Pediatric Allergic Reactions to Mosquito Bites

Jul 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My daughter is 5 years old. She was bitten by a mosquito while sleeping yesterday, and today it seems like she has developed an allergic reaction. I would like to ask what allergic symptoms can occur in children after insect bites?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Children often exhibit significant localized skin reactions after mosquito or insect bites. Initially, the bite area may become itchy, and children frequently scratch the site unconsciously, leading to skin damage. Subsequently, red patches may develop at the site, often gradually increasing in size. As the condition progresses, blisters may form, which can rupture and lead to erosions. These allergic reactions commonly occur on exposed areas such as the face, earlobes, and limbs. If the child has an allergic constitution, insect bites may also trigger urticaria (hives), with multiple raised wheals appearing across the skin. This may be accompanied by angioedema (allergic vascular-neural edema), particularly noticeable in areas with loose connective tissue such as the eyelids, lips, and scrotum. It is important to note that although most insect bites do not cause systemic symptoms like fever, if the bite transmits an infectious disease, symptoms such as fever may occur, and prompt medical attention should be sought.