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.
