Insect bites on children

Children commonly react far more dramatically than adults — a mosquito bite can swell several centimetres, sometimes with a blister. That large local reaction is not an allergy and not dangerous by itself. Infection from scratching is the complication that actually happens.

Why reactions look worse in children

A child's immune system has not yet met most insect saliva proteins, so the response is stronger. Repeated exposure over years dampens it. The practical result is that a bite on a four-year-old can look alarming and mean very little.

Large local reactions — a swollen area several centimetres across, warm, sometimes blistered, peaking at 24 to 48 hours — are common and resolve on their own.

What to do

• Cold pack for ten minutes, repeated.
• An age-appropriate oral antihistamine if the itch is disrupting sleep — ask a pharmacist for dosing.
• Nails cut short, and a plaster over the bite overnight.
• 1% hydrocortisone sparingly for a few days if itch persists, avoiding the face unless advised.

The signs that need a same-day appointment

• Redness spreading and skin hot to touch after day two.
• Pus, crusting, or a bite that is worsening rather than settling.
• Fever.
• Swelling around the eye.
• Bites in an infant under three months.

Emergency signs

Breathing difficulty, wheeze, swelling of the lips or tongue, widespread hives, floppiness or collapse — call emergency services. Also treat any scorpion sting in a young child as urgent: children are the group at genuine risk from bark scorpion venom.

Prevention that children tolerate

Repellent appropriate for the age (DEET is considered suitable from two months at appropriate concentrations; oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended under three years), long sleeves at dusk, screens on windows, and clearing standing water around the house. For camping, permethrin-treated clothing plus a same-day tick check covering the scalp, behind the ears, the groin and the waistband.