Stings and bites, how to act at home with children

Recognize the effects of insect bites It can be very helpful when children complain of itching, redness, or swelling. What to do to alleviate discomfort and when to use medication?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that insect bites usually cause one large red welt or several small ones. Sometimes a fluid-filled blister appears in the center.

Bites from mosquitoes, mites, fleas and bedbugs they tend to irritate a lot; but when it comes to flies or horseflies, the effect is more painful. Also that of ants and centipedes.

Home remedies to repel mosquitoes from the house

Irritated skin is the body’s reaction to the insect’s saliva; when it sucks blood, some of the animal’s secretions get mixed up. A severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which has symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swallowing that begin 20 minutes to two hours after the bite. Anaphylaxis can occur from the action of bees, wasps or fire ants.

The doctor Rocío Marín Pánchez, pediatrician from the Rendón Clinic, recommends that parents prevent children from scratching, because they can cause injuries. “It is better to put local ice and avoid a population of mosquitoes, for example. When it comes to a bee, you have to remove the stinger, put ice on it, and if there are allergic reactions (difficulty breathing or swelling), go to the hospital quickly to receive antihistamines, such as loratadine.

Insect bites on the face, when to call the doctor?

Scorpion stings should be treated at the hospital for observationbecause the venom could cause some neurotoxicity.

Treating cat and dog bites

If the child is bitten by a dog or cat, the basics are wash the wound with soap and water and see the extent and depth.

“If we know that the animal hasn’t been vaccinated, but we know it because it’s a puppy, a newly adopted dog or a neighbor’s dog, what we have to do is wash it with plenty of soap and water, and keep the dog under observation for 10 days, due to the following signs: if it hides, if it cannot drink water, if it convulses or dies. These are signs that the dog has had rabies, and the case should be taken immediately to the nearest health center so that the child can receive the rabies vaccines; and the dog will report it to zoonosis ”.

If it is a totally stray or unknown dog, you have to go to the health center so that the doctor decides if the vaccine is necessary.

The rats and mice are less prone to rabies, but if the child is bitten by these animals, the family should still wash the affected skin well and go to emergency medical attention or the pediatrician, to find out if an antibiotic is needed , depending on the depth, extent and shape of the wound.

Avoid risky situations with insects and animals

The responsibility to avoid these incidents lies with the parents, says Dr. Marín. “Try not to have stagnant water; If the house is close to green areas, it is necessary that the plants are well pruned and fumigated, and do constant cleaning of dark places where insects or other animals can accumulate.

Also prevent litter buildup and treat any parasite problems plaguing your pets.

Teach children not to scratch themselves, and to always notify them when something has bitten them, to stay away from other people’s or stray dogs, advises the pediatrician.

The AAP points out that it is necessary to instruct children not to get too close to areas that attract flying insectssuch as garbage dumps, stagnant bodies of water, and flower beds.

If you are going to be in green areas or in places where there are insects, Dress the child in long pants and long sleeves, socks, and closed-toe shoes. A hat can keep insects away from your face. Do not use fragranced soaps, perfumes, or hairsprays at these times, as they can attract bugs.

Keep doors and window screens in good repair, and if you live or have visited a place where there are farm animals that may have fleas or ticks, check your children at the end of the day to remove any insects from their skin or clothing.

There is a tick repellent product that the AAP mentions, the permethrin, which applies to clothing and sports or camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags. Natural repellents are fine if there is no danger of ticks and poisonous insects. But if you know there are any of these risks, a product containing the DEET either picaridin it will be more effective.

Choosing an insect repellent

The AAP recommends that for children, choose non-pressurized sticks, lotions, or sprays. Apply only to child’s clothing and exposed skin, not under clothing. Use just enough, do not drench the child, and do it only once a day. Always be the one who applies the repellent on the child, do not order or allow him to do it alone. If the product comes in a spray, apply it in an open space, so that the child does not inhale it. Upon returning home or at the end of the day, remove repellent with soap and water and launder clothing before reuse.

Never apply insect repellent to children under 2 years of age. For them, use canopies or netting over the crib or stroller when taking your baby to areas known to have insects.

Also, do not put repellent on the hands of small children, who will surely get it in their eyes, nose and mouth. Do not spray the liquid directly in the child’s face. The adult should put a little on the hands and then rub it on the skin of the child’s face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Avoid products such as bug candles, which can trigger respiratory problems in some children if they inhale the smoke. And don’t use products that combine repellent with sunscreen, because they tend to be reapplied during the day. (YO)