According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mosquitoes are known vectors for several dangerous blood borne pathogens, including (but not limited to) Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Japanese Encephalitis, LaCross Encephalitis, Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and perhaps the most sensationalized illness here in the states, West Nile Virus.
For these reasons, and many more, it is important to learn what people can do to prevent mosquitoes from biting in the first place, particularly when it comes to children.
Peak Biting Times for Mosquitoes
Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Parents should discourage children from playing outdoors during the peak biting times. If this cannot be avoided, citronella candles may be useful to deter these blood-sucking insects. It is also helpful to stay away from still water, including water tables and wading pools, when mosquitoes are most likely to be around.
What to Wear Outdoors to Minimize Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, Dr. Greene.com recommends wearing light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much of the skin and hair covered as practical. The site also suggests avoiding bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Another way to reduce the risk of being bitten is to refrain from using soaps, shampoos and lotions that contain fragrances. All other things being equal, mosquitoes will choose children as their victims rather than adults.
How do Insect Repellents Work?
Insect repellents can help reduce exposure to mosquito bites that may cause viruses such as West Nile Virus. According to the CDC's website on West Nile Virus and insect repellent usage, female mosquitoes bite people and animals because they need the protein found in blood to help develop their eggs.
The CDC recommends products containing active ingredients which have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellents on skin or clothing. This includes repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Research also suggests that oil of lemon eucalyptus provides longer lasting protection than other plant-based repellants.
According to the CDC website, Permethrin is another long-lasting repellent that is intended for application to clothing and gear, but not directly to skin. In general, the more active ingredient (higher concentration) a repellent contains, the longer time it protects against mosquito bites.
Why do Mosquito Bites Itch?
According to Jonathan Hatch of Getridofthings.com, a mosquito bite itches because when a female mosquito (males eat nectar) bites, she injects protein and enzymes meant to numb the skin and to make a person's blood flow more easily.
These enzymes are eventually detected by the body (usually within 24 hours), which releases antibodies and histamines in an effort to protect itself from the antigens the mosquito has left in the wound. These histamines are the real cause of the itch from mosquito bites.
Mosquito Bite Treatments
Even with all the precautions in the world, it is impossible to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito at least once in awhile. It can be difficult for a child to understand why she should not scratch the itch but there are several ways to reduce the discomfort.
Cool compresses, antihistamines, anti-itching compounds, and anti-inflammatory medicines may be helpful. For a cool compress, Dr. Greene.com recommends applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel or soaking a washcloth in cold water and pressing it on the bite.
A pharmacist can help parents select an appropriate antihistamine for their child. Some are available by prescription only while others, like Zytrec, are now available over the counter.
The simplest anti-itching compound is a paste made of baking soda and water, using just enough water to make a sticky paste, before spreading on the affected area. Calamine lotion – available in clear and the tell-tale pink – works well too and usually lasts longer. A topical anesthetic like Caladryl can relieve pain and itching as well.
Parents may want to treat inflammation around the bite site with ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), which can reduce redness, pain, itching, swelling and fever.
Bites from mosquitoes can be painful and itchy in children, but with a few simple precautions, the risk can be minimized. Proper attire, bug repellent, avoidance of strong odors or fragrances and attention to timing of outdoor activities will help ensure that this summer remains as itch-free as possible. And if an ounce of prevention doesn't keep the bug bites away, relief is only a trip to the pharmacy away.
Sources:
"Mosquito Bites", Dr. Greene.com
"How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites," Getridofthings.com
"Insect Repellant Use and Safety," CDC.gov
"Infectious Disease Information - Mosquito-Borne Diseases," CDC.gov
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