By Wendy J. Wallace, DO, President of CCF

Heat and summer are known for mosquitoes, gnats, and bug bites in kids. When they bite children, they can leave a nasty swelling that can itch and itch and itch.

These bugs are more prone to bite at dusk, when the sun is setting and they are looking for their last meal. Keeping children covered with long sleeves and pants, and promptly treating the bites, can prevent those swellings from becoming infected. Use bug spray on exposed areas and apply cold compresses after a bite to limit swelling. Cleaning the bite with soap and water, or giving children a bath, helps cleanse the skin and nails of possible infection-causing organisms.

A mosquito bites. Image: pexels.com