Preventing and Treating Mosquito Bites in Children
Preventing and Treating Mosquito Bites in Children
The warmth of summer also brings swarms of mosquitoes. The pesky bugs can cause discomfort and potentially carry serious illness.
Planting mosquito repellent plants, such as lavender and lemongrass, in your garden won’t keep them all away. Alanna Brickley, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health, shares ways to protect your family.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
1. Pick your insect repellent wisely
Look for products that contain an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
If your repellent contains DEET, choose one with up to 30% DEET. A higher concentration can cause skin rashes and is not recommended to use on young children.
Insect repellents with picaridin offer similar protection as DEET. Repellents that contain 5% picaridin protect up to four hours, while repellents that contain 20% picaridin protect up to 12 hours.
Repellents made with oil of lemon eucalyptus are not recommended for children younger than 3 years old. Products with 8%-10% concentration protect up to two hours, while products with 30%-40% concentration protect up to six hours.
Most importantly, read the label and follow directions. Do not spray insect repellent directly in the face. A parent should spray repellent on their hands and then apply to a child’s face.
2. Avoid insect repellent on children younger than 2 months old
We want to do our best to keep babies safe. It’s best to avoid insect repellent and cover them up with light, long-sleeved clothing. A mosquito net can also provide additional protection.
3. Avoid combo products
Using a product that contains both sunscreen and insect repellent is not recommended in children. Because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, a combo product could expose your child to too much insect repellent. It’s best to keep the two products separate. Apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
4. Layer Up
Dress your child in light clothing that covers their arms and legs. Mosquitoes like to bite around the wrist and ankles, so it’s wise to cover those areas. And yes, it’s okay to spray insect repellent on your clothes, but keep in mind that DEET products can potentially affect fabric with a plastic component (ex. Rayon, spandex). It is also not recommended to apply insect repellent underneath clothing.
You can also use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing or buy permethrin-treated clothing. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
Treating a mosquito bite
Whether you have a mild reaction or experience redness, soreness, and swelling, follow these tips if you’re suffering from a mosquito bite.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack or ice cube for 30 seconds.
- Use an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to relieve itching.
If a mosquito bite becomes infected (spreading redness or more significant swelling three to four days later), reach out to your doctor right away.
Preventing and Treating Sunburns in Kids
Sunburns are not just uncomfortable—they are a sign of real skin damage that starts in childhood and can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. If your child already has a burn, learn the safest, most effective ways to treat it—and what to avoid.
What That Smell Means: A Parent's Guide to Child Odors
Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the ER for a Nose Injury?
Does your child's nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It is pretty typical for kids to hurt their noses as they play and explore. Learn when you should treat your child's injured nose at home and when it is time to go to the doctor.
How to Treat Your Child's Cold Sore
Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Learn when to ask your doctor about prescription treatment.
Is Your Child Peeing Too Often? Frequent Urination in Young Children Explained
Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Learn the warning signs that deserve medical attention and how reassurance often becomes the best treatment.
Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Learn about at-home treatments, how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.
My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.
More Answers to Your Questions on Keeping Your Kid Healthy and Happy
Latest trends and issues in children's health on the Healthy Kids Zone with Dr. Cindy Gellner
