Kids Health Watch is Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
During summer, we are surrounded by insects that thrive in the warm humid weather. It’s also when kids spend a lot of time outdoors. Bug bites and stings are a very common result of these converging factors.
Most bug bites (or stings) go unnoticed, especially for older kids and adults. But for younger children, many bug bites can produce what’s called a small local reaction. When the bug bites the skin, the body’s immune system will react to the bug. This can cause some pain, irritation, and redness at the site of the bite which can get worse over 48-72 hours.
If there is significant swelling associated with the bug bite, it can seem pretty concerning. With a young child, or if the bug bite occurs in a location of the body like the ear, eyelid or ankle, the swelling from the local reaction can be dramatic. However, usually the redness and swelling from a local reaction is not super painful, and it will resolve on its own.
Some bug bites can pack a bigger punch. The pain, discomfort, redness and swelling from a stinging insect can be present almost immediately, and can worsen quickly. There’s usually more intense pain, and you can typically tell that this is a more serious insect bite.
The good news for either of these types of bites is that most everyone gets better without intervention. If there is discomfort, pain, or swelling, these can be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin or Benadryl. Topical medications can also help alleviate symptoms.
When a sting or bite occurs and there are immediate systemic symptoms, this can be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction. Examples include: a whole-body or area rash that’s not necessarily connected to the area that’s bitten, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea or any other concerning symptoms. These can be symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction that will need to be emergently addressed.
Additionally, infection can sometimes occur later after a bug bite. This typically presents after the 48-72 hour window when symptoms were starting to improve, but then started worsening, and are indicated by lingering or worsening pain, redness, or fever. This situation will need to be addressed directly by your pediatrician via an examination and possible medication.
Bug bites are inevitable, but they don’t need to ruin summer fun. Feel free to contact your pediatrician with any concerns!
Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.
Author: Savannah Browning
Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.
