How to treat mosquito and horsefly bites in children

In Spain there is a saying that says: 'Padrón peppers, some stings and others do not'. And the mosquitoes, quite similar, but we have to add a preposition: 'some are stinging and others are not'. Why? Well it is not known exactly, but it seems clear that mosquitoes and flies prefer soft skins, like

In Spain there is a saying that says: 'Padrón peppers, some stings and others do not'. And the mosquitoes, quite similar, but we have to add a preposition: 'some are stinging and others are not'. Why? Well it is not known exactly, but it seems clear that mosquitoes and flies prefer soft skins, like that of children. That is why we should protect them during the summer.

How to treat mosquito and horsefly bites in children

- Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. -

Avoid scratching to avoid superinfections. -

Application of local cold , as a physical measure that provides an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.- In case of severe inflammation, you can consult your pediatrician, who in some cases may prescribe

mild corticosteroids, antihistamines and oral analgesics. - In case of a history of allergic reactions, or suspected allergic reaction due to respiratory distress or hives, you should go to a pediatric emergency service. How to prevent mosquito and horsefly bites in children

1. Use prepared repellents.

N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, known as DEET, is the most common ingredient in chemical insect repellents. The active protection time varies depending on the concentration of the DEET.

It is recommended that these products not be applied to children under two years of age or at concentrations higher than 10%. Neither should they be applied on eroded skin, due to the great cutaneous absorption they present. A valid option is its application above the clothes. In no case should any other cream (for example sunscreen) be applied over the repellent, as it would inactivate the action of the DEET. The use of these repellents should be judicious depending on the bites that you wish to avoid. Obviously, it is not the same to avoid an annoying itch than to prevent a serious allergic reaction or to protect oneself in an area at risk of malaria transmission. 2. Natural repellents. Another option is constituted by natural repellents (derived from plants). The most used is citronella oil. It is effective and not very toxic, but the protection time (about two hours) is considerably less than that of chemical repellents. In addition, some have a smell that repels insects, and also people.

3. Appropriate clothing. It is also advisable to wear long sleeves first thing in the morning and fall in the afternoon, which is when the mosquitoes go out for a spin. We must also get away from ponds and wet areas, where it seems that insect parties are organized.

Electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to scare off insects have not confirmed their effectiveness, so do not fall into the trap.

In short, anything that occurs to them that makes life more difficult for mosquitoes will be welcome. And if in spite of everything, they sting us, take it with humor, as when the pepper burns for hours on the tip of the tongue.