There are many kinds of insects which bite, including: mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, ants, bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and spiders.

To prevent insect bites:

• Teach your child not to bother these insects.
• Do not let your child go barefoot outside.
• Spray insect repellent on your child's skin.
• Cover skin with loose clothing.
• Keep your child inside during late afternoon and evening.
• Do not put scented lotion or perfume on your child.

For mosquito, flea, chigger, and ant bites:

• Clean the bites with soap and water.
• Put an ice pack on the bites for 10-20 minutes to lessen swelling.
• Keep your child's fingernails short to avoid scratching.
• Put hydrocortisone cream on the bites for itching.

For bee, wasp, and yellow jacket bites:

• Look to see if there is a stinger. If you see one, gently scrape it from the skin.
• Clean the bite with soap and water.
• Put alcohol on the bite.
• Put ice on the bite.
• Give your child diphenhydramine (ex: Benadryl). Be sure to check the package for the right dose for your child's age.

For spider bites:

• Some spider bites are very serious. Two dangerous spiders are the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders. If you suspect your child has been bitten by either of these types of spiders, take him to the doctor right away.
• Clean the bite with soap and water.
• Put ice on the bite.

Signs of a Brown Recluse spider bite:

• A blister in the middle of the bite. The blister will grow, deepen, and leave a dark spot.
• Redness.
• Fever and rash.

Signs of a Black Widow spider bite:

• Stomach cramps.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever.
• Chills.

For all insect bites, take your child to the doctor if:

• Swelling becomes worse.
• Child runs a fever.
• You see red streaking on the skin in the area of the bite.
• You see bruising of the skin or bleeding from the gums, rectum, or in urine.

Take your child to the emergency department if he or she:

• Has trouble breathing.
• Develops whelps.
• Vomits or feels nauseated.
• Has cramps.
• Exhibits anxiety.
• Passes out.

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Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.