Bites, prevention, and management.

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How to prevent and deal with mosquito and insect bites

Summer has arrived, and with it, the dreaded mosquitoes! Insect bites are more common during this time of year. The heat and high temperatures attract these little creatures, and during these months, we spend more time outdoors, in contact with nature, beaches, and pools. How can you protect your children from mosquitoes? Here are some practical tips.

Preventing bites

As with anything in life, prevention is always the best weapon. Here are some suggestions on how to protect children from mosquito, wasp, bee, or spider bites:

When going on an excursion or to the park, it is advisable to cover exposed areas with long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, socks, and light-colored clothing.
Use mosquito nets on windows, cribs, and strollers.
Use plug-in mosquito repellents.
Avoid using perfumes on children.
Check their room before bedtime to ensure no mosquitoes or spiders have entered during the day.
If you choose to use insecticides, remember to apply them at least 1.5 meters away from the child and hours before they enter the room.
Using air conditioning can help repel mosquitoes as they dislike cold environments.

Mosquito repellents: Which one to use?

The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) recommends the following types of mosquito repellents:

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide): This is a widely used repellent that is effective against most mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. It is available in lotions, creams, and sprays.
Picaridin/Icaridin is another widely used insect repellent that is effective against many types of insects and arthropods.
Other topically applied repellents with proven efficacy, although with less scientific knowledge, include those containing IR-3535, pyrethrin, citridiol, and citronella.
The AEP warns that “electronic devices that emit high-pitched sounds and repellent-infused bracelets have not been proven effective.”
Experts recommend spraying clothes with insecticides containing permethrin in areas with a high concentration of insects, as well as using repellents on exposed skin.

The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices provides a list of available repellents and their commercial brands in Spain.

Applying repellents

When applying mosquito repellents, keep the following in mind:

Check the age range for which the repellent is indicated.
- For ages 0-2 months: use mosquito patches like Squitos® or apply DEET in the area where the child sleeps or rests, but never directly on their skin.
- For ages 2 months to 1 year: use botanical oils in roll-on form.
- For ages 1 and up: use IR3535 spray on the skin.
- For ages 2 and up: use DEET in 10-30% concentration, IR3535 spray, or picaridin.
- For ages 3 and up: use DEET in 10-30% concentration, IR3535 spray, picaridin, or PMD.
- If bites have already occurred: use ammonia sticks (Goibi Pic® from 1 year old, and Afterbite extrem® from 2 years old).
Take note of how many times the repellent can be applied per day (up to 2 times a day for children under 12, and no more than 3 times for those over 12).
Check the composition to ensure it does not include any ingredients that could be harmful to the child (consult a pharmacist or pediatrician).
Repellents are available in spray or cream form. Whichever you choose, remember to apply it separately from sunscreen. Apply sunscreen first and then, 30 minutes later, apply the mosquito repellent. Avoid areas near the eyes, mouth, or hands (if children are very young, as they may put their hands in their mouth).

Dealing with bites

Sometimes bites are unavoidable. In that case, follow these steps:

Wash the bite with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress.
Ammonia solutions are recommended, but they can only be used from the age of 2. Calamine lotion can also be used.
Keep the child’s hands clean and nails
short to prevent scratching and potential infection.
If the bites are very uncomfortable, causing severe itching or redness, antihistamines or corticosteroid creams can provide relief. Always consult your pediatrician for advice on which one to use, the dosage, and frequency.
If you notice any unexpected changes or signs of alarm, do not hesitate to seek medical attention to have the bite evaluated.

Dealing with jellyfish stings

Jellyfish are another common summer hazard. Their stings cause rapid and immediate swelling in the affected area, pain, intense itching, and can even lead to general discomfort such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, and headaches. If this happens, it is important to stay calm.

Wash the area with saltwater or saline solution and avoid touching it, as it may still contain jellyfish remnants. In some cases, an allergic reaction may occur, so seek help as soon as possible by notifying a lifeguard or going to the nearest medical center.