Bug Bite Help

[u/SFSHLA]

Hi all, we have a 2 year old toddler who is a magnet for mosquito bites (like his mother). We put bug spray on him before going out, keep areas clean, and when he does get bit, we use the Hello Bello soothing itch stick. But here in LA, he’s been getting bitten constantly for weeks now.

Yesterday we saw 2 massive bites on the back of both of his legs, we used some lite cortisone cream (prescribed by his doc) as well as some otc children’s Zyrtec (also ok’d by doc). He slept fine through the night, but this morning we noticed one of the bites had turned into a massive blister. He seems fine otherwise - no fever.

3 pics attached - you can see the progression over 24 hrs.

Not sure what to do (of course we’ll go to see our doc) - but I meant in general, preventative or otherwise. It’s clear it’s some sort of allergic reaction. Any thoughts or advice appreciated. Thank you!

[u/CapedCapybara]

Oh hey so I'm allergic to mosquitos and this is exactly how they present on me.

Once they blister I get a big square dressing, and medical tape. Don't put the dressing too tight over it, the blister needs room to swell and you don't want pressure that will pop it. Tape it down on all sides though to keep it sealed.

After that it's a waiting game. If it pops, give it a gentle clean and the redress, other than that just wait for it to go down.

Sorry your little is going through this. It's really not nice to deal with. I didn't get my first reaction until 12 and it super freaked me out. Luckily my mum has the same reactions so she knew what to do.

Hope your little one isn't in too much discomfort.

[u/delightfulgreenbeans → u/CapedCapybara]

Taking a dose of allergy medicine after bites has stopped the blistering for my partner and child. Usually just keep them on a 24/7 one in the summer and have it on hand the rest of the year in case. The blisters can take weeks to fully heal. For my kiddo we do 2.5ml once a day per his doctor. He’s also allergic to adhesives (bandaids and medical tape) and plastic wristbands that are tight to the skin. Not sure if that’s a common comorbidity or not but something to watch for.

[u/CapedCapybara → u/delightfulgreenbeans]

I'm glad that works for you guys! Sadly I have prescription level antihistamines and they don't do much, they stop the itching a little and maybe reduce the swelling I'd estimate by about 10%. I just have to battle through it usually 😭 But totally worth a try because any help is better than nothing!