Make bug repellent easily available to your kids, especially for outdoor trips. Even though bug repellent might not always work perfectly, it can help avoid insidious bug attacks that tempt kids to scratch. Providing bug repellent also shows children that prevention is an important part of learning not to scratch bug bites.
Examine methods kids can use to make the bug bites itch less. For instance, have your kids make dents in the bug bites with their fingernails. This method lessens the need to scratch by getting rid of the itchiness.
Show the kids that slapping the bites can lessen irritation. Slaps should be hard enough to stop itchiness. On the other hand, some kids can get out of hand with this method so demonstrate that slaps should not be painful.
Help the children apply Calamine lotion on their bites to ease itching. Baking soda paste and 1% hydrocortisone creme also work well. Alternatively, have them each hold an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth on their bites for 20 minutes.
Instruct the children to apply steady pressure to the bug bite. Use fingernails to apply pressure without scratching. Alternatively, use a pen cap or another firm object.