Mosquito Bites

Avon Skin so Soft is great. I am the same way ticks and mosquito love me. When I was growing up I had to be in by dusk because my back would just be one big mosquito bite. On my bites I put rubbing alchol(sp?) and they seem to dry up and go away as long as I do not scratch them before I put the alchol on them. I also use crotizone (sp?) creme on my daughter's.

I have used Avon's Skin So soft for years. I was a camp counselor and used it then and now continue to use it on my entire family. I use the original plain skin so soft (not the bug spray). I like it for two reasons: it keeps the bugs (mosquitos, ticks, etc.) away and it doesn't have that bug spray smell. Here is a link you could paste in your browser:
http://shop.avon.com/shopb/product.asp?src_page=product_l...

I can honestly say that when I use it my kids have not gotten bit and neither have I or my husband. We live in the 'country' so we use it almost daily.

For an anti-itch cream I have sometimes used a strong facial mask. I know that sounds strange, but it brings the sting out and seems to work. My daughter was stung by a wasp and I applied a strong mask and she was fine within minutes. Kinda crazy, but it works for us!

Hope that helps!

My son was the same way-swelling was horrible.
We finally found (through a friend) to use Avon Skin-so-Soft spray as a natural safe repellent (works great, smells good, no dangerous chemicals).
As for the itch-Calydryl clear is a good one.
We use to put toothpaste on our bites as kids and they never itched again-we just looked funny with light blue Crest dots all over us!
Good luck!

Hi C.,
I am not a drug rep or a salesperson, I'm a Mom - horribly allergic to the nasty little buggers myself! Years ago an old gentleman neighbor told me about Vit B-6. He said his family had used it for years to ward off mosquitos. I checked it with my pediatrician (my kids are teens now)and online (Wikipedia is great!) A half an hour before we go outside we each take one 50mg tablet. It is emitted in your sweat and it lasts 3 to 4 hours. If I slip up and I do get a bite I use "Prid Salve" (from Walgreens,it looks like brown wax - and I use the stick from a Qtip to apply) - just a tiny dab on the hole caused by the bite and lightly cover with a bandaid. I leave it on for about 12 hours. The salve pulls out what the mosquito injects in. And the itch stops almost immediately! Sometimes I have to apply it a second day but never more than that. I've always lived in the city but I tell you the old timers knew what they were doing! So read up on it and check with your pediatrician & good luck! S.

if you have ANY standing water around, either get rid of it, or get those tablets that kill the larvae. We have a little pond and i couldnt take our little girl outside at all, she was instantly covered with mosquitoes no matter how much repellant i put on her. One of those tablets and instant relief. Aftr that, normal repellant worked just fine.

Avon's Skin so Soft...works great, and you can put it on little ones too! C. Freeman

Hi C., my daughter is allergic to insect repellants and the mosquitos seem to love her too. I have been using Bounce (only Bounce, not sure why) dryer sheets. Sounds crazy, but I read it on a web-site so I tried it and really like it, not to mention the smell is much nicer! I rub a Bounce dryer sheet on her legs, arms, face and neck and then stick the dryer sheet kind of hanging out of a pocket of her shorts, or tucked into the back of her shorts. This is working really well for us - give it a try!

A safer repellent than "bug spray" is Avon's Skin So Soft products. As far as anti-itch, my 4 year old son responds best to the good ole Equate brand from Wal-Mart anti-itch cream. Also, if it's available to you, the chlorine in pool water heals bug bites very quickly!!

My mom told me spraying Listerene around where people will be outside will keep mosquitoes away, but I haven't tried it yet. I do know that making a paste out of meat tenderizer does work for taking the itch away from bites. My son has bad reactions to bites, even worse than I do, and the tenderizer keeps him from scratching and making things worse.

Hello! I am also allergic to mosquito bites...horribly. I had an old Dr. once tell me to consume plenty of Vit C throughout the day during mosquito season. Vit C needs to be replenished frequently. This will help with reducing the swelling once a bite occurs. Then he said to take odorless garlic tabs daily during the season. This is to release an odor--that is undetectable to humans--to make them not want to bite you. Both work well for me. Another thing is to take Oral Benedyl after a bite a well use the Benedryl spray on the bite directly. You should obviously ask your Ped Dr. before giving anything to your child. Good Luck to you.

