Insects thrive in summer heat, and kids can be prime targets of the nasty pests. But, parents can take a few precautions to help kids avoid bites while they’re playing outdoors.
“Bugs are everywhere,” said Dr. Denise Metry, chief of the dermatology clinic at Texas Children's Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “They’re attracted to warmth, moisture, fragrance and movement, so it’s difficult to protect kids from painful bites and stings at all times.”
Metry believes the first line of defense is prevention. She suggests that kids dress in light-colored clothing and wear shoes and a cap. Then, before they go outside, an adult should apply insect repellent to their clothing and exposed skin.
“Products containing DEET work best to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and black flies, but have little effect on stinging insects,” said Metry. “Read the label and choose a product that contains no more than 10 percent DEET concentration for use on children. Avoid getting the product on the child’s hands or face where it can be rubbed into the eyes or get into the mouth. Once kids are back indoors, they should wash off the repellent with warm, soapy water.”
Experts say it’s important that parents teach children to avoid areas where insects might be prevalent. Mosquitoes, wasps and flies are attracted to standing water, garbage cans or anywhere food is exposed. Bees love flower gardens and may sting kids who come running through. Some insects, like wasps, hornets and fire ants build nests. Children should not disturb these nests or ant mounds.
“While bites and stings are generally more annoying than life-threatening, we do see children who develop infections because they scratch their bites, or kids who have serious reactions to stings,” said Metry. “Even a child who has no other allergies may experience a reaction to bee stings or fire ant stings. If a child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, has hives or passes out, seek medical help right away.”
Even with the best care, children may be stung or bitten during the summer months. Parents can take the following first-aid steps to reduce itching, pain and infection:
- Wash mosquito or fly bites with soap and water and apply an anti-itch lotion, such as calamine, to reduce itching. Keep the area clean and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Wash fire ant bites with soap and water. Apply ice or make a paste of meat tenderizer.
- For bee stings, carefully scrape out the stinger with the edge of a credit card, rather than pulling it out with tweezers. Then wrap ice cubes in a damp washcloth and apply to the area to relieve pain and swelling.
- Elevate an arm or leg that is stung for 15 minutes. Afterwards, apply antibiotic cream or a paste of water and baking soda. The child may need an antihistamine for pain, swelling or itch.
- If a child experiences an allergic reaction to a sting, call 911 right away.
