Spring and summer bring new life in the great outdoors. They also bring our children out of doors where they can encounter some of Mother Nature’s less friendly critters. All children get insect bites at some point. Last summer, my daughter stepped on a bee at the swimming pool. She cried and screamed so loud that everyone thought she had broken a bone or worse. I went to the campground store to see if there was anything that I could get for her, and I was surprised to see that there are several choices of medication available for insect bites in children, and they actually work great. My daughter calmed down in a few minutes after I applied it, and we only used it one other time that day. I know keep it in my purse for all of the bites listed below. To prepare for this summer, I took a look at some of the products on the market, and recommend five at the end of the article. First, let me share some of the tips that I have learned when it comes to treating insect bites in children.
Treating Insect Bites in Children: Bee Stings
Bee stings are very painful and can cause a severe allergic reaction. Children often get bee stings by stepping on bees at the pool, so have them wear flip-flops in wet areas. Remove the stinger as soon as possible by lifting it out with your fingernail. If your fingernail is not long enough, use a credit card. Put ice on the bite to remove swelling. Apply one of the numbing medications similar to the ones listed at the end of this article. Watch your child closely for an allergic reaction, and call 911 if you are worried. Call 911 anyway if your child has many bites, or has bites on their nose, mouth, or throat, since swelling in these areas can be dangerous.
Treating Insect Bites in Children: Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes tend to be active at dawn and dusk, and they are more heavily concentrated near areas of stagnant water. As a precautionary measure, you should check your yard for water that may have accumulated over the winter. Have children wear loose protective clothing, such as pants and long sleeves if necessary. To treat mosquito bites in children, wash the area with soap and water and apply a numbing medication to stop the itch.
Treating Insect Bites in Children: Spider Bites
Spider bites can be treated in the same manner as other insect bites in children. If you believe that the spider may have been poisonous, or you see signs of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention. Otherwise, apply ice and a bite medication. Spider bites may blister. In that case, cover the bite with a band-aid to discourage scratching and prevent infection.
Treating Insect Bites in Children: Wasps and Yellow Jackets
A child may have a reaction to a wasp or yellow jacket bite that is similar to a bee sting. Pay careful attention and watch for signs of allergic reaction. Treat the insect bite in the same manner, but do not worry about a stinger. Yellow jackets and wasps do not leave a stinger when they bite. Apply ice and medication.
Treating Insect Bites in Children: Medications
There are several brands of medications on the market that are aimed at treating insect bites in children. It is good to have one and keep it in your purse or car, or pack one for a camping trip. I have an insect bite “pen” that I keep handy, although I have not seen that specific product on the market for this summer yet. Here is what you can buy now to treat insect bites in children this summer:
TruKid Hero Stick for Bumps and Bruises – $9.99 for 0.6 ounces
After-Bite Kids Fast Itch Relief – $3.99 for 0.7 ounces
Swab-Plus Prefilled Swabs with Insect Bite Relief – $5.79 for 36 swabs
Burt’s Bees Bug Bite Relief – $6.99 for 0.25 ounces
Sting – Eze Quick Insect Bite Relief – $2.79 for 0.5 ounces
I have used several of these medications for treating insect bites in my children, and they are fairly standard in their ingredients. The most effective thing that you can do for your child is to have one on hand so you can treat the insect bite as soon as possible.