I use the benadryl anti-itch spray and cream. If he's REALLY itching and those haven't worked I wash off the bites then use Gold Bond's Medicated anti-itch cream. He's allergic to them as well.
I don't use any sprays because they worry me too much.
I try to light those Off Lantern's around the area he's to play in about 20 minutes before he goes out. I have three that hang on poles and then I use PartyLite Citronella candles on the picnic table. He's 3 and doesn't bother any of the candles and such!

for itching you can get cordaid cream in a kids dose. We use the cutter and the off for the bug spray. and apply it often. I'm not sure what the deet is, I'd have to check, but it seems to work good for now.

What a flashback to my childhood. I also am one of those people biting insects love. I don't have any great suggestions about insect repellents, you may want to try the botanicals, but I've read articles that they work but for only a very short time. DEET products work the best. There is a new one out now that is like a spray powder and doesn't have that oily feel. I hate when I get sweaty and that oily stuff runs in my eyes. I wish I could remember the exact brand, but I think it is an OFF product. I would recommend a good bath when she comes in for the day and wash that stuff off.

I have used Rhuli Gel (sp?) which sometimes is a little difficult to find, I've also used a clear gel like product by Benedryl. They both work great for me and they are clear so I can use it all the time and not worry about looking spotted.

Please watch that the bites don't get infected. Mine used to get infected and I didn't really scratch that much. Also, if she develops any flu like symptoms, you may want to have her checked out for West Nile virus.

It may take awhile, but she may become desensitized to the bites in time. Now, I may bump up for 1/2 a day, but then the bites are gone, and almost no itching.

I'm thrilled you are looking at keeping her outside! Good luck!

I found an all natural repellant with no Deet at Walmart. It's made especially for kids and is in the regular section. I also really like the wrist/ankle bands from Bed Bath & Beyond because then the kids don't smell like the repellant. We have the same "sweetness" problem at our house, so I can totally relate! I hope these work!

My daughter is also a mosquito magnet. I didn't like using the traditional repellents, because I was concerned about the chemicals in them. I found that Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil works great! Spray a little on her and rub it in. It smells nice, makes her skin soft, and I don't have to worry about if she has time for a bath to wash off the bug spray, because it's a moisturizer (like baby oil). It works great and no possibility of harmful side effects.

If she does get a bite, I use Sarna lotion on it. It has some sort of anti-itch medication in it. It rubs in just like any other lotion so you don't have the goofy pink dots like with calomine. It does have an odd scent to it. Not bad, just distinctive. Sarna is available at most drug stores (I bought it at Walgreens). I works great for sunburn, too.

I say grease her up and send her out! Playing outside is sooo much better than sitting in front of the television. And they get good exercise.

Just and idea, I think they are at Walmart they have rubber bracelets that you wear to repell misquitos. I don't know if they work but I have heard people use them on their kids and babies putting one on each wrist and one on each ankle. Would love to know if they work.

If she likes playing outside and you're there I would put bug spray on her (they have some meant for children) as well as burning those candles that repel mosquitoes. As for anti-itching cream you can talk to your local pharmacist to be sure, but there is hydro cortisone which is a steroid and will ease the swelling and itching.

Something we've tried was the Bite B Gone...it's a stick and you rub the end on the bite...well, it stings like crazy, so don't try it! Feels like you're putting alcohol on a wound. I've heard great things of Avon's skin so soft stuff.

Bug Be Gone is fabulous and natural/non toxic. I put it all over my children. It works and I don't feel at all nervous about chemicals on them. I have been using it for several years and highly recomend it.
angela

We use off normally, but the few times that my son does get bit, we use a product call bite away for kids. It is a cream that you put on the bite. stops the itch. Do not by the regular one for adults, it has ammonia in it.

My son gets welts from the bites and he swears by Absorbin JR. He has his own and applies it to his bites and it makes them stop itching. I will try some of these repellents and see it keeps these pesky bugs off him. He makes me laugh because he goes around singing the "Aint no bugs on me" song from the commercial with the dogs.

The old standard, Avon's Skin So Soft, is a wonderful repellant. And I just discovered After Bite...it is absolutely fantastic to stop the itching of a bite. It is like a magic marker...and they make one for children, too!

bullfrog has that new sunscreen/bug repellent out, and it's deet free. haven't used it yet but have had good luck w bullfrog in the past. benadryl for those bites..cream'll do, or give it to her orally. ask your ped for the dose.

I have two unorthodox repellent recommendations.
1. Try rubbing her with a dryer sheet.
2. Put some vodka and water in a spray bottle and spray her down.
They both work differently for different people. Good luck!

