The bugs are out of control!
I am sure you have heard it said before, DC was built on top of a swamp. This time of year the humidity is high and the biting insects are out of control!
One of my dear patients asked recently what to do to protect delicate skin from biting insects.
Here are a few ideas to avoid bug bites:
Try to keep as much skin covered as possible with light colored clothing.
Avoid bug spray on children under 6 months old. They have higher body surface area than adults and substances placed on the skin have more area to be absorbed. For infants, use fans, nets, or other environmental supports that will block bugs’ access to their delicate skin.
For children over 6 months of age, find products with safer ingredients. Just because it is “all natural” or “organic” it does NOT mean it is safe! One of my favorite online resources, where a team of objective scientists review products is the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They suggest that when it comes to bug sprays, it is safer to use a few trusted chemicals over lots of “natural” products that are known allergens. Check out their article here.
So what do you do when kids get bug bites?
Immediately treat the area. You can use an ice pack or ice cube to decrease the body’s response.
Gently dab the area with an alcohol-soaked swab or alcohol pad.
Use calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream or bug bite stick to treat the area.
Cover the bite in a bandage to avoid scratching (scratching only makes it worse!).
Know that the redness can get very big and firm. Contact your doctor if you are worried (I have patients text me a picture on our secure line).