May is approaching, the time when various bloodsucking insects become active, leaving their traces on our skin. Surely many moms will confirm that the most unpleasant consequences of the bite is experienced by children's skin when a gnat comes into play. Although the gnat bite itself is usually painless, it's only the beginning....

One of the gnat's tricks is its ability to attack more than just exposed areas of the body. It can penetrate under clothing and, unlike mosquitoes, sting even in the eye area. This can cause swelling, redness, burning, itching, and sometimes an increase in body temperature in children under 6 years of age.

All this happens because of the hemolytic venom and substances contained in the saliva of the gnat, which it injects during the bite to thin the blood and bite the skin. That is why the bite of a gnat is often accompanied by a little bleeding.

Rules of action when bitten by a gnat

First of all, it is necessary to stop bleeding, if it continues, and prevent the development of edema. Treating the wound with alcohol or cologne will help stop the blood and disinfect it.

You should also reduce itching after the bite. Itching can cause the wound to scratch and become infected, delaying the healing process. You can use antihistamines, either in pill form or topical form (loratadine, phenistil, cetrin, and others) to relieve itching and swelling.

You can also try to relieve itching and reduce inflammation with a solution of baking soda. To do this, dilute 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water, soak a cotton disk in this solution and apply it to the bite site.

Ice can also help reduce itching and inflammation. Wrap a piece of ice in a plastic bag and then in a towel and apply it to the bite site.

Folk remedies for gnat bites

There are many folk remedies that help relieve swelling and itching after a gnat bite. For example, mint leaf gruel can help relieve inflammation and itching. A few mint leaves should be rubbed between the hands until the juice appears and applied to the bite site.

Other plants have the same properties: cherry, parsley, plantain, cabbage.

If a gnat bites in the eye, grated young potatoes can help relieve discomfort. Grate the potato on a fine grater, put it on gauze and apply it to the eye.

Preventing gnat bites

To avoid gnat bites, you can use special aerosols and creams. However, before use, be sure to read the instructions to make sure they are suitable for children and what age. If the baby is too young, you can use folk remedies such as clove and vanilla oils.

Making a vanilla solution to treat your child's clothes can also help prevent gnat bites. To do this, dissolve a bag of vanilla in a glass of water and treat clothing and other items with this solution.

With these tips, gnat bites will no longer be such an unpleasant surprise for you and your child.