How to handle insect bite

How to Treat an Insect Bite?

When your child gets stung or bit by an insect, it can usually be treated at home. However, because insects can carry infectious diseases or cause severe reactions, you must contact Paediatrician if you think your child is having an unusual response. We’ve outlined below how to treat common bug bites at home and when to call Hospital.

Call IMMEDIATELY if an insect bite looks infected (red streaks and very tender).

How to Treat an Itchy Insect Bite?

Apply treatment.

• To reduce the itching, apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as a corticosteroid. No prescription is needed. Please put it on three times a day until the itch is gone.
• If you don’t have steroid cream, apply a baking soda paste (made with baking soda and water) until you can get steroid cream.
• If neither is available, use ice in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.

Apply pressure.

• Put firm, sharp, direct, and steady pressure on the bite. Do this for 10 seconds to reduce the itch. A fingernail, pen cap, or other object can be used.

Apply pressure.

• If the bite is still itchy, try an allergy medicine such as antihistamine. No prescription is needed. It can be beneficial in allergic children.

How to Treat a Painful Insect Bite?

Apply Baking Soda Paste.

• Soak a cotton ball in a baking soda paste (made with baking soda and water). Rub the bite with it for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this once. This will usually reduce the pain.

Apply Ice.

• You can also use an ice cube in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.

Administer pain reliever.

• To help with the pain, give a paracetamol/Ibuprofen product as needed.

For painful bites, allergy medicines don’t help.

How to Treat an Infected Bite?

If your child’s insect bite has an infected scab, we recommend the following steps.

Caution: Contact the Hospital if you notice increased redness associated with pain to touch, red streaks, fever, and pus. Apply an antibiotic ointment.

Apply an antibiotic ointment.

• If the insect bite has a scab on it, and the scab looks infected, use an antibiotic ointment. Note: Usually, impetigo is caused by scratching with dirty fingers.

Keep your child’s fingernails clean and short

Cover the scab with a bandage such as Band-Aid. This will help prevent scratching and spread.

Wash the sore and use the antibiotic ointment 2 to 3 times daily. Cover it with a clean bandage each time. Do this until healed.

Caution: For increased redness associated with pain to touch, red streaks, fever, and pus, your child needs to be seen.