Children should be educated about prevent and treat mosquito bites.
While most of the same mosquito repellent methods that are safe for adults are also safe for children, there may be concern over the chemical contents of certain repellents, particularly DEET, and whether they are harmful to children or infants.
Restrictions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health released their findings on the effects of DEET use on children. They concluded that a mosquito repellent containing 10 percent DEET was safe for use on children and effective in repelling mosquitoes. However, the AAP advises restricting the use of DEET on infants less than 2 months of age, and the use of oil of lemon (found in some mosquito repellents) on children younger than 3.
Types
There are many types of preventive methods that can help you keep your children safe from mosquitoes. You can install mosquito netting around their sleeping area or crib, keep them away from large sources of standing water where mosquitoes like to congregate, and dress them in long-sleeved clothing and a hat to reduce the area of skin exposed for bites.
Antidotes
If a child is bitten by a mosquito, you should first clean the wound of bacteria or dirt using soap and water. Apply calamine lotion or a child-safe anti-itch cream to the area. Using an icepack on the area can also relieve discomfort. Counsel the child against scratching the bite, so as to avoid bacteria being introduced into the open wound.
Tags: methods that, mosquito repellent, safe children