Concerns About Baby Ingesting Mosquito Patches and Alcohol Use

A 7-month-old baby accidentally ingested a mosquito repellent patch and there are concerns regarding the use of alcohol?

Hello Doctor, my baby is 7 and a half months old.
On the evening of November 24th, my baby accidentally chewed on an opened mosquito repellent patch that had been used for 2 months (the patch was not ingested, and it appeared intact when I checked it).
Although the product claims to be natural, my baby has not shown any actual symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drowsiness (there were some signs that he might vomit, but it seemed more like just burping without any actual vomiting).
I would like to ask if it is necessary to seek further medical attention.
Product ingredients: https://ibb.co/Ytkt1QF.
Additionally, I sometimes use medicinal alcohol, but today I had just sprayed it and did not clean it properly when my baby brought his mouth close to it.
I am concerned about the risk of accidental ingestion.
What specific symptoms should I monitor moving forward? Thank you, Doctor.

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/26

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

The main components are essential oils and other volatile substances.
If a child accidentally ingests more than approximately two cc of essential oil, it may cause harm.
If there is esophageal irritation, symptoms such as vomiting should appear immediately.
If the situation worsens and leads to esophagitis, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, drooling, and excessive crying or agitation.
Additionally, if volatile chemicals irritate the trachea, symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or even aspiration pneumonia may occur.
However, if the amount ingested is minimal, severe symptoms are unlikely.
Medicinal alcohol is also a volatile chemical, and the precautions should be similar.

Reply Date: 2021/11/26

More Info

It’s understandable to be concerned about your baby’s health, especially after an incident involving potential ingestion of mosquito patches and exposure to alcohol. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some guidance.

1. Ingestion of Mosquito Patches
From what you’ve described, your baby chewed on a mosquito patch but did not swallow it. The fact that the patch appears intact is a good sign, as it suggests that your baby did not ingest any significant amount of the active ingredients. Most mosquito patches contain natural repellents like citronella or eucalyptus oil, which are generally considered safe in small amounts. However, even natural substances can cause reactions in sensitive individuals, especially infants.

Since your baby has not exhibited any severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drowsiness, it is likely that there is no immediate cause for alarm. However, it is essential to monitor your baby for any signs of an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal distress over the next 24-48 hours. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Rash or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
If any of these symptoms occur, or if you have any lingering concerns, it would be prudent to consult your pediatrician or seek medical attention. They may recommend a visit to ensure your baby is safe and healthy.

2. Exposure to Alcohol
Regarding your concern about your baby coming into contact with alcohol, it’s important to note that alcohol can be harmful to infants, even in small amounts. If your baby merely approached you while you were using alcohol and did not ingest any, the risk is significantly lower. However, if there was any chance that your baby could have ingested alcohol, it’s crucial to monitor for symptoms of alcohol poisoning, which can include:
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Seizures
If you suspect that your baby may have ingested alcohol, even in small amounts, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact your pediatrician or go to the emergency room for evaluation.

General Recommendations
- Preventive Measures: To avoid similar situations in the future, keep all medications, topical treatments, and potentially harmful substances out of reach of your baby. Always read labels carefully and store products securely.

- Consulting a Pediatrician: If you have any doubts or if your baby shows any unusual behavior or symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They can provide tailored advice based on your baby’s health history and the specifics of the situation.

- Education: Educate yourself about the products you use around your baby. Understanding the ingredients and potential risks can help you make informed decisions.

In conclusion, while the immediate signs are reassuring, it’s always best to keep a close eye on your baby and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Your vigilance is key to ensuring your baby’s safety and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Baby's Feeding Issues After Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hello Dr. Chang, my daughter was born on July 9, 2005. She received her first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine at the hospital on July 11. When she was one month old, she returned to the hospital on August 10 at 3 PM for her second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. After receiving ...

Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from Pediatrics, 1. First of all, I would like to express my respect for the diligent mother; I believe you are truly a dedicated mom. 2. Generally speaking, the hepatitis B vaccine is a very safe vaccine and has minimal side effects. 3. I also do not ...

Impact of Insecticide Exposure on Two-Month-Old Infants: Concerns and Risks

Hello doctor, my neighbor has been using a large amount of water-based insecticide indoors, and the thick smoke is visibly seeping through the door cracks into the hallway. The smell is very pungent. When I took my baby outside, we were in that environment for about 30 seconds. C...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Of course, long-term and excessive exposure of a two-month-old infant to water-based insecticides is not advisable. However, the definition of long-term and excessive exposure can be somewhat ambiguous. I believe that a brief, minimal inhalation for about 30 seconds should not ca...

Concerns About Accidental Alcohol Exposure During Pregnancy

Yesterday, I just finished packing a lunch box outside. The lunch box was secured with a rubber band but was not placed in a plastic bag. I then picked up a 75% hand sanitizer and sprayed it generously on my helmet and bag, making the bag a bit damp. The smell of alcohol in the a...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the concentration and amount absorbed by the fetus are not significant, and the likelihood of any impact is low. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chang

Understanding Skin Darkening in Children: Causes and Prevention Tips

My daughter is currently 1 year and 6 months old, and she often gets bitten by mosquitoes. Regardless of whether she scratches the bites, there are always dark spots left at the site of the bites. When I purchased formula at the pharmacy, the pharmacist mentioned that it might be...

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics
Thank you very much to cpus.family for raising this question. Based on your description, the dark spots left on your daughter's skin may be due to hyperpigmentation, which will gradually fade over time. This could be a result of a typical localized reaction or a side effect ...