YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE: MOSQUITO BITES
Mosquitoes are especially prevalent in summer. They are more active at night, and also take advantage of not having a moving target while your child sleeps. Children who are sensitive to mosquito bites develop very itchy red lumps at the bite sites. If your child is bitten on the face, this can lead to marked swelling. You can apply help to reduce swelling. Try to discourage your child from scratching at the bite, in order to prevent infection. If your child has severe swelling and itching at the site of the bite, and this interferes with his sleep, the short-term use of an antihistamine may help him to sleep, as well as decreasing the itching.
For a young baby a net over the cot is the safest form of protection against mosquitos. When taking your baby outdoors, make sure you dress him in light clothing which has long sleeves and trousers. Insect repellent can be used on older children but apply it sparingly, and make sure that they do not get it in their mouths or eyes. Roll-on repellents are preferable to aerosols when used for children.
*296\90\8*
