Insect Bites

Bites of mosquitoes, chiggers, fleas, and bedbugs usually cause itchy, red bumps. The size of the swelling can vary from a dot to a half inch. The larger size does not mean that your child is allergic to the insect bite. Mosquito bites near the eye usually cause a lot of swelling for two days.

Signs that a bite is from a mosquito are: itchiness, a central raised dot in the swelling, a bite on skin not covered by clothing, and that it occurred during summertime. Infants are more likely to be bitten because they can't protect themselves. Some mosquito bites in sensitive children form hard lumps that last for months.

Fleas and bedbugs tend to bite skin under clothing. Flea bites often turn into little blisters in young children.

Bites from horseflies, deerflies, gnats, fire ants, harvester ants, blister beetles, and centipedes usually cause a painful, red bump. Fire ant bites change to blisters or pimples within a few hours.

Treatment
Prevention
Insect Repellent

Call your child’s doctor right away if:

• A bite looks infected (red streaks, increased tenderness).

Call during office hours if:

• Itching or pain is severe after treatment.
• You have other questions or concerns.