Insect bites ( Children)
Insect
bites are commonly caused by mites, spiders, fleas, mosquitoes, ants, lice and
bedbugs
The usual reaction is an itchy lump in
the area of the bite
Treatment is aimed at relieving the
itching
Call
your doctor if your child is having difficulty breathing or swallowing after
being bitten, has an obviously infected bite, or there are multiple bites around
the eyes causing marked swelling
Insect
bites as a problem in children
Insect
bites are a common problem in children and may be difficult to diagnose. The
main classes of insects which cause bites are:
Mites, spiders and ticks
Centipedes
Millipedes
Mosquitoes
and flies
Fleas
Ants,
bees and wasps
Lice
Bedbugs,
kissing bugs
What are
the symptoms and signs of insect bites?
The type
of reaction which occurs after an insect bite depends on the species of insect,
the age of the child and whether or not the child has been exposed to the insect
before.
Insects
not only bite, but also cause contact dermatitis or irritation to the skin.
Most
reactions to insect bites depend on a reaction to the saliva or venom. When
someone is bitten for the first time, no reaction develops. But after repeated
bites, sensitivity develops. This produces an itchy bump around 24 hours after
the bite and is the most common reaction seen in young children.
With
prolonged, repeated exposure to the insect, a wheal develops immediately after
the bite and an itchy bump forms 24 hours later. This combination of reactions
is seen most often in older children.
By
adulthood or the teenage years, only a wheal may form with the subsequent itchy
bump.
Insect
bites can be single or multiple, depending on the feeding habits of the insect
concerned. For example, fleas may produce multiple bites, while a mosquito may
bite only once.
Spiders
may produce a reddened wheal and an ulcer.
In some
cases an insect bite can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic
shock, for example, bee stings.
It is
worth noting that a condition called papular urticaria can often be confused
with insect bites, since it can resemble a number of insect bites in a small
area. However, this is actually an allergy to insect bites and can be treated
with calamine lotion or antihistamine creams.
How are
insect bites treated?
The
treatment is aimed at relieving the itch. This can be achieved by oral
antihistamines, cool compresses and soothing lotions such as calamine.
In cases
of multiple bites which are causing a lot of swelling and itching, particularly
around the eyes, oral steroids may be useful - used for a short time.
How can
you prevent insect bites?
When
your child is playing in the garden it is very difficult to prevent bites from
the common insects which are present.
However,
insect repellents are effective against mosquitoes, fleas, flies and ticks and
should be used where these insects are common. The child should also sleep under
a mosquito net.
Make
sure that the household pets are free of fleas by regular use of the currently
available anti-flea preparations. If fleas are obviously infesting the house
then fumigation may be needed.
When to
call your doctor
If
your child is having difficulty breathing, is pale, sweaty, cold and drowsy then
they may be suffering from an anaphylactic reaction and must see a doctor as an
emergency
If
your child has an obviously infected bite
If there is marked redness and
swelling around the bite which is becoming increasingly painful
If
there are multiple bites which are causing swelling around the eyes
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