As cooler evenings return to Phoenix, families are enjoying parks and patios, but the season also brings a rise in mosquito activity. Dr. Gary Kirkilas, a pediatric and adolescent medicine physician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, offers straightforward advice for parents to protect children from bites and handle reactions when they occur.
Prevent bites before they happen
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Dr. Kirkilas recommends dressing children in long sleeves, socks, and closed‑toed shoes during these times. Keeping doors and windows screened or closed helps keep insects out of the home, and eliminating standing water in yards removes breeding sites.
Choosing a safe repellent
When it comes to repellents, the doctor says products containing DEET remain the most studied and reliable option. “It’s been studied. It’s safe. We do caution against getting it on your fingers and putting it in your eyes,” he explains. For parents uneasy about DEET, he suggests oil of lemon eucalyptus as a natural alternative, noting it can be sprayed but has a strong scent and is acidic, so it should be applied carefully.
Layer sunscreen and repellent correctly
Many parents wonder about the order of sunscreen and repellent. Dr. Kirkilas advises applying sunscreen first, then layering the insect repellent on top. This ensures both products work effectively without diluting each other’s protection.
Understanding children’s reactions
Kids often react more intensely to mosquito bites than adults because their immune systems mount a stronger response. Most bites become most noticeable within 20 minutes to an hour and then gradually fade. A cold compress—such as a refrigerated moisturizer—can soothe itching. For more pronounced irritation, an over‑the‑counter low‑dose hydrocortisone cream is appropriate.
When to seek medical attention
If a bite seems to improve and then, three or four days later, becomes very red, swollen, or painful, it may signal a bacterial infection called cellulitis. Dr. Kirkilas stresses that this warrants a visit to a pediatrician for proper evaluation and treatment.
Key takeaways for families
- Dress children in protective clothing during peak mosquito hours.
- Eliminate standing water around the home.
- Use DEET‑based repellents safely; consider lemon eucalyptus if preferred.
- Apply sunscreen before repellent.
- Use cold compresses and hydrocortisone for itching.
- Watch for delayed redness or swelling that could indicate infection.
By following these practical steps, Phoenix families can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the nuisance and discomfort of mosquito bites.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
