Safe for a 1 year old? My younger dd has a bad reaction to mosquito bites. The bites swell significantly - it looked like she had 3 big gooseeggs on her head the other night. The ones on her arms and face didn't swell as badly, but were very red and raised. They seem to last a long time. I don't believe that she experiences itching, because she doesn't really scratch them. I was using Nelsons Sting stuff - it seemed to work some - the bites got crusty (weird). I tried to get some info at the HFS, but the woman with info was on her lunch break and couldn't be disturbed. I know there are two homeopathics used for insect bites (ledum and apis?) How do I use them - are they safe for little ones?
We have used hyland's teething tablets with great success with both girls, so I believe that homeopathy works, I'm just not very informed and a bit nervous about the whole thing.
Thanks for any assistance!

Simone has the same problem. Her bites hang around for weeks and they get a crusty/pimple looking head on them, even the ones she can't reach to scratch.

We use sting stop which sort of helps. Also, giving them papaya enzymes is suppose to help, although I haven't tried it yet.

The only homeopathic remedy I have tried for mosquito bites is Weleda Burn Care. Its works OK. Fresh plantain leaf is good, and so is meat tenderizer, which has enzymes that break down the stuff in the bite that causes the itch.

I use Rescue Remedy cream and it relieves the itching and reduces the swelling -- so much that if I don't scratch the bite after I apply the cream, the welt is gone by the next day.

My oldest reacts like you described. I use straight Peppermint EO on the bite to relieve itching, and ice can help with the swelling.

HTH's. :D

The two homeopathic remedies I know of are: Apis Mel and Ledum Pal. We've had good luck with both. Also, we use straight GSE on the bite, and that takes the itch out of it and the inflammation.

Here's some info about the remedies:

Ledum palustre: Swelling that extends some distance from the bite, often with a bluish tinge, a feeling of cold and numbness, and aching pain, suggests the use of this remedy. If the swollen part seems cold, but the application of ice or cold water brings relief, Ledum is strongly indicated.

Apis mellifica: If a bite or sting causes puffy, tender swelling that is pink or red and hot to the touch, this remedy may be helpful. The area stings and burns, and cold applications bring relief. (If a person is allergic to insect venom, especially bee-stings, Apis may help to reduce the swelling of the passages, given as first aid while on the way to emergency medical care.)

Thanks for the input ladies! I'll have to stock my closet!

Hey Mama,
Do you have plantain growing in your yard anywhere?
If so, chew a leaf enough to break it down a bit and put onto any bite, burn, even cuts, etc...
Plantain releives most bites instantly (well within a brief time)

We wildharvest as much planain as we can and make oil with it to use year round. It is that good!

We use Apis.

My Grandma taught me to use onion. I had really bad swelling as a kid, my hand swelled so badly from one bite I couldn't write for 3 days. The swelling isn't common anymore but I will still itch and have problems. Grandma said to slice an onion and rub it on the bite, it really works. When I do this I don't itch and can't tell I've even been bit.
hth