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Son with swollen mosquito bite

Posted By Andreea (Grimsby, On, Canada) on 05/22/2011

Hello

I need help: my son (4) got bitten yesterday by a mosquito while we were up north (Canada). The spot got swollen a bit right after the bite and I put some coconut oil on it. About two hours later the spot on his forehead became really swollen. The bump is about 3-4 cm in diamater and about 1 cm in height. That was yesterday. Today it looks about the same, if not a bit biffer. It is not read, it isn't hot and it's not itching. What do you think I should use to reduce the inflamation?

Thank you

Replied by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/23/2011

Hi Andreea, I wouldn't worry much if I were you! The bites will disappear even if it takes a few days. Once I was badly bitten on one leg in Denmark. The next day my leg was all swollen from the ankle to the knee. It didn't itch at all but it felt very weird. You could try lemon juice, for example, or essential oils, there are several that help with mosqito bites like lavender or tea tree oil. Coconut oil should help as well. One thing that helps with the itching is saliva and you always have it with you. Good luck....

Replied by Andreea (Grimsby, On) on 05/23/2011

Hello Francisca and thank you for your thoughts. I tried coconut oil right after he got bitten and again a few hours later. Yesterday I tried tea tree oil and lavander oil in a grapeseedoil base. Didn't work. We went to the hospital today, as it seems to be getting bigger, but the doctor only recommended Benadryl (antihistamine) which I am still reluctant to give. I read somewhere that blowing warm air with an hairdrier decreases the swelling as the heat de-activates histamines. I will try this too, if my son will let me :)

If it works, I'll post it on here.

All the best, Andreea

Replied by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/23/2011

Hi Andrea,

Please be careful with the hair dryer treatment. Even at 'warm' it could still damage the skin, possibly burn. I've not heard of a hair dryer de-activating histamines.

Drinking water and electrolytes will flush out histamines. It'll take time, but it's worked for me. I've also been taking Benadryl the last couple of days, sparingly -- it's with long term use that is a bigger concern.

Have you tried a vitamin E cream on the bite, or stinging nettle tincture w/jojoba, or diluted ACV dabbed on? Baking soda paste on bee/insect stings helps soothe:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-insect-bites/FA00046

Thoughts of quick healing for your son,

Sheila

Replied by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/23/2011

P. S. If you do use Benadryl, they do sell it in a dye-free version, 25 mg. I'd look for dye-free in the children's formula depending on the age of your child.

Replied by Andreea (Grimsby, On Canada) on 05/23/2011

Hello Sheila

I know, the hairdryer thing is strange, but I saw it in different places... Of course, I wouldn't keep it on high or anywhere too close to the face, and I don't think a little heat can do much harm... that being said Andrei still hasn't allowed me to do it.

Here's a link on the dryer info

http://www.howtodothings.com/health-fitness/cure-a-bug-bite-with-a-hair-dryer

Andreea

Replied by Michelle (Cambridge, Cambs / Uk) on 05/23/2011

Dear Andreea, I get bitten so much, more than anyone else I know! I have found wonderful castor oil is the best after bite solution, For prevention, I squeeze fresh lemon juice and pat it on bare skin and hair. It actually deters them. I found these remedies whilst being eaten alive in India!

Replied by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/25/2011

Hm. I wonder if one could use this 'warmth' cure, and sit out in the warm sun for 5-10 minutes and get the same result, exposing the bite. One would get a dose of vit D to boot.

If you ever try it, please post if it works.

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