How to combat mites in children? - briefly
Maintain a clean environment by washing bedding, clothing, and toys in hot water weekly, vacuuming carpets with a HEPA filter, and keeping indoor humidity below 50 %; apply pediatric‑safe acaricide treatments or topical creams as directed by a healthcare professional.
How to combat mites in children? - in detail
Mite infestations in young patients require a systematic approach that combines environmental control, personal hygiene, and medical intervention.
First, confirm the presence of mites. Typical signs include intense itching, especially at night, red papules on the face, neck, and limbs, and occasional visible burrows or small specks on the skin. A physician can perform skin scrapings or microscopy to identify the species.
Environmental measures:
- Wash all bedding, pillowcases, and washable clothing in hot water (≥60 °C) weekly; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen‑proof covers; replace covers after 12 months of continuous use.
- Reduce indoor humidity to below 50 % using dehumidifiers or air conditioning; mites thrive in moist conditions.
- Remove clutter, especially fabric toys, stuffed animals, and rugs that can harbor insects; if retention is necessary, store them in sealed plastic bags.
Personal hygiene practices:
- Bathe children daily with mild, fragrance‑free soap; gently scrub affected areas to remove surface mites.
- Trim fingernails short to limit secondary skin damage from scratching.
- Apply a clean, cotton clothing layer after bathing; avoid synthetic fabrics that retain moisture.
Topical pharmacotherapy:
- Permethrin 5 % cream applied to the entire body from neck down, left on for 8–14 hours, then washed off; repeat after 7 days to eradicate newly hatched mites.
- Ivermectin 1 % lotion or oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) for severe or refractory cases; dosage determined by a pediatrician.
- Antihistamine creams or oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) to relieve pruritus; dosage based on age and weight.
Systemic options:
- Oral antihistamines for persistent itching.
- Corticosteroid creams for localized inflammatory reactions; limit duration to avoid skin thinning.
Adjunctive natural measures (evidence limited, use as supplementary):
- Diluted tea tree oil (0.5 %) applied to lesions twice daily; monitor for irritation.
- Colloidal oatmeal baths to soothe irritated skin.
When to seek professional care:
- Symptoms persist beyond two weeks despite home measures.
- Signs of secondary bacterial infection (pus, crusting, fever).
- Child experiences severe allergic reactions or widespread rash.
A coordinated plan that integrates cleaning routines, protective bedding, appropriate topical agents, and medical supervision effectively eliminates mite infestations and prevents recurrence in pediatric patients.