Insect Bites and allergies to insect stings

INSECT BITES

Insect stings and bites in young children may be painful, frightening, or irritating, but they're rarely a cause for concern unless your child has an allergic reaction. For most bites the local area to the bite is the primary issue for first aid.

Signs and Symptoms of Insect Bites

· Redness

· Pain

· Mild swelling

· Bruising

· Shock

Call to the doctor if ….

· Your child has been bitten or stung near the mouth

· The area seems to be getting larger or redder or is oozing, which are signs of infection.

What to do …

· Remove the stinger (for Honeybee stings)

• Honeybees are the only insects that leave a stinger in the skin. Scrape the area with a fingernail or credit card to remove it.
• Don't pinch the stinger with your fingers or tweezers -- that can inject more venom.

· Clean the area

• Wash the bite or sting with mild soap and water.

· Treat symptoms

• Remove any tight jewellery from the area of the bite or sting. It could be hard to get off once the area swells.
• Ice the area for 10 minutes and then remove the ice for 10 minutes. Then, repeat the process.
• If the sting was on an arm or leg, elevate the area.
• Pain relievers that are formulated for babies or children, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the bottle. If your child is under the recommended age, call a paediatrician.
• An antihistamine formulated for children may help with swelling and itch. Call a paediatrician before using an antihistamine in infants or children.
• Apply a mixture of baking soda and water or calamine lotion for itch.

ALLERGIES TO INSECT STINGS

For a child who is allergic, insect stings can cause serious and sometimes even deadly reactions. Insects that can trigger allergic reactions include honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. When they sting, they inject venom into the skin.

The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. There are three types of reactions: normal, localized, and allergic:

· A normal reaction:  pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site.

· A large local reaction: swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, someone who has been stung on the ankle may have a swelling in the entire leg. Although it may looks alarming, it is not usually more serious than a normal reaction.

· The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of an insect sting allergy?

Symptoms of a severe insect sting allergy (called an anaphylactic reaction) can include one or more of the following:

·Difficulty breathing

· Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting

· Swelling of the face, throat or mouth

· Swallowing difficulty

· Restlessness and anxiety

· Rapid pulse                   

· Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure

Severe allergic reactions are not very common; they can lead to: shock, cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness in 10 minutes or less. This type of reaction can occur within minutes after a sting. Get emergency treatment as soon as possible.

A mild allergic reaction to an insect sting can cause one or more of the following symptoms at the site of the sting:

· Pain

· Redness

· Mild to moderate swelling

· Warmth at the sting site

· Itching

Insect sting allergy safety tips

The best way to prevent allergic reactions to insect stings is to avoid getting stung in the first place. Teach your child to:

· Avoid walking barefoot while on the grass.

· Avoid playing in areas where insects like to be, such as flower beds.

· Avoid drinking from open soda or juice cans and keep food covered when eating outside. Check for insects in drink cups and straws when outside.

· Remain calm and quiet around stinging insects. Move slowly to back away without any arm-waving or swatting.

· Never disturb an insect nest. Have an exterminator get rid of nests near your home.

· When in wooded areas, keep as covered up as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes can help keep the bugs away. (Loose clothing can allow insects to get between the clothes and skin.)

· Avoid perfumes, scented body products, and brightly coloured and flowered clothing because they all attract insects.

Interesting web page about: "Identifying insects and their bites"