Q: Swelling on my 2-year-old's neck after daycare - is it an allergy or an old mosquito bite?

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Question: My two-year-old came home from daycare today with a swollen spot on the back of his neck. The daycare staff mentioned they thought it might be an allergic reaction to something he ate for breakfast, but he has no known allergies. The swelling hasn't gone down for several hours.

Interestingly, he had a mosquito bite in the exact same spot from a trip we took two weeks ago, but it had almost completely faded. He doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort. I've already sent a message to our pediatrician, but I'm wondering what could be causing this.

Answer: Allergic reactions can present in a wide variety of ways, and sometimes a minor reaction can cause swelling in just one specific area. If your child isn't experiencing severe itching or having any difficulty breathing, it's typically not a cause for major concern. However, if it is an allergy, it's important to try and identify the trigger. It would be a good idea to get a list of all the ingredients in the breakfast he ate at daycare. Keep this list, and if a similar reaction occurs in the future, you can compare notes to pinpoint a potential cause.

That said, there are a few other likely possibilities, especially given the location of a previous mosquito bite:

* Re-irritation of the Mosquito Bite: A healing bug bite, especially on a child's sensitive skin, can easily become re-irritated and swell up again from minor friction, like rubbing against clothing or being scratched. * Contact Dermatitis: The reaction could be due to something that came into contact with his skin. Children can sometimes have a sensitive reaction to new soaps, lotions, or even wipes used at daycare. A new laundry detergent used on his clothes or daycare bedding could also be a culprit. * Mild Inflammation: It's possible the original bite hadn't fully healed and became mildly inflamed, perhaps from scratching, which can introduce minor bacteria to the site.

Since your child doesn't seem bothered by it, it is likely not a serious issue. However, you should keep a close eye on the area and watch for any of the following signs:

1. The swelling begins to spread or looks worse. 2. Your child develops a fever or seems to be in pain or significant discomfort. 3. The area begins to ooze, weep fluid, or show signs of pus.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly. It's great that you've already contacted your doctor. Be sure to share photos with them, as this will help them make the most accurate diagnosis.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us