Allergy to a mosquito bite in a child and methods for its prevention

Hello! I used to think that mosquito bites besides discomfort and mild itching no longer cause difficulties.

But I was a witness to completely different events. I was traveling in a train compartment with a young mother and a small child.

I don’t know where they came from, but mosquitoes bit the baby during sleep. So in her place of bites immediately swelling arose. Want to know in detail what an allergy to a mosquito bite looks like in a child? What should be done in such cases? Read all the details in the material below.

Culicidosis: An allergy to a mosquito bite. Symptoms and treatment

The mosquito bite is so commonplace for most people that many do not pay any attention to it.

However, in a sufficiently large number of people, harmless, at first glance, mosquito bites cause rather unpleasant consequences. In medicine, there is the term "kulitsidoz" - an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite.

Possible complications

Usually, the human immune system reacts quickly to substances that enter the body through insect bites. Everyone knows how the reaction to a mosquito bite is externally manifested: the site of the bite turns red, swells slightly and a severe itch appears.

However, in some people, the reaction to a mosquito bite is much more pronounced, and the use of conventional means does not bring relief. Of course, bee or wasp stings are much more dangerous, but an allergy to mosquito bites can cause anaphylactic shock.

A local allergic reaction develops quickly: immediately after a bite, a large painful papule forms, which looks like a swelling after a bee sting, its color can be from pale pink to bright red, itching is very severe, which can even cause sleep disturbance.

The swelling diameter can reach 10 cm, it persists for more than 24 hours. Such a reaction is often found in children, with age, the immune system improves, and then mosquito bites will not cause them much concern.

In very rare cases, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, shortness of breath, lowering blood pressure, loss of consciousness appear. These signs indicate the development of anaphylactic shock.

This is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention.Such a reaction is extremely rare even for bites of bees and wasps, but with mosquito bites it can also not be excluded.

Allergy treatment

For most people, mosquito bites do not cause much concern. But sometimes, especially in children, itching at the site of the bite can be unbearable, therefore, to relieve symptoms, you can use pharmacy drugs that have anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and antipruritic effects, for example, Fenistil or Soventol gels.

Folk remedies also work effectively, such as a weak solution of drinking soda, tincture of calendula or boric alcohol.

You can not comb the place of the bite, because this can lead to damage to the skin and infection in the wound. This problem is especially common in young children, therefore, to relieve itching in the area of ​​a mosquito bite, it is recommended that they use the local remedies described above.

In order to prevent kulicidosis, it is recommended to use special means (repellents) to repel mosquitoes that are applied directly to the skin and clothes, for young children it is advisable to use bracelets with similar properties.

During the period of mosquito activity, mosquito nets should be installed on the windows, preventing insects from entering the premises, and fumigators should also be used.

Which doctor to contact

Persons with kulicidosis on clothes and exposed areas of the body should spray repellents - mosquito repellents.

If there is a pronounced reaction to a mosquito bite, you can contact the pediatrician for recommendations, and in severe cases, call an ambulance.

For recurring symptoms, you can consult a dermatologist and an allergist.

Allergy to mosquito bites

Mosquitoes are one of the most common blood-sucking insects in our area. During the period of mass departure or activity caused by favorable weather conditions, they are capable of causing a lot of trouble.

In most cases, the bites of these insects do not cause significant health problems - it can be limited to a slight swelling and itching. However, in some situations, an allergy to mosquito bites may appear - a condition that is dangerous to health, and in some cases even to life.

Causes of occurrence and development

During the bite, the insect punctures the upper layer of the skin with a sharp proboscis, while spraying with a special anesthetic poison - an anticoagulant that prevents blood coagulation.

In a normal situation, the immune system responds to a mosquito bite with slight redness and itching. However, if a person has a tendency to allergic reactions, kulitsidoz can develop - this is the second name for allergies to mosquito bites. Culicidosis is the response of the immune system to the protein compounds contained in the venom.

Symptoms of a Mosquito Allergy

The more sensitive the immune system is to insect venom, the faster the first signs of an allergy occur. Usually it takes from a few minutes to an hour to manifest them.

An allergy to mosquito bites usually manifests itself in the form of:

In cases of severe allergies to mosquitoes, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, Quincke's edema, shortness of breath may appear, and with especially severe sensitization, anaphylactic shock can develop.

Child allergy

Since the children's immune system is more vulnerable than an adult, a mosquito allergy in children is more pronounced and can cause a child great discomfort. It is also worth considering the fact that it is much more difficult for children to control themselves and not comb the places of the proces, and this can lead to infection in the wound.

