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Children can be exposed to many stings and bites, we will review some of them:
- Mosquitoes: Mosquito bites form swollen, itchy red spots, and they often appear in the exposed areas of the body. 1
- Fleas, bugs and bed bugs: They cause bites that are similar to mosquito bites in the effects they create, but the degree of pain in relation to flea bites is stronger and more painful. Unlike mosquitoes, a single flea can bite humans several times, in succession with great ease. 1
- Bees, wasps, and lashes: They cause immediate pain with swelling. If the insect is still embedded within the human skin, removal is required by scraping, using a flat-edged and a thin tool such as a credit card. Using forceps should be avoided, because applying pressure on it may increase the secretion of toxins. 1
- Ticks: They live on the bodies of birds and animals and their bites lead to a small red and painful lump. The tick must be removed by using micro-tweezers to help detaching it from the skin as much as possible. Pull the tick gently in a slow, steady upward motion. Avoid bending or squeezing the tick. Don't handle ticks with bare hands. 1
- Horse flies: The bite leads to pain with redness and slight swelling at the site of the bite that lasts for several hours. 2
- Ants: Small red ants may penetrate under the child's clothes and their bite is painful and causes irritation or inflammation of the skin.
- Scorpion: Scorpion sting is very painful. Its various symptoms range from numbness, tingling, to slight swelling and warmth. A scorpion sting can be dangerous for children. 2
In that case, seek immediate medical help and get in touch with your doctor the soonest.
Dr Mohammad Harb
Pediatrician
