What is an insect bite or sting?
Insect bites and stings occur when an insect feeds off a person’s skin or tries to defend itself. Different insects bite and sting in different ways. Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, fire ants, bees, and wasps. Bees often leave stingers in the wound.
Insect bites usually cause mild swelling, redness, and itchiness limited to the small area around the bite or sting. Some children, however, can experience potentially life-threatening reactions. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. It requires immediate medical attention. They are most commonly caused by bees, wasps, and fire ants. Other insects can transmit disease. For, example, some mosquitoes can transmit malaria or West Nile Disease. Some ticks can transmit Lyme disease.
Signs and symptoms of an insect bite or sting
Signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings vary according to the type of insect and your child’s reaction. Normally, an insect bite or sting causes:
a small, red, raised bump, pimple, or blisters
itchiness and irritation around the bump.
The symptoms can last from a few hours up to 2 days.
Some children develop a big firm swollen area around the bite. This is not an allergic reaction. It is known as a large local reaction.
If your child is truly allergic, she may develop hives, facial or mouth swelling, breathing problems or collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. Use an Epi-pen if your child has one, and call for emergency assistance.
If you are in an area where the insects are known to transmit diseases or your child develops an unusual rash, fever or other symptoms following an insect bite, you should seek medical attention right away.
How to treat insect bites and stings
Cold, damp compresses or ice can relieve some of the swelling.
A paste made of baking soda and water may relieve some of the itchiness and swelling.
Over-the counter topical medications (medications you put on the skin) such as Afterbite or calamine lotion may also help to relieve the itch.
Some children may respond well to antihistamine medication for itching (such as Benadryl), but this medication can cause drowsiness.
Do not let your child scratch or pick at the bite. This can cause infection. Keep your child’s nails short.
Preventing insect bites and stings
Your child is more likely to be bitten or stung in warm and damp weather and in the evening and at night. Here are some ways you can reduce your child’s exposure to insects.
Use insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, especially for infants aged less than 6 months.
Apply insect repellent on exposed skin.
Wear long pants and socks.
Wear light-coloured clothing.
Avoid areas where there are many insects.
Treat clothing with pyrethoid - this acts as an insecticide.
Take specific precautions, such as taking anti-malarial medications, as needed.
Be careful with DEET insect repellent
Be careful when using DEET-based insect repellents. DEET repels mosquitoes very well, but a high concentration of DEET can be harmful to your child. Make sure that your child’s insect repellent is specially formulated for children and contains 10% or less DEET. Only apply DEET directly to your child's skin if they are aged 9 or over. For younger children, apply DEET to their clothing instead.
Key points
Insect bites often cause swelling and redness. Some children experience severe and potentially life-threatening reactions.
Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bees, and wasps.
Some children respond well to antihistamine medication; others may just need some ice.
Prevent insect bites and stings by covering the body with light-coloured clothing and applying insect repellent to exposed skin.
Be careful when applying DEET-based insect repellent, which can be harmful to your child.