Children’s Skin and Insect Bites

During the hot summer months, bug bites are one of the unpleasant things almost everyone has to deal with. From gnats flying in faces, wasps dive-bombing and sometimes stinging, and itchy mosquito bites pestering people for days – sometimes summer is hard to take. While most people can swat away pesky insects, children are often too distracted by playing to notice the effects on their skin (unless a wasp or yellow jacket gives a sting, of course). Many parents think that bites and stings are just a “normal” part of summer, but protecting the skin of young children is very important.

While most people in the United States do not have to worry about catching a horrible disease from insect bites, there are still complications that can arise from children and insects. Children have very delicate skin that changes and matures over and over again while they are young. Applying bug spray on children is not advisable while they are young because harmful chemicals can pass through their skin and into their blood stream. Protecting them with long sleeves, pants, and avoiding areas with high numbers of insects can help cut down on unwanted insect bites.

When children do get bitten, it is important for parents to watch the bit area closely. Children’s skin will have a common reaction of a small bug bite, but parents need to monitor the area to make sure the bite does not spread or become infected. By cleaning the area with soap and water, parents can remove any contaminated particles that an insect may have left behind in order to prevent infection. If an infection does occur, Dr. Jamie Weisman at Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta can help your child find relief from the infected area. If the itching sensation becomes intense, Dr. Weisman can prescribe a topical treatment to relieve itching, reduce swelling, and treat the bug bite.

Call Medical Dermatology Specialists with any concerns you have about your child’s skin. Our office accepts patients of all ages and looks forward to helping you keep your skin healthy.