While the summer brings plenty of opportunity for playing and spending time together there is also a side to the glorious season that we would like to forget about – the insects. As the temperature rises, the risk of your child being stung or bitten by a bug also increases.
Here’s what to do if your little one does get bitten:
If your little one is stung by a honeybee you need to get the stinger out as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to scrape the area with your finger nail - don’t squeeze it or pinch it as you will make the venom spread. Wash the area with water, apply a little ice if it is swollen and rub in some antiseptic cream. It will become itchy but you don’t need to call the doctor unless the area swells up, becomes infected or if your little one is stung near the eyes or mouth.
When your child is bitten by a mosquito, there is nothing you can really do besides soothe the affected area until the itching stops. Calamine lotion or sudocream work well to get rid of the itch. And make sure your little one doesn’t scratch the area as it may become infected.
Spider bites can be sore and can cause the area to turn red and swell making them seem scarier than they are. Most bites are harmless, especially from spiders in this country, but if you are abroad and are unsure of what spider bit your little one then you should take them to the doctor immediately. When it comes to treating a mild spider bite, clean the affected area and apply a cold compress to ease any swelling. Keep the area clean and apply a little antiseptic cream to ensure it doesn’t become infected.
It is important you remove the tick as soon as possible to minimise the risk of Lyme disease. If you do find a tick on your son or daughter use a tweezers to pull it off without twisting it and keep it in a sealed bag to show the doctor. Clean the area with antiseptic cream and take your little one to the doctor to get it checked out.
If in doubt, always take your youngster to the doctor, especially if the bite is near the eyes or mouth or if it becomes swollen, infected or doesn’t seem to be healing.