Allergy to a mosquito bite in a child. First aid and protection

Increased sensitivity to mosquito bites and other insects doctors call an insect allergy. It arises from the distorted reaction of the body to the biologically active substances contained in the saliva of mosquitoes. The allergy to a mosquito bite in a child causes local and general manifestations. And if the first are relatively relatively harmless local edema, redness and itching, then the latter may require serious treatment (even in a hospital). The so-called systemic anaphylactic reaction is due to a strong rejection of a foreign protein by the body. Such an allergy manifests itself as a general intoxication, nausea and vomiting, headache, fever. The most frequent reactions to a systemic reaction are the bites of insects in the region of the head and neck.

An allergy similar to mosquito bites can also occur through the fault of other insects. Local edema (papule) with redness and itching is typical enough for this situation. By the way, we note that not only an insect bite can cause allergies. No less dangerous is the so-called respiratory reaction of the organism, which occurs when inhaling both the insects themselves and the products of their vital activity. Anxious symptoms are a severe runny nose, sneezing, hoarse voice, coughing up to choking.

When a bite is dangerous

I must say that anaphylactic allergy to a mosquito bite in a child is extremely rare, but nevertheless such cases are known and well described.

If the reddening and swelling at the site of the bite reach a diameter of 5-10 cm, they persist for at least 24 hours and are accompanied by severe itching, so it's time to see a doctor. If there are any signs that the allergy to a mosquito bite has acquired a systemic character at any time, you need to call for an emergency medical care. Dangerous symptoms include extensive urticaria, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes suffocation.

First aid

The trace from the bite is preferably not to scratch or scratch. It can be processed with a soda solution, and it is better to use an ointment ("Fenistil gel" or "Psilo-balm"). In extreme tourist conditions, to eliminate the local reaction, you can use a slurry of mashed leaves of bird cherry, wormwood or juniper, and a leaf of plantain.

If the allergy to mosquito bites in a child proceeds according to the type of anaphylaxis, do not self-medicate, but immediately seek medical help. If there are any delays and obstacles, give the child any antihistamine drug (strictly following, of course, the instructions and the age-related dosage). Treatment in the hospital is necessary, since allergy in the form of mosquito bites can have a completely different origin and lead to serious complications.

It's better to defend yourself!

Prevention is always useful, but if the child has a tendency to any allergy, from insect bites it is necessary to protect it especially carefully. Avoid evening walks near water reservoirs, protect rooms with mosquito nets and fumigators, wear clothing that closes hands and feet as much as possible. A fairly reliable method is to treat the skin and clothing with special agents (repellents). However, you must first make sure that the child does not have allergies on them!