Insect bites in children

What it is

Insect bites cause itchy, red or dark bumps. Some children develop large swollen reactions or clusters of very itchy bumps (papular urticaria), which can last weeks.

How it works

Bites cause a local immune reaction; children react more strongly.

Why it matters on darker skin

On darker skin bites often leave dark marks that last for months after scratching. In Nigeria mosquito bites also carry the risk of malaria.

Causes and triggers

Mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas.

What helps — and why it works

Prevent bites: sleep under an insecticide-treated net, use screens, and dress children in light long sleeves at dusk. Use a child-suitable insect repellent as directed on the pack. For itchy bites, use cold compresses and keep nails short; a pharmacist can suggest a soothing cream. Cool compress, short nails: less itch and scratching. Expected timeline: days. Nets and repellents for age: prevents bites and malaria. Expected timeline: ongoing.

What to avoid and why

Avoid scratching, applying kerosene, toothpaste or herbal pastes, and using adult-strength repellents on young children.

Common mistakes

• Scratching open bites.
• Kerosene.

Caring for children's skin

Children's skin is thinner, loses water faster and absorbs more of what is applied to it relative to body size, so simpler is safer. For most children a short lukewarm bath, a fragrance-free soap substitute and a plain emollient are all that is needed, plus shade, clothing and sunscreen from six months of age. Avoid adult products, essential oils, antiseptics in bath water, bleaching or 'toning' creams, and cosmetic treatments such as relaxers and gel nails. Medicines and medicated creams should be used only as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist advises, and in children Melanin & Me does not offer photo checks: a clinician should see the child. Trust your instincts as a parent: a child who is unusually sleepy, floppy, not feeding, breathing fast or has a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass needs urgent care. Keep a simple record — photos and dates — of rashes that come and go, as this helps the doctor.

Products, medicines and when to worry

When choosing products for children, look for fragrance-free formulas with short ingredient lists, and avoid adult acne, anti-ageing or lightening products, essential oils and talc. Medicated creams — including steroid creams, antifungals and antibiotics — are safe and helpful when prescribed for the right condition and used for the right length of time, but mixed creams sold over the counter can contain strong steroids that are unsafe for children. Sunscreen is suitable from six months of age; younger babies should be kept in the shade and covered. Do not give medicines intended for adults, and ask a pharmacist about the right medicine for a child's age and weight. Seek urgent care for any rash with fever and a very unwell child, a rash that does not fade under a glass, swelling of the face or lips, or blistering of the mouth or eyes.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Useful questions include: What do you think is causing this? Is it likely to come back, and how can I prevent it? Which products should I stop? How long before I should expect improvement, and when should I come back if it isn't better? Are there side effects to watch for? Is this treatment safe if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or for my child? Writing your questions down, bringing your products (or photos of their labels) and taking dated photos of the problem make an appointment much more useful.