What's Going Around?

Insect Bites

As the weather continues to improve and we spend more time outdoors, insect bites will become more prevalent.

What You Should Know About Insect Bites:

  • Most insect bites cause a red bump. Some are larger (like a hive). Some have a small water blister in the center. These are normal reactions to an insect bite.
  • A large hive at the bite does not mean your child has an allergy.
  • Redness does not mean the bite is infected.

What to Expect:

  • Most insect bites are itchy for several days.
  • Any pinkness or redness usually lasts 3 days.
  • The swelling may last 7 days.
  • Insect bites of the upper face can cause swelling around the eye or ear.

Care Advice:

  • Itch Medication
    • Steroid Cream.  To reduce the itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream. Put on 3 times a day until the itch is gone.
    • You can put firm, sharp, direct, steady pressure on the bite. Do this for 10 seconds to reduce the itch.  A fingernail or pen cap can be used. Do not scratch the bite. This can open the bite and cause infection.
    • If itching becomes severe, use  Benadryl.
  • Antibiotic Ointment
    • If the insect bite has a scab on it and looks infected, wash the sore and use an antibiotic ointment 3 times per day until healed.
    • Cover the scab with a bandage to help prevent scratching.

Prevention Tips:

  • Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.
  • Limit outdoor play when insects are most active. Many insects that cause itchy bites are most active at sunrise or sunset.
  • DEET vs. Permethrin
    • DEET is applied to skin. Permethrin is applied to clothing.
    • DEET is a very effective bug repellent. It also repels ticks and other insects.
    • 10% DEET products for newborns to 2 years old. Protects for 2 hours.
    • 30% DEET products for 2 years+. Protects for 6 hours.
    • Do not apply DEET near the eyes or mouth. Put on the exposed areas of skin. Do not use on areas with sunburns or rashes. Do not put DEET products on  hands if your child sucks on their thumb or fingers.
    • A little goes a long way- a total of 3 or 4 drops can protect the whole body.
    • Permethrin can be applied to shirt cuffs, pant cuffs, shoes, and hats.
    • Permethrin does not work on contact with the skin, only apply to clothing.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Bite looks infected (spreading redness gets bigger after 48 hours)
  • Bite is painful to the touch
  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Your child becomes worse