Hypersensitivity to the bites of mosquitoes and other insects, doctors call insect allergy. It occurs due to a distorted reaction of the body to biologically active substances contained in the saliva of mosquitoes. An allergy to a mosquito bite in a child causes local and general manifestations. And if the former are represented by relatively harmless local edema, redness, and itching, then the latter may require serious treatment (even in a hospital setting). The so-called systemic anaphylactic reaction occurs due to severe rejection of a foreign protein by the body. Such an allergy will be manifested by general intoxication, nausea and vomiting, headache, fever. Insect bites most often lead to a systemic reaction in 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 quite typical for such a 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 body, arising from the inhalation of both the insects themselves and their waste products. Alarming symptoms are a sharp runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness, coughing up to suffocation.
When a bite is dangerous
I must say that anaphylactic allergy to a mosquito bite in a child is extremely rare, but nevertheless, similar cases are known and well described.
If the redness and swelling at the site of the bite reaches a diameter of 5-10 cm, persists for at least a day and is accompanied by severe itching, then it is time to consult a doctor. If at any time there are signs that the allergy to a mosquito bite in a child has become systemic, you need to call an ambulance. Dangerous symptoms include extensive urticaria, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes suffocation.
First aid
It is advisable not to scratch or scratch the bite mark. It can be treated 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 the pulp from the crushed leaves of bird cherry, wormwood or juniper, as well as a sheet of plantain.
If an allergy to a mosquito bite in a child proceeds as anaphylaxis, do not self-medicate, but immediately seek medical help. If you experience any delays or obstacles, give your child any antihistamine (strictly following, of course, the instructions and age dosage). A visit to the hospital is necessary, since an allergy in the form of mosquito bites can have a completely different origin and lead to serious complications.
Better defend yourself!
Prevention is always useful, but if the child has a tendency to any allergies, it is necessary to protect him especially carefully from insect bites. Avoid evening walks near ponds, protect rooms with mosquito nets and fumigators, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs as much as possible. A fairly reliable way is to treat the skin and clothing with special means (repellents). However, first you need to make sure that the child does not have allergies to them!