Kids are prone to bug bites and have a strong reaction to types of bug bites.

How to prevent bug bites

Prevention is the best medicine.  The best protection is a combination of  Permethrin-treated clothing and 30% DEET applied to exposed skin. Studies have shown this to be  the most effective and longest lasting protection from mosquito and ticks .

• treated cloth will not rub, sweat or be licked off
• apply DEET (max of 30%) once a day in children
• do not use repellant on babies less than 2 months old
• apply in a well ventilated area or outside
• apply on hands and rub onto key areas. Do not spray onto face
• wash hands after application
• more is not better
• the most common side effect of  too much DEET is skin irritation or rash

Other alternatives

• wear long pants and long sleeves to provide some  protection . However these do not actually kill or repel insect /arthropods
• do a thorough skin check to remove any ticks  at least once a day to  prevent transmission or serious infections
• Picaridin is effective against mosquitos and ticks and well tolerated . However it doesnt last as long as DEET
• Lemon Eucalyptus  (P-methane-3,8-diol) is not well tested and not recommended for use in young children. It is not listed by EPA   as effective as against ticks
• BioUD has a very low toxicity rating and can be effective against mosquitoes. If effectiveness against ticks in commercially available concentrations is unknown.

Treatment

No repellant is 100% effective.

Topical : This is applied to the skin

•  1% hydrocortisone ointments are available over the counter and will help with the itch, redness and swelling. Apply to the bite only. If there are multiple bites, contact the doctor
• benadryl type ointments can help but also cause irritation.
• calamine lotion is mildly effective and safe
• ice or cold compress will temporary decrease itching.

Oral : Taken by mouth

• antihistamines such as  Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec, Allegra or Claritin type medications all help to decrease itching  and  reactions.  Benadryl type medications are the most  effective but can make the child sleepy or hyper.
• antibiotics : These may be needed if bite becomes infected  or the tick transmits certain infections after a long period of attachment.  Contact your doctor if your child develops  fever, rash and other symptoms related to an insect encounter

Make the outdoors fun for children  by getting them prepared.

 
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