Insect Bites & Stings in Children

​​Most children have only mild reactions to an insect bite or sting. But those who are allergic to certain insect venoms can have severe symptoms that require emergency treatment. Here's information to help you identify different types of bites and stings.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are generally found near water (pools, lakes, birdbaths). They are also attracted by bright colors and sweat. Bites result in stinging sensation followed by a small, red, itchy mound with a tiny puncture mark at the center.

Flies

Usually found near or around wet areas with standing water or mud, food, garbage, and animal waste. Painful, itchy bumps they can cause may turn into small blisters. These often disappear in a day but may last longer.

Fleas

Flea bites are usually identified by the presence of multiple small bumps clustered together on exposed areas, especially on arms, legs and the face. Fleas are commonly found in cracks in the floor, rugs and on pet fur. They are most likely to be a problem in homes with pets.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are usually found in cracks in walls or floors, crevices of furniture and bedding. Bedbug bites are characterized by itchy red bumps that are occasionally topped by a blister, usually appearing 2–3 in a row (same as fleas but may affect covered areas). Bedbugs are most likely to bite at night and are less active in cold weather.

Fire ants

Fire ant bites lead to painful, itch bumps that may turn into small blisters. Fire ants usually attack intruders and are commonly found in pastures, meadows, lawns and parks in southern states.

Bees and wasps

These winged insects are usually found near flowers, shrubs, picnic areas and beaches. Immediate pain and rapid swelling occur following a sting. A few children have severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing and hives/swelling all over their body.

Ticks

Ticks are found in wooded areas, tall grasses and in underbrush. They may be noticeable, hidden on hair or on skin. When attempting to remove a tick do not use matches, lit cigarettes or nail polish remover. Grasp the tick firmly near the head, with tweezers, and gently pull the tick straight out.

Treatment for insect bites and stings

Although insect bites can be irritating, they usually begin to disappear by the next day and do not require a doctor's treatment. To relieve the itchiness that accompanies bites by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and bedbugs, apply a cool compress and calamine lotion or a low-potency topical steroid on the affected areas. Use oral antihistamines to control itch.

If your child is stung by a wasp or bee, this can be more serious. If redness, pain, and itching is present at the site of the sting, this is a local reaction. Soak a cloth in cold water and press it over the area of the sting to reduce pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) may also be helpful. Call your pediatrician if symptoms persist or become difficult to control. Your child may be prescribed an oral steroid if the swelling is significant. If the reaction occurs in another area of the body (or all over the body), this is a systemic reaction and needs immediate medical attention.

If there is throat swelling or trouble breathing, administer self-injectable epinephrine and call 911. If your child disturbs a beehive or wasps' nest, get them away from it as quickly as possible. Any disturbance makes other bees and wasps more likely to sting as well. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean to minimize the risk of infection from scratching.

If infection does occur, the bite will become redder, larger, and more swollen. In some cases, you may notice red streaks or yellowish fluid near the bite or your child may get a fever. Have your pediatrician examine any infected bite right away because it may need to be treated with antibiotics.