Mosquito Bite on a Child — What to Do for Itching, Redness and Swelling

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video explains what to do if a mosquito bites a child. A mosquito bite causes some burning, pain or itching at that spot. Steps covered in the video: Apply ice – apply ice at the bite spot. Wrap the ice in a cloth before applying it there. If itching or redness remains – you can apply an antiseptic cream or calamine lotion. If there is a lot of swelling – this happens in many children after a mosquito bite. In that case, you can talk to a doctor and take an antihistaminic syrup such as cetirizine or hydroxyzine, which reduces the itching. Relevant for: parents whose child has been bitten by a mosquito and has itching, redness, burning or swelling; parents asking whether ice, antiseptic cream or calamine lotion should be used on a bite; parents whose child gets large swellings from mosquito bites; and parents asking when a bite needs a doctor and an antihistamine syrup. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before giving any syrup or medicine, and seek immediate medical attention if your child has severe swelling, spreading redness, fever, breathing difficulty, or signs of infection at the bite.