Although once considered just a nuisance, insect bites can lead to serious medical problems. Not only can certain insects spread diseases like West Nile Virus, the bites themselves can become infected with bacteria, like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Since bites are itchy, even without any worries about health problems, it is a good idea to try to protect your kids from insect bites by learning how to apply an insect repellent properly.
It takes only a few minutes to apply insect repellent all over your child’s body, but before you do, read the label on the repellent and follow the directions and precautionary statements carefully.
In an open area, which will help avoid breathing in the insect repellent spray or mist, hold the insect repellent about 6 to 8 inches from your child. Apply the insect repellent on your child’s exposed skin and his clothing, avoiding skin under clothing, and your child’s mouth, eyes, hands, open cuts, or irritated skin.
To apply an insect repellent to your child’s face, first spray a small amount of the insect repellent onto your own hands and then carefully apply it to your child’s face and neck, being sure to avoid his mouth and eyes. Do not spray the insect repellent directly on your child’s face.
If you need to apply both an insect repellent and a sunscreen on your child, apply the sunscreen first. Only reapply an insect repellent if your child is getting bitten by insects again. If using a natural insect repellent and your child is getting bitten a lot, consider switching to an insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
