We just returned from a family holiday in Italy. Everything was picture-perfect—except for one thing: the mosquitoes.
They were everywhere. And unfortunately, my son, who has sensitive skin, reacted badly to the bites. Within hours, his little legs were covered in itchy, red spots that looked just like an eczema flare-up. He couldn’t stop scratching, and I could see how uncomfortable he felt.
If you’ve ever dealt with mosquito bites turning into more than just itchy bumps—especially with kids prone to sensitive skin—you know how fast things can spiral. Here’s what we learned (and what helped us) in case it helps your family too:
🧒 What Helped Our Son (and Could Help Your Child Too)
1. Cool compresses & ice packs
This was our first move—pressing a clean, damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack on the area gave quick, soothing relief.
2. Calamine lotion
It helped calm the itching and dry out the worst bites without irritating his skin.
3. Zinc-rich fabrics & soothing creams
At night, we used Soothla’s soft lyocell clothing with embedded zinc oxide to help calm his skin naturally while he slept. We also applied a gentle, fragrance-free zinc-based balm.
4. Antiseptic or antibiotic cream
Scratching broke the skin on a few bites, so we applied a topical antiseptic to prevent infection.
5. Oral antihistamine (child-safe)
When the itching got unbearable, a mild antihistamine helped break the itch-scratch cycle.
6. Cortisone cream as a last resort
We did not use it this time, but have used it before. Only use a very small amount of hydrocortisone cream on the worst spots—just for a day or two. It’s helpful, but use it only as a backup, not a first step.
7. Keep nails short & cover the bites
We trimmed his nails and lightly covered a few bites with gauze to protect the skin and reduce scratching during sleep.
💆♀️ For Grown-Ups Too
Let’s be honest—I was scratching just as much. Here’s what helped me:
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Aloe vera and calendula cream for natural itch relief
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Fragrance-free moisturisers to protect the skin barrier
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Pain relievers like ibuprofen if bites got swollen or painful
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And of course, the same steps above for ice, antiseptic, and antihistamines
🛡️ Prevention Tips
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Cover skin in the evenings, especially around ankles and arms
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Use a gentle mosquito repellent that’s safe for sensitive skin
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Keep bites clean and moisturised early before the itching takes off
Final Thoughts
Sensitive skin and mosquito bites are not a fun combo—but they’re manageable. A little prep and a calm, gentle routine can really help prevent a simple bite from turning into days of discomfort.
Summer memories are worth protecting—and so is your skin.
If your child has skin that reacts easily to bites, fabrics, or irritation, you’re not alone. At Soothla, we design our products specifically for little ones with sensitive skin in mind—because we’ve been there too. 💚
