Because mosquitoes are disease carriers, watch for symptoms beyond itchy, swollen skin.
Common symptoms of insect bites on babies are swollen red bumps and itchiness. Treat the bumps with over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines or hydrocortisone, a topical steroid. Both types of treatments come in touch sticks so you can precisely apply the remedy to the bitten area. By doing so, you can alleviate your baby's itch and take down the swelling. If other symptoms arise, such as nausea, fever or headaches, contact your doctor.
Infections
If the insect bite becomes infected, it may turn into a lesion and the surrounding skin grows tender. The redness may expand beyond the bite area; pus may ooze from the sore. If bacteria enter the bite wound, it may also cause impetigo, or an infection of the skin. Small blisters form, burst and excrete fluid that turns into a yellow-brown crust. When babies suffer from impetigo, the blisters first appear clear, eventually cloud and take a long while to burst. Take your baby to the doctor, who will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Mosquitoes
The most common insect bites on babies are caused by mosquitoes. Because mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, the West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis, watch for symptoms of these diseases. For example, if the West Nile virus has entered the bloodstream, symptoms include headaches, fever, muscle aches and swollen glands. This virus can also cause encephalitis, or a swelling of the brain. Your baby's neck will stiffen, and headaches and fever will worsen. Use mosquito repellants that contain DEET, or "N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide," which is written on the label. Apply very little due to toxicity, and avoid your infant's hands.
Ants and Bees
Bee stings and fire ant bites may cause allergic reactions. Symptoms include swollen lips, hives, difficulty with breathing and fainting. Babies should be taken immediately to emergency care. Children with known allergies to bee or wasp stings should carry and understand use an epinephrine pen.
Ticks
Use tweezers or your fingertips to remove a tick from a bite. Watch for a growing circle of redness or rash around the bite and fever, which could be symptoms of Lyme disease and require a doctor's attention. Other symptoms of Lyme Disease include headaches, fatigue, and joint and muscle aches. Depending on where you and your baby were located at the time of the bite, other tick-related diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis and Tick-borne Relapsing Fever. If your baby exhibits any symptoms beyond mild swelling and redness of the skin after a tick bite, he should be examined by a doctor.
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