Which medication should be used to treat flea bites on a child? - briefly
Apply a low‑potency topical corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone 1 % to reduce inflammation and use an oral antihistamine like cetirizine for itching relief. Seek pediatric medical evaluation promptly if the reaction worsens.
Which medication should be used to treat flea bites on a child? - in detail
Treating flea bites on a child requires selection of agents that reduce itching, inflammation, and risk of secondary infection while respecting age‑specific safety limits.
Topical options
- Low‑strength hydrocortisone cream (0.5 % or 1 %) applied sparingly to affected areas; suitable for children older than two years.
- Calamine lotion or zinc‑oxide paste to soothe skin and absorb exudate; safe for infants and toddlers.
- Non‑prescription antihistamine gels containing diphenhydramine; limited to children older than twelve months and used only for short periods.
Oral medications
- Antihistamine tablets or syrup (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) dosed according to weight; effective for widespread itching and systemic reactions.
- Acetaminophen for pain relief; dosage based on kilogram body weight, not exceeding recommended maximums.
- Ibuprofen may be used in children over six months when inflammation is pronounced; adhere to pediatric dosing guidelines.
Supportive measures
- Cool compresses applied for 10–15 minutes several times daily to reduce swelling.
- Gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water to prevent bacterial colonisation.
- Trimmed fingernails to minimise self‑inflicted skin damage.
When medical evaluation is warranted
- Persistent redness, pus, or enlarging lesions.
- Signs of allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- Fever exceeding 38 °C or irritability disproportionate to bite appearance.
Safety considerations
- Avoid topical steroids stronger than 1 % without physician guidance, especially in infants.
- Do not combine multiple antihistamine products to prevent overdose.
- Store all medications out of reach of children to reduce accidental ingestion.