Help for Mosquito Bite Repellent/after-bite Treatment for 19 Month Old

Benadryl anti-itch gel. Takes away the itch, and seems to dry out the bites so they shrink and go away faster.

I use California Baby on my kids. We also treat our yard with garlic granules - sounds nuts but it cuts down dramatically on the mosquitoes in our yard. The bug spray honestly is not as effective as something stronger, but I'd rather not douse my kids in toxins so between and CB spray and the garlic treatment, it's good enough that we don't get bitten too often.

For anyone using a spray with DEET, please research this chemical. It is toxic and there are side effects with improper use. It is the most effective repellent out there, that's for sure, but one must be very, very careful with using it on children. Make sure you use sprays with the lowest concentration of DEET available (the AAP recommends no more than 30% DEET and Canada recommends no more than 10% for children. You also have to be careful with how much you apply, apply only over clothing, make sure that your children wash their hands, don't inhale or ingest any, and avoid getting any in their eyes, nose or mouth (not that any of us spray it on our kids' faces, but if it's on their hands and they then rub their eyes or suck their thumb, it's a problem). For us, it's not worth the hassle and the risk but I don't live in Mosquito-coast like conditions. I can certainly see why people use it in areas where mosquitoes are a constant nuisance and health hazard, but please realize that it's only "safe" when used very carefully.

Roll On Deoderant for after bites helps calm the swelling and itching ... the liquid roll on is the only kind... I get mine at the dollar store works every time!

We use california baby bug repellent, it's all natural and doesn't have any deet in it. For the bites we use a 1% hyrdocortisone cream. Our pedicatrician said it was fine 3-4 times per day and that was when my son was 16 months old.

Tea tree Oil-it's all natural. They sell it in a small little vial just about anywhere now days. It's a natural antiseptic for the skin-I just posted on another question similiar to this. You can buy the vial and make up your own solutions. You can research it on the Internet about how much per whatever you are trying to mix. For example my dog had a reaction to some flea bites so I did about 1 tsp per 1 cup of water and mixed in a spraying bottle and spray him down real good about once a day. After one treatment it already looks so much better. It's good for flea allergy, mange, psorasis, etc. you just have to be careful about how much you use because it can cause the problem to get worse or even make them sickly-I don't know about humans but you could probably find your answers on the net or go to your local all-natural vitamin/herb store and ask someone there. Another alternative is ordering from Melaleuca. I used to at one time but we are currently involved in the Dave Ramsey debt reduction plan so I can't justify being a customer until that has been completed. There is another momma on here "mimi" she post here quite often and I believe she is a member of Melaeuca so if you want more info-let her know. If you can't find her PM cause I have an old PM from her ;())

Skin so soft by Avon is a great mosquito repellant. I always used witch
hazel that has been kept in fridge.

Avon makes a product called Bug Guard. It is available in kid's formula and I have used it for years (my kids are teens) and I also have a 3 year old. I began using it on him after he was 6 months old. It does NOT have Deet like Off does, and it can be applied on the skin. Everything in moderation, but this product works very well.
As for after bite care, I always stick with lanacane. Again a little bit goes a long way.

Hi D.,

I use a line of products that contain melaleuca alternafolia oil and make my own repellant. It is safe for infants as well as kids and adults. The oil will also heal best becuase it absorbs deep and gets to the root of the problem. I use one that is very high grade (T36-C5). It is not caustic as some say. The witch hazel should be safe but it's simply drying and not real effective. Our sunscreen is also made by the same company and I simply add a little extra oil to it before I apply it to the kids when we go to the beach. (The biting flies that we encounter in September on the gulf coast are awful and they leave us alone.)

If you want more info, let me know. I'll be glad to get it to you.

M.

Baking soda and water paste works wonderful.

Avon has SSS BugGuard http://youravon.com/nancybagley

Amonia (gross, I know, but they do sell "bite" topical stuff and that is what it is.

There is a repellent made by ALL TERRAIN called Natural Herbal Armor Insect Repellant. It is deet free and comes in a pump spray. It can be found at Bed Bath & Beyond and on-line I'm sure. It would work great on her legs. Anything on her face is always a risk, as she is only 19mos old and doesn't clearly understand directions of a repellent. If you want to go completely natural, and don't mind the odor, try garlic . Take a clove of garlic, cut in half and rub the cut edge on the bites. As you rub, squeeze the garlic half so that it releases it's essence. It amazingly works!

To prevent in the future I have used all natural stuff from Quantum Health. The bug spray and after bite sting soothe help. Of course they do not work as good as DEET, but I try to save the chemical stuff for when we are in a situation where we really need it, not just everyday outside playing. Also try to avoid the dawn/dusk hours outside, that 's when bugs are out most.

I would ask a skin doctor because she is very young. But I buy my stuff from Avon. My kids have ezema and are allergic to those damn mosquito bites.

Your poor daughter is just like me! If I walk outside after 7 PM without bug spray on, I walk in covered in bites! There are a few things that you can do.

1) Always make sure you have some sort of bug spray on her if you are going to be outside from dusk to dark. Most of them are perfectly fine for little ones. Many are now grease free, so those would probably be your best bet. Just remember that if you put it on her, she should have a bath that evening. I don't get in to bed with that stuff still on me, so I wouldn't let my little one either.

2) After she is bitten, make sure that you bathe her, put rubbing alcohol (yes it will smell horrible) on the bites to dry them out, and then put Benadryl cream or gel (I personally like the gel better) on the bites. Reapply the cream or gel as needed. When they are really bad, I take a Benadryl pill before bed as well. Good luck...bug bites are no fun no matter how old or young! :(

DEET is the only ingredient ever proven to repel mosquitos and it is safe.

Friends of mine use Tucks pads (they have witch hazel) to take down the swelling of bites. Witch hazel is safe for babies. I would personally hesitate to overuse Benedryl, as I have developed an allergic reaction to it (tongue swelling up). I also have an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone cream (break out in incredibly itchy small fluid-filled blisters).

try aloe, if you can get the plant (you know the long green leaf-like looking with tiny-like spikes around it) cut a small piece off and gently squeeze the jelly-like substance rubbing it softly on each bite as much throughout the day as possible. It dries up the bite and takes away the itch. It works with my kids and nephew. Good luck!