It’s warming up outside, which means picnics, playgrounds, vacations, camping, and lots of time outdoors. But with the warmth and sun come some uninvited guests—insects. From ants stealing your picnic food to bees swarming your sweets, insects can ruin your plans, especially if someone gets bitten or stung.
Most bug bites and stings are initially painful and uncomfortable but are relatively harmless and can be treated at home. Knowing a typical reaction and how to treat it can make these surprising episodes less scary and help you and your family return to the fun.
Insect Bites And Stings Symptoms
Preventive steps for bug bites and stings are fairly simple. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking, applying insect repellent, and inspecting the area you will be in for nests or hives can significantly reduce the likelihood of a bite or sting.
The most common signs of bug bites or stings is a raised, red bump on the skin often accompanied by mild swelling around the bump due to the body’s natural histamine reaction.
Bites from mosquitos, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs are known to cause an itch reaction, which is commonly worse in younger children.
Painful bites can often be attributed to deer flies, horseflies, fire ants, and blister beetles. Sometimes these bites develop a pimple-like head at the center of the bite after a few hours.
Generally, most stings are from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, or hornets. Honeybees, due to their barbed texture, are known for leaving their stinger behind, and therefore, they can only sting once. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets typically do not leave their stinger behind and can sting multiple times.
Insect Bite And Sting Treatments
Bites and stings are normally mild and do not require medical treatment. However, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent infection.
Start by removing yourself from the area where the bite/sting occurred, especially if you were stung by a wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket. If necessary, remove any stingers, then cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water.
Next, apply a cold compress such as an ice pack or cold cloth to keep swelling down. If the bite or sting is on an arm or leg elevate it to also help with inflammation and pain.
You can apply an OTC topical hydrocortisone cream to help relieve any symptoms of itching. If the area is painful, a topical OTC triple-antibiotic ointment with a pain reliever mixed in can be applied. If your healthcare provider approves, an oral pain reliever or anti-histamine medication can also be used.
Keeping a simple, small kit in your car that contains a pain-free antiseptic cleaner, topical hydrocortisone cream, topical anti-bacterial ointment, bandaids, and chewable acetaminophen can be helpful.
When To Contact A Doctor
Call your provider if signs of infection develop in the days following the bite/sting. Signs of infection include the area being warm to the touch, continued redness, and increased swelling.
Call 911 immediately If the person bit or stung begins to show these symptoms:
- Turning blue
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Throat tightening or having trouble swallowing
- Any swelling of the face or mouth area
- Feeling weak, dizzy or nauseous
While most incest bites and bee stings are not life-threatening, you should always listen to your children’s concerns and pay close attention to any issues that may arise. And remember, it’s possible to develop allergies to bee stings and other stings later in life, so always stay diligent about your child’s safety.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about baby acne. If your baby is experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or transport them to the nearest emergency room.