BUG BITES THAT ITCH SKIN

Pruritic manifestations can be debilitating, especially in individuals that are susceptible to an increased biting frequency. Mosquitoes are a ubiquitous group of biting insects that commonly cause acute itch in humans 1. Several preventative measures such as mosquito repellants should be used to prevent the bite of a mosquito, and in cases where bites cannot be avoided, most treatment options serve to relieve symptoms. Furthermore, certain disease states such as hematologic cancers and HIV may exaggerate the response to mosquito bites. Individuals’ susceptibility to being bitten relies on factors that may be altered by genetics, as certain immune-related loci have been associated with mosquito bite trait characteristics. Finally, in the third mechanism, salivary components modulate an IgE-independent inflammatory response. The second mechanism involves an IgE-dependent hypersensitivity response to salivary components. In the first mechanism, salivary components such as histamine are said to directly induce itch via classic pruritic pathways. These mechanisms are based on the assumption that mosquito salivary components are somehow implicated in the pruritus that results after a bite. The pathophysiology of itch in mosquito bites is not well understood, but 3 mechanisms have been hypothesized. Call our office in Gastonia, North Carolina, for an appointment or use the online tool to book.Mosquito bites are the most common cause of acute itch in humans. Know that First Pediatric Care Center is here to provide you with any medical support you might need for your adventurous child. Summer is a time for outdoor play, and being exposed to insects and the elements is just a natural side effect. This could be a sign of West Nile virus and requires immediate care. If your child experiences nausea, vomiting, fever, or headache following a mosquito bite, alert Dr. If your child shows signs of an allergic reaction that compromises breathing, call 911 right away. The resulting swelling and pain can be relieved with application of cold, wet compresses or an ice pack. If your child was stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet, itching may be the least of their worries. Head to First Pediatric Care Center for an evaluation. If your child has a bug bite that’s swollen, hot to the touch, or oozing pus, it could be infected. Keep your child distracted with fun play and activities so they aren’t as fixated on the uncomfortable itch. If your child is bored or still, the itchiness of a bug bite is all the more noticeable. Itching may just ease enough to relax your child’s urge to scratch. Mix the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, and place a small drop on the site of the bite. Lavender oil and tea tree oil can ease inflammation.

BUG BITES THAT ITCH SKIN

They may still go for the bug bite, but it won’t be as easy to break the skin - causing bleeding and possible infection. Trim your child’s fingernails until they’re as short as possible. If they don’t feel the discomfort, they won’t scratch.

If your child has an irritated bug bite that’s itchy, apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to stop the sensation. This can minimize the itching and swelling. If you see a mosquito or other biting insect on your child’s skin, brush it away and apply the ice right away. Ice can help ease inflammation associated with a bug bite, especially if it’s applied right away. Lubega says to treat any insect bites and keep your child from scratching away and possibly causing inflammation and infection. It’s likely, though, that your child will get a bite anyway despite your diligent efforts to keep the bugs at bay. Your child benefits from wearing clothing that covers exposed arms and legs, and make sure it’s made of a cool fabric like cotton or linen. Use a safe insect repellent (only on children older than 2 months) that contains no more than 30% DEET.Īvoid areas where mosquitoes and other insects congregate, like garbage cans, uncovered foods, and small pools of water. The best way to keep your child from scratching a bug bite is to prevent one in the first place. And, when your little one has an insect bite, it’s just about impossible to keep them from scratching away at the irritated site.

It’s almost like biting insects are drawn to your child.

Bug bites that itch