Insect bites and stings often cause a lot of pain. Of all the age groups, children are most prone to being bitten by insects. In fact, some insects that infest pets and furnitures and can bite children repeatedly. In most children, bug bites do not cause any serious problem other than the eruption of small itchy bumps on the skin. But in a small number of children who are allergic, being bitten by some insects can give rise to life-threatening allergic reactions.

The intensity of insect bite reactions is of a higher degree in small children compared with older children and adults. Since young children suffer the effects of an insect bite more than adults, it is necessary for parents to know how to deal with an insect bite. Parents should know the signs of an infection or an allergic reaction from an insect bite, and when a situation warrants medical attention. If your child has been bitten by an insect and it can be treated at home, you can try the following: scrape out any sting left in the wound, wash the affected area, apply ice packs to reduce the burning and irritation, and prevent your child from scratching the area. You should take your child to a doctor if reactions occur in other parts of the body, there is a lot of pain, or the swelling or itching gets worse. You should seek help immediately if your child has swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. According to the article ‘Bug bites and stings’ in kidshealth.org, ‘When you or your kids are in wooded areas, tuck clothes in and keep as covered up as possible. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants. Wear shoes and socks when walking on grass, even it's just for a minute.’

To learn more about this topic, flip through the pages of this ClipBook.