Preventing and Treating Severe Mosquito Bites

Dr. Greene’s Answer: Many kids (including my daughter Claire) develop large local reactions to mosquito bites – charmingly called Skeeter Syndrome. It’s a reaction to proteins in mosquitos saliva. There’s usually some reaction within hours of the bite, they progress over 8 to 12 hours or more, and have disappeared within 3 to 10 days. They can be quite dramatic, and occasionally even blister or bruise. It’s rare to get any whole-body symptoms from this. The most common age for it to start is somewhere between age 2 and age 4, and (good news!) once it develops, most kids only have this for several more summers before the reactions disappear. It takes a few extra years to go away for kids who live in Alaska, northern Canada and the Nordic countries. In the meantime, the keys are preventing mosquito bites, and dealing with bites that do occur. For prevention my favorite repellant is oil of lemon eucalyptus (like Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent brand). It can be as effective as DEET, but only lasts 2-5 hours. There is a gentle herbal product (available at amazon.com Parakito Mosquito Repellent Clip. There’s an exciting new idea called Kite Patch that’s a 2 inch square patch you stick on a backpack, etc. and makes kids close by invisible to mosquitos. Really cool. Mosquitos bite most at dawn and dusk and especially near wetlands or grass. Timing activities outdoors can make a big difference. When your son is likely to be bitten...
Source: Conversations with Dr Greene - Category: Pediatricians Authors: Tags: Q&A Insect Bites & Stings Source Type: blogs