For older children, you can use protective gels and creams - they need to lubricate open areas of the body before going outside (especially in the evening, the period of mass flight of insects and if you plan to walk in the forest or near bodies of water with standing water).

When choosing a suitable repellent, consider the age of the child: it is best to buy special children's products that do not contain harmful chemicals. If you have chosen a repellent in the form of a cream or milk, carefully make sure that the child does not lick the treated skin.

The ideal solution is bracelets soaked with a herbal composition that repels insects.

Treatment

With an atypical reaction of the body to an insect bite, you must make an appointment with a doctor. If there is a pronounced allergy that threatens the health and life of a bitten person (with anaphylactic shock, severe fever and shortness of breath), an ambulance must be called urgently.

You can also use panthenol, finistil gel. To remove toxins from the body, you can drink a course of enterosorbents. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs.

Traditional treatment

Recipes of traditional medicine can be an effective way to eliminate the symptoms of an allergy to mosquito bites, if there are no traditional medicines at hand. In this case, you can use:

• lotions from parsley juice;
• aloe or plantain juice;
• tincture of calendula;
• towel-wrapped ice cubes;
• banana peel (if there are no funds indicated above, you can simply wipe the bite site with the inner surface of the banana peel);
• an aqueous solution of soda (a teaspoon per glass of boiled water);
• crushed leaves of mint or lemon balm;
• cut across the onion;
• vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to three parts water);
• a few drops of tea tree oil;
• a small amount of kefir or sour cream.

What to do for prevention?

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

Insects, common in our latitudes, most often cannot be carriers of infectious diseases and parasites.

Most often, malaria, encephalitis and helminth infection occur with mosquito bites, common in Southeast Asia, Africa, some Central Asian countries, as well as in tropical latitudes.

Therefore, before traveling to these areas, it is recommended to take a preventive vaccination.If the bite has already occurred, upon returning home it is necessary to be observed by an allergist and immunologist within six months or a year.

Allergy to mosquito bites in children

Children belong to the category of people who are difficult to tolerate insect bites, especially children under 3 years of age are especially prone to allergies. The consequences can be from slight redness to swelling, in rare cases accompanied by an attack of suffocation.

The danger is blood-borne midges, bed bugs, stinging wasps, very rarely allergies are manifested by contact with mosquitoes.

Causes

An allergic reaction to a mosquito bite in children manifests itself in the body due to the action of a specific anesthetic substance in the saliva of the insect, which the mosquito secretes so as not to cause pain in the victim and go unnoticed.

The children's immune system is not always able to cope with the action of a foreign substance, allergic reactions develop from swelling and itching to Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.

What does a bite look like?

It is important to make sure that the rash on the baby’s body is indeed from a mosquito bite. A small dot forms in the center of the blister, which is visually visible upon examination. If the areas of the rash are continuous, then the bites were made by another insect, such as fleas, midges, bedbugs.

With a bite of a midge, if the irritation is insignificant, you can treat the wounds with ointment or panthenol, consult a doctor if allergies occur.

Symptoms

Depending on the reaction of the body, there are manifestations that are divided into two groups: local symptoms and general. Local symptoms are mild:

General symptoms, manifested by a more complex reaction and require seeking medical help:

1. Edema spreads not only at the site of the bite, but also on the vast part of the body affected by mosquito saliva;
2. Deterioration of well-being, accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, indicates that pathological manifestations have spread to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and internal organs;
3. Sometimes the body temperature rises;
4. Urticaria, manifested as redness throughout the skin and intolerable itching.
5. A severe allergy to mosquito vinegar in children is manifested by the following symptoms: vomiting, pain in the abdominal region, asthma attacks.

The victim needs urgent hospitalization, because these are only the first symptoms indicating the development of anaphylactic shock. Further, loss of consciousness, a sharp blanching of the skin and a decrease in blood pressure are observed. Fortunately, an acute reaction occurs in extremely rare cases.

Treatment

What to do if a mosquito has bitten? For correct and timely treatment, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, they decide on self-treatment or seek help from an allergist. Treatment of acute allergic reactions to insect bites is carried out in a hospital.

At home, to deal with an allergy to mosquito bites, such manipulations will help:

In severe cases, at the first pathological manifestations of anaphylactic shock, go to the hospital to avoid serious consequences, including death.

Prevention

The main measures for the prevention of mosquito bites are carried out indoors and outdoors:

1. Exclusion of penetration by use, fumigators, nets on windows, ultrasonic scare systems.
2. The extermination of insects that got inside mechanically or the use of special liquids and plates produced especially for use in rooms with children.
3. Being with a child in an open area, it is better to limit walks near water bodies, visiting forests, parks.
4. If a walk to the places of accumulation of mosquitoes or midges takes place, you should choose clothes that cover the body as much as possible. Cover the stroller with a mosquito net or a thin layer of gauze.

