How can I speed up the recovery after a bug bite?
Find out all you need to know about bug bites: prevention tips, how to speed up recovery if you've been bitten, and when to go see a doctor.
Insect bites and stings rise during this time of year, and can put a damper on our summertime fun. However, do not let this risk deter outside play. Luckily, most bites and stings will heal on their own. Below are a few steps that you can take to protect your children and ensure a speedy recovery so they can get back outside as soon as possible.
1. Try to determine what stung or bit you. If your child has a known severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a specific insect seek medical attention immediately. If needed, use an Epipen as instructed by your physician.
2. Move away from the insect that hurt you. Some insects alert other insects after stinging or biting you.
3. Do your best to stay calm.
4. Remove any stingers that are still present.
5. Prevent a skin infection and try not to scratch. It only makes it worse. Scratching can cause an infection. Remember to wash the area with soap and water. You can apply an antiseptic to the area as well. Do not open any blisters that may develop.
6. You can relieve pain with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Remember to use the correct weight based dose for children. Remember to avoid aspirin use in children.
7. Reduce swelling by elevating the limb as well as applying an icepack. Apply the icepack for at least 15-20 minutes each hour for the first few hours.
8. Alleviate itching by applying 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the area. Do not use the cream in children younger then 2-years-old unless directed by your doctor. You can also use an antihistamine, like Benadryl, however it is wise to first check with your doctor.
As stated before, most bites and stings are benign and self-limited. However, there are a few circumstances that warrant consulting your physician listed below:
If your child starts to have trouble breathing, wheezing, issues swallowing, or facial swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
If you child is bit by a brown recluse or black widow spider seek medical attention.
If a tick bites, you child consult with your physician. Here is blog from Healthy Kids on proper removal. If possible, save the tick in a jar to bring to your doctor. Philadelphia and the surrounding areas have a high prevalence of Lyme disease. Your child may require treatment. Furthermore, if you notice a bull's eye rash, this too can indicate Lyme disease and your physician should be consulted.
Seek out your physician if new symptoms develop, symptoms become worse, if a rash develops on the palms and/or soles, or if flu-like symptoms develop.
If the bite remains inflamed, painful, increases in size, or starts draining this could indicate a secondary skin infection and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Following the above recommendations will increase the odds that insect bites and stings won't halt your child's summer vacation.
To better these odds, don't forget to protect your children with a bug spray. For protection from both ticks and mosquitoes, use a spray with at least 20 percent DEET. For protection from mosquitoes alone, you can use man-made products like DEET or Picaridin, or use a natural product such as oil of lemon eucalyptus. Just remember to avoid DEET and Picaridin products in children less than two months of age and oil of lemon eucalyptus in children younger than 3-years-old. Avoid spraying hands, eyes, and open wounds. Once playtime is over, make sure to bath the child and wash the repellent coated cloths. However, when in doubt, consult your doctor.
More information on bug bites can also be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Have a question for the Healthy Kids panel? Ask it here. Read more from the Healthy Kids blog »