Can children apply povidone-iodine after being bitten by mosquitoes?
Disease description:
Yesterday, my child went out to play. When she came back, I noticed many red bumps on her arm. I asked her about it, but she didn't know what caused them. This morning, she said it was itchy. I suspect she was bitten by mosquitoes. We have some povidone-iodine at home—can I apply it? May I ask if it's safe to use povidone-iodine on mosquito bites in children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
It is generally not recommended to directly use iodophor to wipe areas where a child has been bitten by mosquitoes. Iodophor is primarily used for skin disinfection and, although it has some antibacterial properties, it does not directly relieve itching and swelling caused by insect bites. To address symptoms from mosquito bites, parents are advised to first clean the affected area with mild soapy water, which helps neutralize acidic substances released by mosquitoes and reduces redness and itching. If itching and swelling persist, anti-allergy ointments or children-specific anti-itch creams may be applied. Before using any medication, parents should carefully read the instructions to ensure the product is suitable for children and follow the recommended usage and dosage as directed by a healthcare provider or stated on the label. Additionally, parents should keep the affected skin area clean and dry, and prevent the child from scratching to avoid infection.
