ER Pediatrician Shares 3 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes. Not only can they put a damper on your grilling and backyard pool party plans, but some not-so-lucky people have an over-the-top skin reaction when they get stung, which can be hard to deal with (especially when it’s your kid who’s miserable). So, what should a parent do? Pediatrics ER physician and mom of four Dr. Meghan Martin shares three tips for preventing mosquito bites and the best ways to treat them when they do happen.

@beachgem10

Replying to @parker hennessey There are absolutely things you can do to reduce or avoid mosquito bites! And for treatment, keep it simple with cool compress and topical hydrocortisone #mosquito #summer #emergency #doctor #skeeter Disclaimer: For educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice or replace the advice of your physician

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3 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites:

1. Cover your skin. Long sleeves and long pants are the way to go when the mosquitoes are out. “Tightly woven material is hard to bite through,” Dr. Martin says.
2. Use an EPA-registered repellent. Dr. Martin recommends DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol (PMD), and 2-Undecanone. Note: These are only approved for kids over two months old. 
3. Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk. “We know a couple times a day when mosquitoes are most active, ” Dr. Martin says. “Go inside for an hour during these times, and you can greatly reduce your exposure.”

When they do bite, there are a few things you can do to help kids (or yourself) feel more comfortable. Dr. Martin suggests you start by washing the area with soap and water. “You can apply a cool compress and you can use some topical hydrocortisone,” Dr. Martin says, though she cautions against topical Benadryl.

Dr. Martin goes on to explain that some people have a more severe reaction to mosquito bites, called “Skeeter Syndrome,” where they get large welts after a bite. Treatment is usually second-generation antihistamines, like Zyrtec or Xyzol.

Even though it’s pretty tough to make it through the season without a single bite, if you think smart and know how and when to avoid them, you’ll be one step closer to a more enjoyable summer.