What should be done if an infant develops extensive redness and swelling after being bitten by insects?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child just turned one year old. Last night, while sleeping, he was bitten by a mosquito, and now there is a large area of redness and swelling around the bite. What should I do?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
After a baby has been bitten by insects and develops extensive redness and swelling, parents may take the following measures: 1. **Cleaning and disinfection**: Wash the affected area with mild soap and water or normal saline to remove insect saliva and bacteria, then gently pat dry with a clean towel. 2. **Cold compress**: Apply a cold towel or ice pack (wrapped in a towel to avoid direct skin contact) to the swollen area to help reduce swelling and itching. Do not apply the cold compress for too long each time to avoid skin frostbite. 3. **Topical medications**: Under a doctor's guidance, use topical medications such as calamine lotion or compound polymyxin B ointment, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, and swelling-reducing effects. If the swelling is severe and accompanied by signs of infection, antibiotic ointments such as mupirocin ointment may be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. 4. **Antiallergy treatment**: If the baby develops an allergic reaction, such as severe itching or expanding erythema, oral antiallergy medications such as loratadine syrup or cetirizine hydrochloride drops may be administered under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms. 5. **Daily care**: Keep the baby's skin clean and dry, and prevent the baby from scratching the affected area to avoid infection. Additionally, maintain indoor hygiene to reduce insect breeding. 6. **Seek medical attention**: If the swelling does not subside or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.