Bite Like a Mosquito, Sting Like a Bee

from Shine Newsletter, Summer 2007

Bees sting, mosquitoes bite…here’s what you can do to help when bugs bother your child.

• Stings — They may hurt, but the pain usually goes away within a day, as does the swelling. If possible, remove the stinger by scraping it out with your finger or a sharp edge like a credit card, then wash the area with soap and water and apply ice. If your child has a reaction to the sting and experiences a swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of consciousness or nausea, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Allergies — Itching, minimal redness and swelling, sneezing, runny nose and red bumps are all symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to any potential allergen. Just as with stings, severe allergies cause swelling of the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of consciousness or nausea, and require immediate medical attention.
• Bites — When mosquitoes come out to play, your child’s skin may become their playground. Prevent this by using an insect repellent containing no more than 30 percent DEET concentration. Benadryl can also help ease the itching. Talk to your pediatrician about the correct dosage for your child. Worried about the West Nile virus? Here’s good news: Less than one percent of mosquitoes actually carry the virus, and fewer than one percent of individuals bitten by infected mosquitoes get the virus.