It’s not just the kids that are out for the summer. Mosquitoes are out in full force, making outdoor playtime an itchy one. While there are plenty of places for kids to play here in San Antonio, these areas are also filled with mosquitoes during the summer. And, unfortunately, these flying pests cause more than just itchy bumps.
While there are various diseases mosquitoes can carry, those tend to be rare in this area. Our San Antonio pediatric services are more needed to cure or manage the allergic reactions caused by mosquitoes. If your child is allergic to mosquitoes (or any type of insect bite), keep reading to learn more about the importance of treatment as well as how to prevent bites.
Mosquito Bites and The Aftermath
As the area’s top San Antonio pediatrician, we understand that mosquito bites are no fun for anyone. Sometimes, we don’t even know we’re being attacked until it’s too late. For some children, the bite results in a bump and mild itching caused by the body’s reaction to the mosquito’s saliva. For other children, the bite can cause an inflammatory reaction that results in swelling around the bump making it appear larger following the initial bite.
Should the bite trigger an allergic reaction, it could lead to heightened itching which could result in excessive scratching. When the scratching leads to the redness moving away from the bite and your child developing a fever, the infection has occurred and our San Antonio pediatrics becomes necessary.
If your child is dealing with mosquito bites without an allergic reaction, there are some things you can do to help manage the itchiness. For mosquito bite treatment, the first thing we recommend is topical Benadryl gel or cream. This treatment option is effective in controlling the itching and presents no side effects since it is applied directly to the skin. We also recommend placing a band-aid over the bite to assist in preventing your child from scratching. However, if the itching, as well as the swelling, does not subside in 3 to 4 days, we recommend bringing your child in to see their San Antonio pediatrician for treatment.
Keeping the Bugs at Bay
The best way to prevent the need for pediatric services is to prevent the bite from occurring. We understand that the heat in central Texas is pretty sweltering; however, one of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites and the need for San Antonio pediatrics is to have your child wear long sleeves and pants when possible. We also recommend insect repellent especially if your child is going to spend a great deal of time outdoors. There are several different types of insect repellents on the market with varying percentages of DEET in them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no more than 30% DEET should be used on children.
The mosquitoes in central Texas, particularly in San Antonio, can make playing outdoors unpleasant. If you’ve done everything you can to prevent mosquito bites on your child but need more assistance, contact us today at 210.561.1551 to learn more about our San Antonio pediatric services. We’re happy to discuss mosquito bite treatment as well as any other concerns you may have about summer safety!