In open areas of the skin, repellent treatment can be done, but children prone to allergies should use them with caution. You can apply natural remedies by applying a drop of essential oil of cloves, lavender, geranium to clothes and a stroller.

But, it should be remembered that children are at risk of developing complications, therefore it is better to prevent a detrimental effect by applying preventive measures and always have antihistamines with you for first aid.

Allergy to mosquito bites in children: symptoms, treatment

Culicidosis is an allergic reaction to mosquito bites. It occurs quite often, and delivers a lot of discomfort. Mosquito activity increases between April and October. At the same time, only females are bloodsucking, and males feed on nectar and do not pose a threat.

When bitten, a mosquito secretes a substance consisting of protein and anticoagulants, which slow down blood coagulation and make it easier for the insect to get food. As a result of these elements entering the body, the immune system responds in the form of redness, itching and swelling.

The cause of kulicidosis may be a genetic predisposition or the presence in the body of a large amount of immunoglobulin E, due to metabolic disorders.

Symptoms

Culicidosis develops rapidly, and manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

Since the affected area is very itchy, combing can damage the skin and attach a secondary infection, in which vesicles filled with a cloudy liquid or suppuration appear.

The child has a severe allergy to mosquito bites, what should I do?

In children, the reaction to mosquito bites appears faster than in adults, which is associated with an accelerated metabolism. In order to avoid it, it is necessary to use repellents (special means that repel insects).They are released in the form of creams, lotions or sprays, and applied to the skin or clothing of the baby.

In order to prepare a mosquito repellent at home, you can add vanilla extract to the baby cream. Apply it to exposed areas of the child’s body before walking.

You can also dilute vanilla with water and sprinkle the stroller with this product or put a small piece of cloth next to the child, on which a few drops of eucalyptus oil are applied.

If the symptoms of kulicidosis are pronounced, you must consult a doctor before the start of the season so that a course of antihistamines is prescribed.

How to treat

In order to relieve the symptoms of kulicidosis, first-generation antihistamines are used, because unlike other drugs in this group they have the most pronounced antipruritic effect. These include: Diazolin and Suprastin.

For external use, drugs such as:

• Fenistil gel;
• Psilo-balm;
• Gardex cream;
• Balm Lifeguard.

In severe cases, as prescribed by the doctor, corticosteroids are used: Sinaflan, Hyoxysone, Hydrocortisone. If necessary, they are pre-mixed in the same proportion with baby cream.

To relieve itching after bites, in 200 ml of warm water, you need to dilute 5 g of baking soda, and with this tool wipe the affected areas up to 10 times a day. Also for this purpose, use a tincture of a series, for the preparation of which 3 g of dry raw material is poured into 250 ml of boiling water and allowed to cool.

Emergency if allergic reaction occurs

In severe form of kulicidosis, a child may develop Quincke's edema. In this case, after a mosquito bite, the face, lips and neck swell, and later the larynx swells.

In this condition, you must immediately seek emergency medical help and before her arrival perform the following steps:

• To unfasten clothes that constrain movement;
• A lying position can aggravate the situation, therefore, before the ambulance arrives, you need to carry the child in his arms or prevent him from taking a horizontal position. If it is not possible to do this, then the small patient must be laid down, turning his head to the side;
• It is necessary to open the window in order to ensure the influx of fresh air;
• At the site of the appearance of edema, apply ice, or tissue, soaked in cold water;
• It is necessary to instill the child’s nose with any vasoconstrictor drops that are in the home medicine cabinet and give an antihistamine under the tongue;
• If possible, the child should be given water at room temperature so that the allergen can be removed from the body as soon as possible;
• In case of loss of consciousness, it is recommended to do artificial respiration before the ambulance arrives;
• If the patient's condition has improved in no case can not cancel the emergency call.

In most cases, kulicidosis in children does not require special long-term treatment, and with age, the reaction to mosquito bites becomes weaker or completely disappears. If the symptoms of allergies to mosquito bites are pronounced, you should seek the help of a doctor.

Allergy to mosquitoes

An allergy to mosquito bites (kulitsidoz) is an allergic reaction of the body to the allergen contained in the saliva of an insect in the bloodstream.

As a rule, mosquitoes do not pose a real danger to human health, although in some developing countries they sometimes act as carriers of vector-borne diseases such as tularemia and malaria.

