As the summer heat spreads, not only does it bring a sticky, humid, and hot feeling, but it also brings mosquitoes and dengue fever.
Young children being bitten is particularly worrying and distressing. Because children's immune systems are not yet mature, mosquito bites can trigger a large amount of allergic hormones in children with allergies, causing severe urticaria or angioedema, and sometimes blisters.
These severe reactions will gradually improve as the immune system matures with growth.
In order to avoid diseases and skin itching caused by mosquitoes, mosquito prevention is necessary.
But what kind of mosquito repellent is suitable for children? Natural mosquito repellents seem gentler and safer, but are they effective? Parents, don't worry, this article can tell you!
Dengue fever symptoms in children
The clinical manifestations of dengue fever in children are atypical, and the children's ability to express themselves has not yet been established, making diagnosis relatively difficult.
- Children under one year old: Most of them only have fever or respiratory infection symptoms such as red throat, runny nose and cough.
- Preschool children: The main symptoms are fever and rash, with less obvious body aches and fatigue.
- Elementary school students: Dengue fever symptoms gradually become apparent, including fever, fatigue, and weakness in the hands and feet. A rash appears 4-6 days later. During this time, they may experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- After the upper grades of elementary school: symptoms are similar to those of adults and easier to diagnose
Recommended mosquito repellent products for babies and children
Common and effective mosquito repellent ingredients in Taiwan include PMD (Citrus lecithin), DEET, and Picaridin. Of these, only PMD is naturally derived; the other two are chemically synthesized.
Although Dimethoate is the most common and inexpensive, regulations categorize both Dimethoate and Picaridin as "environmental drugs," meaning they are intended for use in the environment. PMD, on the other hand, is classified as a "general drug" and can be used on humans.
DEET
Dietary repellent can be used on children after they are two months old, but you should be especially careful when using any chemical substances on newborn babies as they are prone to accidental ingestion. Therefore, we recommend that you use less mosquito repellents on children under six months old. You can use mosquito nets, clothing, mosquito repellent hanging sheets, etc.
It should be noted that when the concentration of diazinon is too high, it may cause discomfort symptoms such as eye stinging, skin allergies, nausea and dizziness . Children are only suitable for diazinon with a concentration of 10% to 30%, and they must wash it off after returning indoors.
Health Canada recommends that both children and adults should not use it more than three times a day .
Picaridin
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, Picaridin is suitable for children aged two and over. It is less irritating to the skin, which is why it has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, it is relatively expensive.
It is generally recommended that a concentration of 10% to 15% is suitable for young children and can repel mosquitoes for about 6 hours; a concentration of 15% to 20% is suitable for pregnant women and children.
PMD Citral
PMD is recommended for children over three years old. Derived from the essential oil of the lemon eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus citrifolia), PMD is listed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the "only natural ingredient" to effectively repel mosquitoes. Effective concentrations of PMD can disrupt mosquito sensory recognition, preventing bites by common black mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, tropical house mosquitoes, three-spotted house mosquitoes, and fleas. It has a slightly cooling effect and soothes itching .
We recommend PMD Mugwort Mosquito Repellent
✹ The highest concentration of PMD on the market is 12%, and it meets international standards for young children
✹ Repels small black mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, tropical house mosquitoes, three-spotted house mosquitoes, and fleas
✹ Mugwort essential oil soothes and conditions the skin, while PMD calms and relieves itching
✹ There is a 250ml refill bottle to reduce waste, and a special nozzle can be used to spray a large area quickly
✹ Insist on simplicity and effectiveness, with only 5 ingredients
✹ Free of camphor, mint, and DEET
✹ Friendly to people with sensitive skin, favism, and vegans
➥PMD Mugwort Mosquito Repellent! A natural mosquito cloak
This is the safest and most effective way to spray! Instructions for using children's mosquito repellent
- Avoid use on wounds or inflamed skin
- Avoid using on delicate or easily swallowed parts of children
- Spray on palms first, then pat on face
- PMD products are recommended to be sprayed every two hours for best results.
- Apply sunscreen first, then mosquito repellent for the best mosquito repellent effect
What should you do if your child gets stung? Preventing infection by scratching—and relieving itching—is more important than you think!
When children are stung, not only do they worry about persistent swelling, but they also worry about scratching and developing wounds that could lead to cellulitis. Effective itching relief can reduce the risk of bacterial infection and inflammation.
PMD Itch Relief
Suitable for children over three years old PMD calms and relieves itching while also repelling mosquitoes to prevent continued bites.
Aloe vera
The cooling sensation can soothe itching , and aloe vera cream is natural and has protective and moisturizing properties.
Ice
It can inhibit the skin's reaction and reduce the itching sensation, but it must be applied with an ice compress through a towel.
Cooling ointment
It is safer to choose ointment that is certified and approved by the Department of Health and is specially designed for infants and young children.
Some topical ointments contain ingredients like menthol and camphor, which may help relieve itching but do not reduce inflammation or swelling. Avoid applying them too thickly or too widely, especially on thinner skin areas like the neck and face. Excessive absorption of camphor oil or menthol may harm a child's brain development.
Once the bite has been scratched to form a microscopic wound, do not apply any substances, otherwise your child may experience pain instead of itching.
If the redness or swelling persists or even expands, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.