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Bug Bites, Stings and Rashes

Posted on: 07/28/2009

BUG BITES, STINGS AND RASHES
  Nicole Mackey, PNP

With the warm weather comes fun in the sun and all sorts of bug bites, stings and rashes.  Bug bites and stings are usually just annoying and do not cause many problems.  Simple homecare can provide relief. In rare cases, bites can cause allergic reactions which are serious and require emergent medical treatment.  This article will discuss the most common bites, stings and rashes and what you can do for them.

Mosquito Bites

Many children will react very strongly to bites and may even get a large amount of swelling which can last many days.  Mosquito bites and black fly bites are notorious for causing exaggerated reactions.  Ice and an anti-itch cream are going to be the best treatment to bring down the swelling and decrease the discomfort.  If your child is really uncomfortable, you can use children’s liquid Benadryl.  Again, children are often times very sensitive to mosquitoes, and the bites will swell considerably.

Infection usually stems from scratching at the site and introducing bacteria from fingernails.  It does not come from the bug bite itself.  Signs to look for that would require a call to the office include increased redness, streaking, firmness and fevers.  All in all, the majority of the bites will come down in a few days with ice and a little anti-itch cream.

DEET containing products are the most effective repellant against mosquitoes.  The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the use of DEET bug spray in children greater than two (2) months of age.  It should not contain more than 10% DEET and should only be applied once daily. It is not water soluble and, therefore, should last up to eight hours. Do not get a sunscreen/DEET combo as sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours.

Bee and Wasp Stings

Bee and wasp stings are painful, but are not usually a cause of concern.  It is important to remove the stinger if it was indeed a bee sting. Wasps will not leave a stinger.  Wash the area with soap and water and apply ice.  Motrin or Tylenol can be given for the pain.  A little localized swelling may occur, but ice should help.  A sting anywhere in the mouth warrants immediate attention as swelling could interfere with airways.  Also, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, dizziness or fainting requires immediate attention.  These symptoms may be signs of an allergic reaction which could be very serious.

Again, most bites and stings can be easily treated at home.  Ice is really the best bet when there is any swelling, redness or discomfort.  Keeping children away from standing water and wearing long pants and long sleeves in the evening hours will cut down on the number of bites.

Poison Ivy

Now is prime time for contact rashes.  Adventures in the woods will often result in an itchy rash. Poison ivy is one of the most common and also one of the itchiest.  You will often times see scratch marks where the branch has scratched the child.  Pink bumps and bumps with clear fluid will begin to form. The best treatment is to not scratch!  Wash the area first and apply some one percent (1%) hydrocortisone.  You may give Benadryl as well.  Covering the area may discourage scratching. Extensive poison ivy may need to be seen if it covers a large portion of the body, spreads to the face or begins to have a lot of drainage and associated redness.  A good rule of thumb is to always wear long pants when out in the woods.

If you have concerns about the way a bite, sting or rash looks, give the doctors’ office a call.