If your child has been bitten by a bee, try to scrape the sting off.Most insect bites and stings are not poisonous, and can be cared for without seeing a doctor.When required, use insect sprays from the supermarket.These usually plug into an electric outlet and the repellent (usually permethrin) is contained either in a bottle of fluid or a small pad. Consider using an electric device that releases insect repellent into the room at night.Don't turn the lights on in bedrooms until the windows are closed (or screened) and the curtains are drawn.See our fact sheet Insect repellents - guidelines for safe use.Reapply insect repellent to your child after swimming or activities that make them sweat.Choose sprays that contain no more than 10 per cent DEET/picaridin – look for repellents especially formulated for children. The most effective repellents contain the chemicals DEET or picaridin.Don't spray them on the skin of children under the age of 12 months. In young children, insect repellents are safest if rubbed or sprayed on clothing rather than skin.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use insect repellents sparingly.Avoid perfumes and scented lotions, soaps and cosmetics.Stay away from pools of stagnant (still) water, which are breeding grounds for mosquitos.Make sure rubbish bins are securely fastened so the contents don't attract insects.Dress your child in long-sleeved shirts and pants that fit snugly around the wrists and ankles.Keep picnic food covered and wipe up spills immediately.Preventing insect bites and stings Outdoors All people who care for your child should know when and how to give the medicine if your child is bitten or stung. If these medicines are prescribed, they should be carried with your child at all times. an EpiPen) for any future bites or stings. If your child has had a bad allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, the doctor may suggest using an oral steroid drug such as prednisolone, or an adrenaline autoinjector (e.g. the swelling or itching gets worse after 24–48 hours.they have a lot of pain where they were stung or bitten, and it does not settle down within a few hours. These creams are available from your chemist. Steroid creams applied early and regularly onto the sting or bite site can often give relief.This medicine is given by mouth, and can be purchased from the pharmacy. If your child continues to scratch the bite or sting, you can give them an antihistamine medicine.If an arm or leg is bitten, have your child rest with the limb raised above the heart to reduce the swelling.Use cool, wet towels or face washers to help with pain and swelling.A plain, unscented moisturising cream may help to decrease the itch.Wash the skin around the bite or sting.Do not pinch and pull the sting out, as this will cause more poison to be injected. If your child has been stung by a bee, carefully scrape the sting out. Most insect bites or stings can be treated at home. If you are not sure whether your child has cellulitis, take them to see your GP. This can happen hours or days after the sting. If the skin around the sting is becoming infected, it will become increasingly warm, red and painful to touch. If your child has any signs of anaphylaxis, call an ambulance immediately.Ī sting or bite can sometimes cause the surrounding skin to become infected (cellulitis), and this will require antibiotics. becoming pale and floppy (young children).a widespread rash (hives) or severe itching.If your child is having a severe allergic reaction, they may show the following signs of anaphylaxis: a more significant reaction, with a larger area of swelling and redness, and sometimes blisters.a minor skin reaction with a painful, itchy lesion at the site of the bite or sting.If your child has been bitten or stung by an insect, they may have: Your child's allergic reaction to a bite can worsen over two to three days. The symptoms of insect bites or stings can vary a lot depending on how sensitive your child is to that insect. Signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings If your child has any signs of anaphylaxis, call an ambulance immediately. Very occasionally, children may have a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. The size of the reaction also depends on the degree of allergy your child has. When this does happen, it tends to be in remote parts of the country.Īs a rule, the size of a reaction from repeated insect bites (such as mosquitos) is larger in early childhood then slowly reduces as the child gets older.Īll insect bites may cause allergic reactions. In Australia, it is rare for insects to transmit diseases to people. Most insect bites and stings are not poisonous, and are usually caused by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, spiders, ticks, wasps, bees and beetles.
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