Turn an old sock into a "scratch-guard" to cover bug bites while they heal
Leanne has a great tip for helping kids deal with the inevitable summer bug bites:
Toddlers and preschoolers have little self-control when it comes to not scratching mosquito bites. When my 2 year-old got a bad sting recently and almost infected it with his scratching, I hacked up a little device that worked like a charm:
After putting some Benedryl cream on his bite to reduce the itching and swelling, I cut the foot out of an old sock and put the sock over his ankle like a leg warmer. This simple barrier kept him from scratching and kept the sore out of sight and out of mind. I bet this would work well for arms and upper legs or calves, too.
We've found good uses for cut up socks before -- as stinky car seat strap covers, as wrist guards during snowy weather and as snot catchers. This would also be a great use for a pair of BabyLegs.
As for bug bites, another Parenthacker had good luck with insect-repelling bracelets.
Related:
Ben-Gay stops mosquito bites from itching
Homemade, natural insect repellent
(or any Amazon link at Parent Hacks), you throw some change into our tip jar without any extra steps or cost to you. Thank you!
My son has eczema and often has areas that he has scratched raw on his elbows. I made him some covers like that for his raw spots, and he now LOVES to have his arm cozies on. I am sure people think it's a bizarre fashion trend, but we enjoy looking for cute socks to make new cozies out of!
Posted by: Beckie Tetrault | 16 July 2009 at 03:50 PM
Why can't they just scratch em like I do? They always seem to heal up just fine.
Posted by: Willy | 17 July 2009 at 06:28 AM
That's an awesome idea! I've been using bandaids which work as well, but the sock scratch guards are definitely more affordable since you can reuse them. Thanks for that tip!
Posted by: Jeanne | 17 July 2009 at 07:35 AM