I have the same problem with my son. One thing that works for us is adding Avon skin so soft, just a capful, to his bath. It has worked for us. Good luck!

I have a solution that is 100% natural and safe for infants on up!!

Last year my husband wanted to by a tent for camping. The boys and I set it up in the afternoon while daddy was working. Well, the boys (and I too) forgot to shut the flaps and mosquito (and other bugs) infested the tent. The boys really wanted to camp and daddy had promised so they slept outside. Before I told them good night I mixed 2 droppers of Bulgarian Lavender Essential oil 10 8 oz. Simply Lavender After Bath Oil, both from Daisy Blue Naturals. Applied to all exposed skin. Rubbed in.

NOT ONE BUG BITE!!! Plus everyone slept peacefully from the calming lavender oil. Lavender essential oil wards off bugs, calms, and heals. Helped to heal sunburns too.

Also, to calm the itch we use Australian Tea Tree Essential Oil. In a pinch I've used the Tea Tree Lip Balm. Works too!

This is all we use now in the summer time. Well worth a try!

Best Wishes,

J. Hobbs
____@____.com
www.3743.daisybluenaturals.com

C.,

Two of my daughters have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites. After they get one it ends up several inches around and just looks awful. We use the Calydryl clear to help with the itch some, but we also give them some Bendryl allergy medicine to help with the swelling and some of the itch. It really seams to help. We haven't found a great repellent and they had some of the Off! on this weekend and one has 4 bites and the other 5. Let me know if you find a good one.

Good Luck,
J.

For the itching we use two things. One is Calagel, it is a gel version of the pink stuff and dries faster and clear. And the other is Benedryl gel. As for repellent...since we all have different chemistry, different bug repellents work differently. You may just have to try several brands to see what works for your daughter. I too am allergic to mosquitos and swell up also. I know how you feel. Just keep trying until you find the one that works for your daughter. Good Luck and God Bless.

my son and I have the exact same problem, although my husband is the lucky one!! I have found that the anti-iche stuff that is clear works much much better than the cream. BUT, if she has scratched it, it will burn a bit. But for my son and I the cream doesn't touch the iche...also the dermaplast works also but it also will burn like crazy if the skin is damaged...it will numb anything within a minute or two!!

I have heard many times about the bounce sheet and plan to try it!! I've heard it has to be bounce...does anyone know if it has to be the original or if it can be the new scents?

I read an article online yesterday that said to spray with Listeren mouthwash. I havent tried so let me know if you do!

I don't have any recommendations for repellants, they all seem to work for me, but you can try Aveeno's oatmeal bath soak to help sooth them.

If you find repellants don't work, you can also try to help her by changing her diet, I've always heard that eating garlic and onions makes you less attractive to them. I also think they are more attracted to people wearing certain colors, I forgot which ones, but you can always look it up online.

Hi C.,
I know this may sound wierd and I have not tried it yet, but I heard that Listerin will work as an repleant and itch releaver. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it around the yard and put it on the bit. Let me know if it works.
J. (mother to a wonderful 18 month old daughter)

I have the same reaction to bites and a doctor told me to use hydrocortisone. He said applying it as soon as possible will minimize the reaction so I keep it in my purse. They make something shaped like a fat pen that sprays. It's pretty handy!

I use the Cutter brand "family" repellent for me and my son. Seems to work. Good luck!

have you tryed after bite for kids.you could try vanilla. i have heard that mouth wash in a spray bottle works to just put it in the spray bottle and spray your yard with it. i hope that i was some help for you J.

I know you have gotten alot of responses but I just wanted to let you know that I have been using Imation Vanilla on myself and my children and we have not had a bite so far (mosquities love us too). I just put some on a paper towel and wipe it on our legs and arms. I got a really big bottle of it at Sam's Club for $6 dollars because I know it is expensive at the grocery store. Good Luck

Some say to run their arms and legs with a dryer sheet. Safer than repellents. Or pin on to her clothing!

hey

I use a special receipt that isn't harmful for you or your kids and it doesn't stink. email me at ____@____.com and you can go to livetotalwellness.com/donnaryan

You can check with your local health food store about homeopathics that are safe for kids to take, and help to reduce the reaction to bites. They may be less likely to get bit, but it does take away the swelling, and increase the healing time. One other product we use to stop the itch is a spray called Ivy Dry. We get it at Walgreens; great for rashes and bites.

