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The most common bug bites and stings are usually harmless and heal quickly. So, no need to worry about them. However, some of them like those from wasps, hornets, and bees may cause intense pain or even a serious allergic reaction. Others like poisonous spider bites may require immediate emergency medical care.
Most insect bites or stings often causes a small, red lump on the skin, which may be painful and itchy. Many bites will disappear within a few hours or days and can be safely treated at home.2
Below are few characteristics for some bug bites:
- Bedbugs: Typically occur on the face, neck, hands and arms2. They leave a small bite mark on the skin that is red and itchy. They rarely cause a serious allergic reaction.1
- Bee Stings: Cause a painful red skin bump with white around it.1
- Flea Bites: Leave a small itchy welt on the skin often on the ankles and legs.1
- Hornet Bites: Cause a sudden, sharp pain at first. A swollen red mark may then form on your child’s skin, which can last a few hours and may be painful and itchy. Sometimes, a larger area around the sting can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. This is a minor allergic reaction that is not usually anything to worry about.2
- Mosquitos: Cause a very itchy red skin bump. 1
- Spider Bites: Leave small puncture marks on the skin which can be painful and cause redness. Some spider bites can cause sickness and dizziness. If any serious symptoms appear, better to seek medical help. 2
- Ticks: Can carry Lyme disease and their bite leaves a rash that looks like an expanding bull’s eye. 1
In case the reaction has an effect on the health of the child, seek medical care.
Dr. Khalil Mhaydleh
MD pediatrician
