Beating bites and stings

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It's that time of year wasps, bees and insects start emerging in their droves. With the summer holidays approaching, it’s important to start thinking about how to protect little ones against bites and stings so they can make the most of the warmer weather.

Prevention is better than cure, and there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your child.

Experts recommend insect repellents but check on the packaging to ensure they are suitable for children. Some of the most effective ones contain a chemical called DEET (diethyltoluamide) but they may be too strong for a child’s skin so check before applying.

You should cover exposed skin in the morning and evening, when insects are most active, and never disturb insect nests. Insects tend to be most prolific in the countryside or near water, such as rivers and lakes. Of course, you can take every possible precaution and still be bitten but don’t take unnecessary risks.

One of the most serious causes of infection in the UK and abroad is found in ticks, which are present in many woodland and heath areas. Some ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, which can result in serious long-term health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome.

A tick bite creates a circular rash and is quite distinctive. If you find a tick on your or your child's skin, remove it using a pair of tweezers that won't squash the tick. Ticks removal kits are also available in pet shops or vets. Gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily away from the skin without crushing it.

Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards, then apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite. Take your child to a doctor if they feel unwell after a tick bite, as they may need antibiotics.

Generally speaking, bites and stings will become red and swollen, or a raised mark will appear, and this can last for several days. Bumps like this often become itchy, meaning it can be difficult to stop a child from scratching and making it worse.

If your child is stung, try to remove the sting by scraping or flicking it off with a hard edge, such as a bank card, if possible. Grabbing it with fingers or tweezers can squeeze the venom into the skin and make it worse.

Experts advise relieving swelling and itching with an ice pack or a cold compress. If your child is in pain, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, but check the dosage to make sure it’s right for your child’s age and weight.

If the bite or sting is particularly bad, a doctor or pharmacist may suggest crotamiton or corticosteroid cream, or an antihistamine. However, these should not be applied to broken skin.

If the bite or sting is on the face, you should seek medical advice as any reaction could be more severe.

In some cases, bites can become infected because of scratching, causing the skin to break and allowing bacteria to get in, which can then cause a fever to develop. Swelling, sores and red streaks on the affected area of the skin are all signs of infection. If you think your child has an infection, you should take them to a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics.

The NHS advises that, if the symptoms of a bite or sting don’t improve within a couple of days, you should see a doctor.

If there’s pus on the wound, your child has swollen glands or flu-like symptoms, or swelling or redness is spreading, you should also seek medical help. Your child may need antibiotics or a referral to an allergy specialist.

Occasionally, children may have a very severe reaction to a bite or sting, causing symptoms such as vomiting, breathing problems, faintness, sweating or a rapid pulse. This is known as anaphylaxis and can be life-threatening. You must seek medical treatment immediately.

If you’re planning a holiday abroad, ensure you speak to a doctor before you go as you may need vaccinations, depending on your destination. In some countries, mosquitoes carry serious diseases such as malaria and yellow fever, so make sure you’re protected.

Written for the Family Corner website by Dorothy Lepkowska and adapted for Under 5 magazine by Jess Gibson