Here’s How You Can Prevent and Treat Mosquito Bites on Your Baby

December 18 2023, by Aussie Pharma Direct, 12 min reading time

Being a mum is all about protection. Babies are delicate humans in every sense of the word. From the moment they are born, they require constant care, attention, and protection. Their vulnerability stems from their underdeveloped immune systems, fragile bodies, and limited ability to communicate their needs.

Just like how it is for adults, protecting babies from mosquito bites is important for several reasons, as these tiny insects can pose significant health risks. Here, we’ll provide some handy tips on how to protect your infants from mosquito bites and on managing mosquito bites if they occur.

The risks of mosquito bites for babies

Mosquito bites can pose several potential risks to babies, ranging from discomfort to the transmission of serious diseases.

Discomfort and itching - When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into the skin, which contains proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals, including babies. This reaction leads to itching, redness, and localised swelling, causing significant discomfort for the baby.
Infection - Babies, particularly if they have sharp nails and can't control their scratching reflexes, are at risk of breaking the skin when they scratch mosquito bites. This can create open wounds that are susceptible to bacterial infection. Infected mosquito bites can become painful and may require medical attention.
Allergic reactions - Some babies may have severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites, leading to more pronounced symptoms such as extensive swelling, hives, and even anaphylaxis in rare cases. Especially for babies who haven’t been able to develop their immunity levels, they may be susceptible to skeeter syndrome, an extreme allergic reaction to mosquito bites.
Transmission of mosquito-borne diseases - In regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, there is a risk of babies contracting these diseases through mosquito bites. Diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and others can be transmitted when infected mosquitoes bite humans. Babies, with their developing immune systems, are particularly susceptible to these diseases, and they can have severe or even fatal outcomes.

Preventive measures to keep mosquitoes away from babies

Dressing your child in appropriate clothing:

Dress your baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing that covers their arms and legs. This helps reduce the exposure of their skin to mosquitoes.
Opt for light-coloured clothing, as mosquitoes are often attracted to dark colours.

Using mosquito nets or screens:

Use mosquito nets over the baby's crib, playpen, or stroller to create a physical barrier between the baby and mosquitoes. Ensure that the netting is free from holes or tears. If you're in an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, consider using bed nets with insecticide-treated materials, as they provide additional protection.

Choosing baby-safe insect repellents:

Avoid using adult-strength repellents on infants.
Especially for babies, it is recommended to use natural insect repellents that are formulated with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on babies’ skin, such as the Good Riddance Sensitive repellent.
Apply a small amount of repellent to exposed areas of the baby's skin and clothing, avoiding their hands, mouth, and eyes. Do not apply repellent to areas where the baby can easily ingest it.

Avoiding mosquito-prone areas during peak times:

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Whenever possible, avoid taking your baby to outdoor areas during these times.
If you must be outside during peak mosquito activity hours, take extra precautions, such as using mosquito nets or protective clothing.

Keep indoor spaces mosquito-free:

Ensure that windows and doors have proper screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.
You can spray a natural mosquito spray made from a blend of Citronella essential oil and water around the window and door frames to create a mosquito-free environment indoors.
You can also consider lighting a citronella candle indoors as extra protection.

Limit use of fragrances:

Avoid using strongly scented lotions, soaps, or perfumes on your baby, as these fragrances can attract mosquitoes (in general, strong scents are not good for your baby’s skin).

What does a mosquito bite look like: Recognising mosquito bites on babies

Recognising mosquito bites on babies can be essential for providing timely relief and ensuring their comfort. Mosquito bites on a baby's delicate skin may not always be easy to identify, especially since babies cannot communicate their discomfort effectively. Here's how to identify mosquito bites on a baby and differentiate them from other common skin issues:

How to identify mozzie bites on babies:

Bite appearance - Mosquito bites on a baby's skin typically appear as small, red or pink, raised bumps. They may resemble tiny, round or oval welts. The center of the bite may appear punctured or have a tiny white dot, representing where the mosquito inserted its proboscis to feed.
Clustering - Mosquito bites often cluster in groups or lines, as mosquitoes tend to bite multiple times in close proximity. You may notice several bite marks in a concentrated area, such as on an arm or leg.
Itching and discomfort - Babies may react to mosquito bites with increased fussiness, irritability, or scratching at the affected area. Persistent scratching can further irritate the bites and lead to additional symptoms.
Time of occurrence - Mosquitoes are most active during the evening and night-time hours. If you notice new red bumps on your baby's skin after spending time outdoors during mosquito-prone times, they could be mosquito bites.

