Insect Bites

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IDENTIFYING AN INSECT BITE OR STING:

Mosquito bites, chiggers (Harvest mites), fleas, and bedbugs usually cause itchy red bumps. Swelling of the bites does not mean your child is allergic to the insect bite. It is simply a local swelling reaction. Mosquito bites usually occur on areas of the body that are not protected by clothing. Fleas and bedbugs don't fly so they may crawl under and into clothing. Flea bites may turn into blister in young children.
Bites from Horseflies, deerflies, gnats, fire ants, harvester ants, blister beetles, and centipedes usually cause a painful, red bump. Within hours, the fire ant bites change to blisters or pimples.
Insect stings (yellow-jackets, wasps) usually cause a small bump that may itch and cause pain. This should usually subside in a few hours. Although allergic reactions are rare, bee stings are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction. Some stinging insects are scavengers and may transmit germs when they sting. Contact the office if pus, new swelling or tenderness appear at the site of the sing. Multiple stings (usually > 4) may cause a toxic reaction (this is not an allergy) characterized as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and swelling. Call our office if your child has multiple stings and begins to show any of these symptoms.

HOME CARE FOR INSECT BITES OR STINGS:

For itching - Apply calamine lotion or a baking soda paste to the area of the bite. If the itching is severe (as with chiggers) apply an over-the-counter 1% Hydrocortisone cream four (4) times a day. Another way to reduce the itching is to apply a firm, sharp, direct, steady pressure to the bite for ten (10) seconds. A fingernail, pen cap, or other object may be used. For severe itching, an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl is recommended (for children > 1 yr old). Encourage your child not to pick at the bites or they may leave a mark.
For painful insect bites or stings - Rub the area of the bite with a cotton ball soaked in a meat tenderizer solution for twenty (20) minutes. Avoid the area around the eyes. Baking soda or an ice cube is a fair substitute if there is no meat tenderizer. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also be given for pain relief. If the child has been stung and the stinger is visible, remove the stringer with a sharp edge of a credit card, needle, or blade. Do not try to pull it out with tweezers since this may cause more venom to be injected.

LOCAL REACTIONS TO BUG BITES AND STINGS:

CALL IF …

TRUE ALLERGIC REACTIONS:

Hives all over
Feels dizzy or light headed (drop in blood pressure)
Respiratory distress (swelling of tongue/mouth, face, shortness of breath, wheezing
For shortness of breath or swelling in the mouth, CALL 911