Insect Bites and Eczema: What Parents Should Know

Insect Bites and Eczema: What Parents Should Know

Brought to you by Fend Insect Repellent in partnership with the Eczema Association of Australasia.

Insect bites and eczema can be a frustrating combination for children with sensitive skin. A simple bite may trigger intense itching, scratching and further irritation, which can make existing eczema harder to manage.

For children living with eczema or sensitive skin, the itch-scratch cycle that follows an insect bite can further irritate already-sensitive skin and disrupt the skin barrier. Understanding how to reduce exposure to biting insects and respond quickly when bites happen can make a real difference to your child’s comfort and skin health.

Why insect bites and eczema can be a difficult combination

When an insect bites, the body’s immune response can cause itching, redness and swelling around the bite.

For a child with eczema, the urge to scratch can be particularly difficult to manage. Repeated scratching can damage the skin barrier, increase inflammation and, if the skin becomes broken, increase the risk of infection.

Mosquitoes, sandflies, midges and other biting insects can all cause itchy reactions. Preventing bites where possible can therefore be particularly helpful for children who already experience itchy, sensitive or reactive skin.

Preventing insect bites when your child has eczema

Physical protection is a good place to start.

Lightweight, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants can reduce the amount of exposed skin, particularly at times when biting insects are most active. Insect screens and mosquito netting around prams and sleeping areas can also provide another layer of protection without requiring a product to be applied directly to the skin.

When using an insect repellent, choose an age-appropriate product and always follow the directions on its label.

If your child has eczema, take additional care around areas where the skin is actively inflamed, broken, weeping or irritated. Avoid applying insect repellent directly to these areas unless advised otherwise by your child’s healthcare professional and permitted by the product directions.

Parents may also wish to speak with their GP, dermatologist or pharmacist about choosing an appropriate insect repellent, particularly for babies, young children or children with very sensitive skin.

What is IR3535?

IR3535, also known as ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate, is an active ingredient used in some insect repellents, including Fend Insect Repellent.

It works as a repellent, helping to prevent biting insects from locating and landing on the skin.

Different insect repellents contain different active ingredients and concentrations. Rather than assuming one type will be right for every child with eczema, check the individual product label carefully and follow its age restrictions, application instructions and safety precautions.

In Australia, personal insect repellents are regulated by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Look for the APVMA registration number on the product and always use the repellent as directed on its label.

What to do if your child is bitten

Even with careful prevention, insect bites can still happen.

If your child is bitten, try to discourage scratching as much as possible. Applying a clean, cool damp cloth or cool compress to the area may help settle the skin and provide some relief from itching.

Keeping fingernails short can also help reduce the amount of damage caused by scratching, particularly for younger children who may scratch without realising it.

Continue your child’s usual eczema skincare routine where appropriate. If you are unsure about applying moisturisers, prescribed topical eczema treatments or other products around an insect bite, speak with your GP, dermatologist or pharmacist.

Keep an eye on the affected area over the following days. Increasing redness, warmth, pain, swelling, discharge or pus can be signs that the skin has become infected and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Seek urgent medical assistance if your child experiences symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, or collapse.

Helping children with eczema enjoy the outdoors

Having eczema doesn’t mean children need to miss out on outdoor adventures.

When it comes to insect bites and eczema, protective clothing, reducing exposure to biting insects and using an appropriate insect repellent according to its label can all form part of a family’s approach to preventing bites.

For children with eczema, the key is to protect the skin without adding unnecessary irritation and to respond early when itching and scratching begin.

With a little preparation, children with eczema-prone or sensitive skin can continue to enjoy plenty of time outdoors.

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About the contributor

Joern Packross
Managing Director, Balmoral Health
Distributors of Fend Insect Repellent

Originally contributed by Joern Packross, Managing Director of Balmoral Health, distributors of Fend Insect Repellent. Adapted by the Eczema Association of Australasia for educational purposes.

Important information

This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. Always follow insect repellent label directions and speak with your GP, dermatologist or pharmacist if you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your child or their skin.