Differentiating mosquito bites from other common skin issues in infants:

Heat rash - Heat rash or prickly heat often appears as small, red, or pink bumps on a baby's skin. It is typically caused by sweat trapped in sweat ducts. Unlike mosquito bites, heat rash doesn't usually have a central puncture mark, and it tends to occur in areas where friction or sweating is more common, such as the neck, underarms, or diaper area.
Eczema - Eczema in babies manifests as red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. While eczema can be mistaken for mosquito bites, it tends to be more chronic and widespread, often appearing on the face, behind the knees, or inside the elbows.
Allergic reactions - Allergic reactions can cause hives, which are raised, red, and itchy welts on the skin. Hives can resemble mosquito bites but often appear suddenly and may change shape and size rapidly.
Insect bites or stings - Aside from mosquitoes, other insects like ants, fleas, or chiggers can also bite babies. Insect bites or stings can be similar in appearance to mosquito bites, but they may vary depending on the insect responsible.
Skin infections - Bacterial or fungal skin infections can cause redness, swelling, and discomfort in infants. These infections often require medical attention and may have a more pronounced and persistent appearance compared to mosquito bites
Contact dermatitis - Contact with certain substances, such as soaps, lotions, or fabrics, can lead to contact dermatitis. It typically results in red, itchy, and sometimes blistered skin in the area of contact.

When in doubt or if you suspect that your baby's skin issue is more severe or persistent, consult a paediatrician or healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to treat mosquito bites?

Mosquito bites can be itchy and irritating, and while it's crucial to prevent bites in the first place, there are several steps you can take to provide relief if your baby does get bitten:

Using a cold compress

A cold compress can help alleviate the itching and reduce swelling associated with mosquito bites. To create a cold compress, soak a clean, soft cloth in cold water, wring it out gently, and place it on the affected area for a few minutes. Ensure that the compress is not too cold to avoid discomfort for the baby. You can use a thin cloth or towel as a barrier between the compress and the baby's skin if needed.

Applying baby-safe anti-itch creams or balm

There are baby-specific anti-itch creams or lotions available over-the-counter that are safe for use on infants. You can even opt for natural insect bite cream that you can consider to avoid the effects of the strong formulation in a lot of OTC creams on your baby’s skin. Do not use adult-strength or medicated anti-itch creams or products without consulting a healthcare professional, as they may not be safe for infants.

Avoiding harsh products that may irritate the baby's skin

It's essential to use baby-friendly products when caring for a baby's delicate skin. Avoid using harsh or fragranced products, as they may exacerbate irritation.

Additional tips for soothing mosquito bites on babies:

Trim baby’s nails to reduce the risk of them scratching the mosquito bites and potentially causing secondary skin issues or infections.
Monitor for signs of allergic reactions. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives, seek immediate medical attention.

When to worry about a mosquito bite

Knowing when to seek medical attention for mosquito bites on a baby is crucial to ensure they get immediate treatment, especially when severe reactions or signs of infection are present. Here are some situations in which you should consult a healthcare professional:

Severe allergic reactions - If your baby exhibits signs of a severe allergic reaction to a mosquito bite, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or the development of hives (large, raised, red or white welts), seek immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical care.
Persistent swelling and redness - While some swelling and redness are common with mosquito bites, if these symptoms persist and become increasingly severe over several days, it may indicate an infection or a more significant allergic reaction.
Fever - If your baby develops a fever following mosquito bites, it may be a sign of an infection.
Signs of infection - If you notice signs of infection at the site of the mosquito bites, such as pus, increasing pain, warmth, or red streaks radiating from the bite, seek medical attention promptly. Infections can spread rapidly and require treatment with antibiotics.
Multiple bites in a short time - If your baby has been bitten by mosquitoes multiple times in a short period or experiences an unusually high number of bites, it's worth consulting a healthcare provider. Excessive mosquito bites can increase the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Concerns about mosquito-borne diseases - If you live in or have travelled to an area with a high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus), consult a healthcare professional if your baby develops symptoms such as fever, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhoea, as these may be indicative of an infection.

Conclusion

Safeguarding your precious little one from mosquitoes is not just a matter of comfort, but a crucial step in ensuring their health and well-being. These tiny, seemingly harmless insects can carry dangerous diseases that pose a significant threat to your baby's delicate immune system. By implementing a combination of preventive measures, such as using mosquito nets, knowing which repellent is right for your baby, and keeping the environment mosquito-free, you can create a safer haven for your child to thrive and grow.