Guest Author - Dr. Gwenn

Q: My kids spent a lot of time outdoors and I'm concerned about bug bites.
What are the dangers and what can I do to protect my kids? – concerned mom in the burbs

A: Insects are unavoidable in outdoor life. While most bug bites cause minor skin irritation, some can be very serious. Prevention and knowing when to call for help are the best defenses against the most serious of insect bites.

Insect bites cause symptoms by injecting substances into the skin that cause a reaction within the skin. Most reactions are limited to the skin and cause localized swelling and itching. Calamine lotion and 1% hydrocortisone cream help combat both the itching and swelling. Ice applied directly to the bite can be very soothing. Antihistamines can be used for severe itching. If you see a stinger, try and remove it.

Some insects inject a venom in the skin which can cause a more significant allergic reaction. These range in severity from hives and itching to trouble breathing, drooling, vomiting, fainting, rapid heart rate, lip and eye swelling. Using an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl will help abate the response but the more serious symptoms require prompt emergency care as they can be life-threatening. Children with known serious reactions to insect bites, should be given their EpiPen as soon as the bite occurs even if you are en route to a hospital or awaiting an ambulance.

Some bites result in infection, either localized to that area of skin or more generalized. Localized, bacterial infections cause swelling, redness, warmth, pain and often fever and pus. If any of these symptoms occur, call your pediatrician and have your child evaluated. Usually after a few simple tests, an oral antibiotic will be given but some children do require hospitalization. Using an antibiotic ointment at the bite site and curtailing the itching can help ward off some skin infections at bite sites.

Remember ticks can transmit Lyme Disease and mosquitos can carry forms of encephalitis and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. Call your doctor if your child becomes ill with fever, rash, headache, eye sensitivity to light, joint pain or swelling, or if your child looks sick and is not acting right in the setting of a known insect bite.

As for prevention, try and avoid areas known to have stinging-insect nests and high infestations of mosquito. Avoid dressing your child in bright colors as insects are more attracted to bright colors. And, avoid sweet smelling soaps and lotions – you don’t want your child mistaken for a flower by a well intended bee or mosquito.

Finally, don’t be afraid to use a insect repellents with DEET. If used properly, these products are safe and can keep illness-causing insects away. For children, just remember to only use products with 10%DEET and make sure the product is registered with the EPA.