Insect Bites

    Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment of Insect Bites

    Updated at November 10th, 2023

    Disclaimer [ENGLISH]

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    DisclaimerThis material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

     

    Why is my child reacting to an insect bite?

    • A bite exposes the skin to the secretions of the insect.
    • Your child’s body reacts to the bite, usually causing the area to be red and swollen.  

    What are the symptoms of an insect bite?

    • Redness and swelling where your child was bit. Sometimes a blister develops.
    • Your child might feel burning, itchiness or pain at the site of the bite.
    • The discomfort might make your child more irritable.
    • Over the first 48 hours the swelling may spread.
    • Your child might have a fever.

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    How can I prevent insect bites?

    • When possible, avoid areas with lots of insects.
    • Cover your child’s skin as much as possible.
      • This includes long sleeves, long pants, and even hats.
      • This makes it harder for the insects to reach the skin.
    • For areas of skin you are not able to keep covered, use insect repellant.
      • Be sure to read the directions and check the age range for the repellant.
      • Look for one of the following ingredients in a repellant for your child:
      • DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
      • No need to spray under the clothes.
      • No need to saturate the skin or clothing - just spray enough to cover it.
      • Keep your child’s eyes covered while spraying.
      • Make sure your child does not have a reaction to the insect spray by doing a “patch test” first:
        • Spray a small area of your child’s leg and monitor for a reaction, repeat the next day, if no reaction, your child should be able tolerate the repellant.
    • If your child reacts strongly to insect bites, your child’s provider might recommend taking a non-sedating histamine in certain circumstances.

    What is the treatment for an insect bite?

    • Gently clean the area with soap and water.
    • Avoid scratching/itching/touching the area.  
    • Applying cool compresses or ice packs can help with itch/pain/irritation.
    • Calamine lotion can help with itchiness.
    • If your child is excessively itchy, your child’s provider might recommend a non-sedating antihistamine.
    • Medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can be given for pain based on your child’s age.  
    • Cover the bite if your child is not able to leave the area alone. 

    When to call your child’s provider:

    • Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
    • The bite looks like it has stripes around it.  
    • Your child is having any shortness of breath.
    • Your child is not able to stay hydrated.
    • The swelling or redness is spreading more than 48 hours (about 2 days) after the bite.  
    • There is pus draining from the skin.
    • Your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher.
    • Your child is refusing to use the body part where the bite is located.
    • You think your child should be seen.

    This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

    Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 10/2023