A much more dangerous condition is an allergy to mosquito bites, which is observed in a fairly significant population of the Earth.

Symptoms

In response to the bite of these blood-sucking insects, both a normal and an allergic reaction can develop. If an itchy red papule is observed at the site of the bite, you should not particularly worry, as this is a completely normal reaction to a mosquito bite.

When bitten, this bloodsucker releases biologically active substances that cause a local inflammatory reaction.

If the whole body is involved in the pathological process, we can talk about allergic dermatitis or a generalized allergic reaction.

Symptoms of this form are that over the entire surface of the body there is redness of the skin, severe itching and urticaria. This reaction is also referred to as a mild form of allergy, therefore it is not worth dramatizing the current situation.

If the internal organs and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are involved in the pathological process, this is an allergy to mosquitoes of moderate severity. The patient has abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.

Choking, a sharp decrease in blood pressure and loss of consciousness indicate the development in a person of such an extremely life-threatening condition as anaphylactic shock. Such an organism reaction is extremely rare for insect bites, however, all allergy sufferers should always bear in mind the likelihood of developing this complication.

Children's reaction to mosquito bites

Allergy to mosquitoes in children in its manifestations is no different from an allergic reaction in adults and can manifest itself as minor clinical changes, as well as the development of anaphylactic shock.

That is why all parents without exception, in case of emergency, must be able to provide adequate correct first aid to their baby in a timely manner.

If unpleasant sensations and skin manifestations are observed for more than a day, and the places of bites are very inflamed, you should immediately contact an allergist.

Often, lotions with furatsilin make placements allergic to mosquito bites. In any case, parents should not panic and if you follow all the recommendations of your doctor, an allergy to mosquitoes will quickly recede.

The main common symptoms that can be observed in children with mosquito bites: lethargy and deterioration of the overall well-being of the baby, fever, shortness of breath, cough with viscous sputum, runny nose, lacrimation, anaphylaxis (headache, feeling hot, decreased blood pressure, pallor of the skin )

The local symptoms of this allergic reaction include: swelling and tightening of the skin are observed at the site of the bite, severe itching with blisters may develop, discoloration of the edematous skin (becomes pink or pale white), combing the skin

Treatment

The tactics of treatment, both children and adults, directly depends on the current severity of the allergic reaction. In the case when only slight itching is observed, in place of the bite it will be enough to put a compress with an anti-inflammatory drug.

But with the development of severe allergic reactions, one can not do without the help of a specialist. If there is a strong allergy to mosquito bites, treatment should be carried out only by a qualified allergist.

Today, there are a wide variety of allergy medications, and many are sold over the counter. Therefore, even before visiting a doctor, allergic manifestations can be stopped on their own with antihistamines such as Suprastin, Claritin, Diphenhydramine, etc.

However, you can use these drugs only as a first aid for an insect bite and do not take them systematically without the appropriate prescription of your doctor.

At home, itching can be removed by repeatedly rubbing the site of the bite with a weak solution of baking soda. In addition, it is recommended to treat the site of the lesion with tincture of propolis, calendula, corvalol, boric alcohol, a slice of a bulb or tomato.

Immediately after the appearance of signs of an allergic reaction, you can take a Suprastin tablet.

What to do if a child is bitten by mosquitoes?

Mosquito bites seem harmless to adults, but these small insects can cause great inconvenience to children, causing severe itching and irritation.

Not only the mosquito bite itself (malaria and some other diseases in African countries) is dangerous, but also the scratches that cause infection in children, because their hands do not always remain clean.

If mosquitoes have bitten the smallest (children under 2 years old), then before using any remedy, you must carefully read the instructions and find out whether it can be used at this age.

When at hand there is no remedy from the pharmacy, you can use folk remedies for mosquitoes. For example, a solution of soda, and then also vodka or lemon juice. Wipe frequently.

Also removes irritation tincture of calendula, boric alcohol, a slice of a tomato or onion. Tea tree oil helps a lot.

Allergic reaction

It turns out that an adult healthy person can withstand multiple mosquito bites (up to 500!), But there are people who can hardly tolerate single mosquito bites, and this is especially true for children. They often develop an allergic (insect) reaction.

Local reaction - redness spreads around the bite site quickly (in 3-4 hours), accompanied by severe itching. Then the redness disappears, but the itching can last up to a day, and the swelling that appears - up to several days.

The general reaction may be mild when a rash appears in the form of hives, itching, as well as a feeling of fear and malaise. In severe allergies, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, shortness of breath join these symptoms.

