Insect Bites and Stings Follow-Up Guide

Understanding Bites and Stings

Bites and stings are usually caused by mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other bugs. They often result in red, itchy bumps.

Common Types:

  • Itchy bites – Mosquitos, chiggers, fleas
  • Painful bites/stings – Horseflies, fire ants, centipedes

When to Manage at Home

You can manage your child's bites and stings at home when:

  • Your child has a red, itchy swollen insect bite or sting
  • The bite or sting is causing pain
  • The bite or sting appears as a raised mound with a blister in the center
  • There is severe swelling
  • Your child has no signs of an allergic reaction (tongue swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing)

How to Treat at Home 

 🏠 Home remedies for bites and stings:

  • Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream 3x daily
  • Try a suction tool (e.g., Bug Bite Thing) early on
  • Use long-acting antihistamines (e.g., Zyrtec if >6 months)
  • Relieve pain with:
    • Baking soda paste or ice packs
    • Tylenol or ibuprofen
  • Use antibiotic ointment 3x daily if scab looks infected
  • Cover with a bandaid to prevent scratching

💊 Safe Medications

  • Zyrtec (Cetirizine): for itching, >6 months old
  • Hydrocortisone cream 1%: for itching
  • Tylenol/Ibuprofen: for pain
  • AVOID Benadryl (not preferred due to side effects)

When to Contact Poppins

📱 Contact us again if:

  • Bite is extremely swollen
  • Pain or itching interferes with sleep or daily activity
  • You're unsure what type of bite it is
  • You need any type of reassurance

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment if:

  • Swelling doesn’t improve in 7 days
  • Redness/pain worsens after 48 hours of care
  • Child has a history of severe allergic reactions

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if there is:

  • Trouble breathing 
  • Facial/tongue swelling
  • Wheezing or signs of anaphylaxis

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.

Need more support? Help is just a text message away.