I actually heard that a regular scent dryer sheet, Bounce actually repells misqsuitos. So I tried it (only once) and to my amazement it worked. What I did, was rub it all over exposed skin, then I tied the sheet to my belt loop.

I've also heard that tea-tree oil repels mosquitos, but I haven't tried that.

As for Itch.....Dermaplast works instantly~ It's in an aerosol spray can by the Neosporin.

I have not got to try this one yet, by a lady at my daycare was telling me that her daughter swells with bites and that her dermatologist told her to put a little bit of roll-on deodorant on the bite area. I figured it was worth a try the next time one of my babies gets a bite and she swears by it.

I love all the ideas. My little one is allergic to the bites also.

My mom took my nephews to Boy Scout Camp last summer and they were all using Vanilla. You mix Vanilla in water in a spray bottle and spray it all over. It is completely non toxic and won't hurt clothes or kids. You have to reapply every couple of hours, but it works and smells good too. She said that the farmers who live and work around her mix it in gallon jugs and take it on the tractors with them.

It is worth a try.

oh my goodness. I have suffered with this my whole life and I'm in my 40's. I won't go outside without OFF or some other brand on. Besides they carry serious diseases now. Spray her ahead of time. Nothing really helps the itch. There is some stuff in a tube. I use Hydrocortisone. (sp?) It's called anti itch cream.

My personal opinion just try not to let them bite her.

Looking at your responses I'm trying the bounce idea!
L. B

I actually just read an article yesterday about keeping mosquitoes away. They say Listerine works! Put Listerine in a spray bottle and spray it in the yard where she is playing around the dinner table, anywhere! They said it works longer than any repellant! It's an inexpensive repellant to try! Good Luck.

My daughter had a really bad case last yr she was only 6 months old then,she woke up with all these red spots swollen from head to toe.This only happened once I took her to see a pharamist at walmart he told me he does belive she has an allergic reaction to mosiquito bite's.He told me to buy these items and they do work Benadryl itch stopping gel it is a liquid relieves itches due toinsect bites poision ivy rashes sunburn alot of things Chiggerex for all types of bites and after Bites for kids they all work.If she gets them again this yr she is going to the dr to make sure it's not life threatning

I use Cutter repellant because it's less potent and smells nicer than some out there. For itch relief, I have Caladryl clear lotion which dries clear quickly.

I have four girls that are allergic to mosquito bites. They swell up huge and then if they scratch, get infected. The one thing I use whenever they come inside with a bite is Preparation H. It helps with the itch and shrinks the swollen bite. I'm sure the Walmart people think we have some issues with the amount of Preparation H we buy during the summer. It works for us!

I think they have OFF for kids, you can always go to the nearest Pharmacy and ask them.

I found this link for you hope it helps.

http://tipnut.com/over-40-mosquito-bite-itch-relief-tips/

We were talking about mosquito bites. One of my co-workers lives on the river and she always uses Listerine and water. She said to fill a spray bottle a little over half full of the Listerine original brand and water the rest of the way and spray on yourself. She said it works well.She also said to get the Listerine brand. As far as anti itch we usually use Benadryl cream. You can also use Bendryl oral but do not use both at the same time. You can overdose on the meds. Benadryl oral always made my kids sleepy, so I would only use that at night to help them sleep without scratching themselves raw.

Hi C.,

It's true that some people attract ticks and mosquitos more than others. I checked out WWW.Snopes.com and found out that listerine, dish soap and any other tips from the internet are false. It's a hoax. You should check that website out for everything. However, the only true mosquite repelant is DEET. I think some of your kids are too young for it though. I have been checking out Burt's Bees products lately. The products are organic and natural. So far the products I have used do exactly what they say they do. You should check out "Bug Bite Relief" and "Herbal Insect Repellant". It has been scientifically proven that some plants repell mosquitos. It really sucks that listerine, dish soap and citranella doesn't work. What really happens is the insects get trapped in the liqiuds or wax so it looks as if they are being repelled. Bugs are not high on the intelligent list and the few that land in the liquid doesn't compare the the thousands that don't. I am a Veterinary Nurse and we deal with ectoparasites constantly. These would be, fleas, lice, ticks, mosquitos, mites, and chiggers. Animals have just as much trouble as we do with them! In fact mosquitos pass heartworms on to cats and dogs. I hope this has been helpful to you. I hope things work out for you and your family. Lots of luck.

A. H.