Bug bites
Posted on May 8, 2011 Summer will be here and insect bites are common during warmer weather. Some things to remember when dealing with bugs and bug bites are:
PREVENTION OF BUG BITES: The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved the use of DEET with a concentration of 30% or less for all children older than 2 months. Use 30 DEET if you need 6 hours of protection. Use 10% DEET if you only need protection for 2 hours. You may apply DEET to cotton clothing, applying to socks and ankle area can be particularly helpful in preventing chiggar and tick bites. Do not appy DEET to hands of children that frequently put hands into mouth. Avoid eyes and mouth. Wearing hats, long sleeve shirts and pants to cover skin will prevent most bug bites.
TREATMENT OF BUG BITES: Bug bites can cause redness, itching and discomfort. Bites can be very small (pin dot size) or can csuse a bigger localized reaction (baseball size) and some can have a small water blister in the center. Most insect bites are itchy for several days and the swelling can last 7 days. For itching apply calamine or baking soda paste directly to the bite. You can also use 1% hydrocrtizone cream (over the counter) three times per day for severe itching. An ice cube in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes or applying a firm, sharp, direct steady pressure to the bite for 10 seconds with a fingernail can also decrease itching. You can cover the bug bite with a bandaid to avoid scratching. For bites that remain very itchy after local treatment, giving the appropriate dose of antihistamine (ex. Benadryl) can sometimes help. Please call if you do not know the appropriate dose for your child. For painful insect bites rub the bite for 15-20 minutes with a cotton ball soaked in baking soda solution. You can also apply an ice cube in a wet washcloth for 20 ninutes. The appropriate dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be given also. Anithistamines do not help painful insect bites. If the bite has a scab on it that starts to look infected you can apply antibiotic ointment three times per day.