If help is not provided on time, hoarseness, choking, and then a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness may appear.

If you are allergic to a mosquito bite (even the lightest), it is necessary to give the child an antiallergic drug (Fenistil, Suprastin) and immediately consult a doctor, becauseany delay can cost a life.

If parents are aware of the child’s predisposition to an allergy to mosquito bites, they should always have the necessary medications with them, especially during out-of-town trips.

Protecting a child from bloodsuckers

To date, many effective mosquito repellents have been invented for children and adults.

The most common method of protection is mosquito nets, which can be hung on windows, ventilation outlets, vents. Such a device will block the path of the insect into the room. There are special nets for cribs and strollers, as well as curtains on the door.

The product is applied to exposed areas of the body, repellents in the form of emulsions and solutions are used to process clothes or nets, the mosquito repellent is worn on a handle, leg or stroller. The fabric is able to maintain the ability to repel mosquitoes for 2-3 weeks, and clothes sprayed with aerosol - up to 7 days (without washing).

When using any repillant, it must be avoided in the eyes, nose or mouth, as well as on wound surfaces. If this happens, rinse the mucous membranes with running water or a solution of soda (1 teaspoon of soda in 1 cup of water).

Fumigators kill mosquitoes, not just scare them away. Their action is based on the effect of fumigation (evaporation of insecticides - harmful substances). Today you can buy fumigators in the form of spirals or heating plates. However, it is not recommended to use them indoors (apartment, country house) due to toxicity, especially in the children's room.

Before the advent of modern means (fumigators and repellents), folk remedies were used to protect against mosquitoes. The smell of tomato foliage repels mosquitoes - if you put bushes with this plant near the window, mosquitoes will not fly into it.

They also do not like the smell of cloves, eucalyptus, anise and cedar. If you purchase the natural essential oil of these plants and slightly lubricate the exposed parts of the body with them, mosquitoes will not fly up. The smell of pine, juniper, valerian and walnut leaves have the same effect.

Features of the protection of children under two years

It is very difficult to choose a remedy for mosquito bites for children from birth to two years old, this is due to the toxicity of some components of the drugs and the lack of immunity of children, a high probability of an allergic reaction. Before using repillants, you should find on the packaging information about the age limits when you can use it.

So that mosquitoes do not bite the child, it is better to choose natural remedies - for example, plants. First, you can check their effect on yourself, if there is a headache or any other symptoms, you should not use the product in the children's room.

A lavender essential oil is considered a good remedy - it will not only scare away mosquitoes, but also provide a good sleep for the baby. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that are approved for use from birth.

And, of course, do not forget about an effective and safe tool - a mosquito net. Covering it with a bed and a stroller, you can protect the baby from bites and irritations both at home and during a walk.

The variety of various insects that is available in our country often provokes an allergic reaction in a person, especially in those cases when the body is very vulnerable and sensitive.

In fact, such a reaction to bites is not often observed, and in most cases everything ends with a slight reddening, and sometimes not a significant swelling.

But be that as it may, each of us must take into account the individual symptoms of the manifestation of such a reaction, in order to resort to the help of doctors in a timely manner, if necessary. Indeed, depending on individual sensitivity, the reaction of each of us can be distinguishable.

So that you can, as correctly as possible react to your condition after an insect bite, we suggest paying attention to their main types:

Symptoms of unpleasant consequences

The most common and long-familiar symptom of a bite is the appearance of small vesicles. They appear due to the saliva of the mosquito, which enters the skin through its thin proboscis.

It is he who mosquito injects an anticoagulant, which is a poison that can cause allergies. Many insects use this poisonous substance to anesthetize the attacked area of ​​the victim’s skin.

After a mosquito bite, swelling instantly manifests, which gives pain to the person. Its size can reach the size of a fist and goes much slower than in people who do not have allergies. It is not uncommon that after such a bite, a scar or a seal may remain.

As a rule, two main types of allergic reactions are distinguished:

1. Local reaction is characterized by swelling of 10 centimeters and more;
2. General, moderate. Such a reaction may be based on Quincke's edema, urticaria, or simply severe itching;
3. A severe reaction leads to shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Often, a severe general reaction provokes vascular collapse and even anaphylactic shock.

If an allergy does not have dangerous consequences, its course is accompanied by only unpleasant sensations. Another thing is when there is a strong reaction that can cause damage to the body. In this case, you must immediately consult a doctor.

In the case of a severe reaction, doctors prescribe antihistamines that remove itching and reduce swelling. But as for the children, then for them such funds should be chosen with special care, since any synthetic medicine can provoke a number of unpleasant consequences.