Summer is in full swing, which means no school and plenty of time in the great outdoors! Do you guys have any vacation plans this summer? Hawaii is my family’s happy place and we’re thrilled every time we have another chance to go back. Maui, specifically Hana is one of our favorite places in the world with its lush greenery, beautiful & secluded beaches and authentic and local island vibe.
The only problem is that Hana is full of insects. And the last time we were there, we were attacked by mosquitos all week which we were unprepared for.
How to Protect Your Kids Against Insect Bites
Summertime is such a fun time for the whole family with vacations, outdoor adventures and trips to the beach. With so much excitement going on, it’s easy to forget how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. Therefore, being ready with a first-aid kit and knowing how to treat and prevent is essential.
One of the easiest discrepancies to be prepared for is bug protection from mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported illnesses from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas have tripled in the U.S. since 2004.
Here are some simple tips to stay on top of bug protection:
1. Do not use bug repellant on young infants
2. Only apply bug repellant to healthy skin and on the outside of clothes
3. Apply 15-20 minutes before going outdoors
4. Keep an eye out for a possible reaction to the insect repellent, like a rash. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, if you think they might be having a reaction, stop using the repellent, wash their skin with soap and water, and contact your child’s pediatrician.
If you are looking for more information on protecting your kids from unwanted crawlies, check out this article from healthychildren.org
As for those times when bug bites are already plaguing your child’s skin, here are some things to consider when trying to tame the itch:
1. Consider OTC allergy medicines that contain diphenhydramine, to find relief from the itch. As well as OTC hydrocortisone cream/ointment on bites that aren’t scratched open.
2. Use an emery board to soften your child’s nails to prevent excessive scratching when they’re asleep.
3. Cover up those intense bites with a bandage or clothing to deter your child from scratching.
Bug prevention and anti-itch remedies are just one part of putting together an effective first aid kit for the summer months. For more first aid essentials, check out this video, which highlights some of the most important elements to include in your summer kit:
Natural Insect Repellents
The best way to protect against tick bites, mosquito bites, and other insects is to avoid infested areas like wooded areas and places with standing water, whenever possible. If these areas can’t be avoided, wear protective clothing, including long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes and long-sleeved shirts, to limit exposed skin. Finally, applying insect repellent to all exposed areas, especially your child’s face, will ensure they are properly protected against insect bites.
Natural insect repellents are available for anyone looking for natural alternatives to standard insect repellent. However, be aware that although these options have been deemed safe, they are not approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for effectiveness.
Lemon eucalyptus oil
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or lemon eucalyptus oil, is one of the better-known natural insect repellants. Eucalyptus oil has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use as an active ingredient in mosquito repellent. Furthermore, in 2014, a study found that a mosquito bite repellent containing 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil effectively protected again 95 percent of mosquitoes for 3 hours.
With these important insect safety tips, you are now officially vacation ready! I hope you are making tons of summer memories with your loved ones and making every day count. Now tell me some of your summer vacation plans and what you’ll be including in your family’s first aid kit!
You can visit KnowYourOTCs for more valuable information about OTC medicine.
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