Why is my child reacting to an insect bite?

• A bite exposes the skin to the secretions of the insect.
• Your child’s body reacts to the bite, usually causing the area to be red and swollen.  

What are the symptoms of an insect bite?

• Redness and swelling where your child was bit. Sometimes a blister develops.
• Your child might feel burning, itchiness or pain at the site of the bite.
• The discomfort might make your child more irritable.
• Over the first 48 hours the swelling may spread.
• Your child might have a fever.

How can I prevent insect bites?

• When possible, avoid areas with lots of insects.
• Cover your child’s skin as much as possible.
  • This includes long sleeves, long pants, and even hats.
  • This makes it harder for the insects to reach the skin.
• For areas of skin you are not able to keep covered, use insect repellant.
  • Be sure to read the directions and check the age range for the repellant.
  • Look for one of the following ingredients in a repellant for your child:
  • DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
  • No need to spray under the clothes.
  • No need to saturate the skin or clothing - just spray enough to cover it.
  • Keep your child’s eyes covered while spraying.
  • Make sure your child does not have a reaction to the insect spray by doing a “patch test” first:
    • Spray a small area of your child’s leg and monitor for a reaction, repeat the next day, if no reaction, your child should be able tolerate the repellant.
• If your child reacts strongly to insect bites, your child’s provider might recommend taking a non-sedating histamine in certain circumstances.

What is the treatment for an insect bite?

• Gently clean the area with soap and water.
• Avoid scratching/itching/touching the area.  
• Applying cool compresses or ice packs can help with itch/pain/irritation.
• Calamine lotion can help with itchiness.
• If your child is excessively itchy, your child’s provider might recommend a non-sedating antihistamine.
• Medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can be given for pain based on your child’s age.  
• Cover the bite if your child is not able to leave the area alone. 

When to call your child’s provider:

• Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
• The bite looks like it has stripes around it.  
• Your child is having any shortness of breath.
• Your child is not able to stay hydrated.
• The swelling or redness is spreading more than 48 hours (about 2 days) after the bite.  
• There is pus draining from the skin.
• Your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher.
• Your child is refusing to use the body part where the bite is located.
• You think your child should be seen.

This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 10/2023