Summer Topics: Mosquito and Bug Bite Prevention and Treatment

Mosquito and Bug Bite Prevention and Treatment

Insect Repellents
- DEET containing products of 20-30% are safe for infants and children
- Use products only registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Do not apply permethrin to skin, only used to treat clothing and gear
- Products containing citrus or eucalyptus may be irritating to the skin, use with caution

Application
- Apply on clothing and exposed skin only
- Spray onto hands and pat onto the face
- If your child is putting hands into mouth, do not leave any repellant on the hands to prevent ingestion

Other Prevention
- Do not allow for any sources of stagnant water (bird bath, dog bowls, toys)
- Dress in light colored clothing, long pants/long sleeves will cover more skin
- Avoid scented soaps or perfumes

Bug Bite Treatment
- Calamine lotion takes away the itch without being absorbed into the blood stream
- Scotch tape also takes away the itch and prevents scratching
- Oral antihistamines (Zyrtec/Claritin) are helpful if needed
- If there are concerns on infection from scratching, schedule an appointment to be seen

Please, follow our FB page for Live Friday Tips on such topics!

Topic: Increased Moisture brings Increased Mosquitos - 05/21/21.

Author

Samantha Reeh, CPNP Samantha Reeh has been a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) for over 5 years. She believes in providing education to parents and children about their health and wellness. Her goal is to help teach families to take control of their health, both physical and emotional, and be active participants in their care. While not in the clinic taking care of patients or doing her weekly live Facebook videos, she loves spending time with her 2 dogs and exercising.