice or acetylsalicylic acid. This is quite simple to do - squeeze a little lemon onto the bite site or pour crushed aspirin tablet powder.
4. Parsley can also help if a wasp sting causes severe pain to the baby. Crush the greens of the plant and apply to your finger if it is swollen. Parsley relieves swelling and reduces pain.
5. Most likely, you can’t do without an anti-allergy pill. If a child is allergic to bee or bumblebee venom, it is necessary to give the child an approved drug for his age as soon as possible. Dr. Komarovsky also speaks about this.

In addition, you should know what not to do if you are bitten by bees, bumblebees and other stinging insects. Even if your finger is swollen, you should not apply soil to it. Such a remedy will not relieve pain and swelling, but it will easily cause infection.

Most often, medications are intended to eliminate allergies or prevent allergic reactions.

Of course, after a bee attack, it is better to consult a doctor, but in some situations you have to do everything very quickly, especially if the wasp sting was on the neck.

First aid may include taking the following general antihistamines:

• Suprastin;
• Erius;
• Zyrtec.

In addition, products in the form of ointments and gels are also used for topical use. These drugs should be applied in accordance with the instructions, without exceeding the recommended dosages for age.

Many experts, including Dr. Komarovsky, recommend the following local preparations after stings of bees, bumblebees and other stinging insects:

• Advantan;
• Fenkarol;
• Boro plus ointment;
• gel Rescuer;
• hydrocortisone ointment.

Medicinal herbs can also help, for example, if your finger is just swollen. For example, parsley and plantain relieve inflammation well and destroy germs if the infection process has begun.

When should you see a doctor?

If the child does not have allergies, then you can do it yourself, since the swelling after an insect attack goes away in 2-3 days. However, in some cases, contacting a doctor or even an ambulance is mandatory. For example:

• traces of bee or bumblebee bites are on the face;
• the child was stung by several insects;
• throat swollen after a bee sting on the neck;
• traces of intoxication appeared - nausea, fever,...

If bees, bumblebees or wasps have stung a baby under three months old, it is imperative to contact an ambulance and this should be done immediately, and not after any symptoms appear on the face or body. Allergies can develop suddenly, which can lead to swelling of the larynx and death.

Medical first aid is aimed at emergency intervention, which involves an injection of an antihistamine to enhance the effect of the active substances. In especially severe cases, a hormonal injection is also necessary to relieve swelling.

It should be understood that bee and wasp stings are much easier to prevent than to treat. For example, a wasp trap will come in handy at the dacha. This device helps to significantly reduce the number of stinging insects. A wasp trap is sold at any gardening store, but you can make it yourself.

In addition, a mosquito net will prevent mosquito bites, and if you apply special products to your baby, blood-sucking insects will not stick to him.

And to help your child in case of allergies, be sure to have a first aid kit in which the well-known drugs Boro Plus or Rescuer will be stored. They will provide significant assistance in case of bee or bumblebee bites.

Hello, I am Nadezhda Plotnikova. Having successfully completed her studies at SUSU as a specialized psychologist, she devoted several years to working with children with developmental problems and consulting parents on issues of raising children. I use the experience gained, among other things, in creating articles of a psychological nature. Of course, I in no way claim to be the ultimate truth, but I hope that my articles will help dear readers deal with any difficulties.