Bug Bite Care
Kids love the outdoors – and bugs do, too! Here are a few tips to avoid creepy crawlers and calm itchy bites.
Avoid bug bites
- Set up a fan.
- Get rid of standing water.
- Perform a “tick check” after outdoor play.
Treat bug bites
- Apply anti-itch cream, calamine lotion or a baking soda paste and a cool compress.
- Use tweezers to remove ticks. Wash the area and apply antibiotic ointment.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if:
- Your child experiences difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- He or she has a history of allergic reaction to the same insect.
Call your doctor if you notice the following within 24 hours of a bug bite:
- Itching is severe.
- Your child’s neck becomes sore or stiff.
- He or she complains of feeling sick.
- You notice swelling somewhere else on the child’s body.
For more information on bug bite care and other health resources, talk to a CHKD pediatrician today.
