How to Treat Mosquito Bites, Bee Stings, and Spider Bites in Kids

Get Smart and Prevent Bites with These 5 Clever Hacks

It's better to prevent bites than treat them. Preventing bug bites is the first step towards the treatment of bug bites. Not having bites in the first place means you won't have to treat them.

• Avoid tick bites by getting everyone to stick to paths and trails when exploring the outdoors.
• Avoid long grass and woody areas.
• Check everyone for ticks and bite marks. This is especially important when you get back inside. Check for ticks or bites in the neck area, scalp, under armpits, and behind the ears. Other areas to check for ticks or bites are the groin area and behind the knees.
• Kids need to shower as soon as they come inside. These preventative methods will avoid tick-borne diseases and could help you spot a spider bite or bug bite before it becomes serious.
• Check pets, too. Your vet will supply you with products for tick prevention.

Treating Kids Stings and Bites at Home is Easy. Here's What to Do:

Many of South Africa's insects are harmless. Not every insect causes a reaction. There is no cause for concern unless your child shows an adverse reaction.

Antihistamine treatment and pain relief work for bites and stings. These include bee and wasp stings, mosquito bites, and other bug bites.

If a child shows signs of severe allergies to stings and bites, seek medical attention right away.

Adverse reactions can include:

• Sharp, shooting pain where the sting or bug bite occurs.
• A white mark surrounded by a swollen, red area.

Younger children often have a more severe reaction than older children. Wherever possible, use a tissue to remove the insect. Keep the insect to show your medical practitioner.

Is Anaphylaxis Life-Threatening? If So, What Must I Do to Help?

Yes, anaphylaxis is life threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. Seek immediate medical help if a child struggles to breathe after an insect sting or bite. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include breathing difficulties, a swollen tongue, or a swollen throat.

The child could also become unresponsive. Lie the patient flat or keep them sitting. If available, use an adrenaline auto-injector. Call your emergency services without delay.

What is the Best Way to Treat Bee Stings?

Children with bee allergies might portray anaphylaxis symptoms. Get medical help if your child has consistent pain when stung.

A bee sting could cause an inflamed lump. Some itching and pain could occur. The sting could itch. Should the child feel unwell, see your doctor as a precautionary measure.

If there are any signs of vomiting, stomach pain or fever, seek medical help. Other signs include sweating and headaches. Lay the patient flat and use an adrenaline auto-injector if one is available. Take your child to the nearest emergency rooms or your doctor if you have any concerns.

Never squeeze a bee sting. The sting will inject more venom into the skin. Scrape a bee sting away with a knife or credit card. Administer paracetamol ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling.

Place an ice pack (a packet of frozen peas will work) on the infected area. This will reduce swelling. Apply calamine lotion or antihistamine creams to the affected area.

Keep fingernails short. This will prevent children from scratching itchy areas bitten or stung by insects. Stings will dissipate in a couple of days.

What is the Best Way to Treat Mosquito Bites?

Children react to mosquito bites differently. The most common are itchy bumps and swelling. Most mozzie bites never need medical treatment.

Only seek medical treatment if the bites become infected. You can give a child antihistamine tablets or syrup to stop the itching. A cold pack placed on the bites will minimise swelling on the area to reduce swelling.

Ask your pharmacist which creams will work best for mozzie bites. Cut your child's fingernails short to avoid scratching and infection. Applications of corticosteroid ointment will help stop infections.

Mozzie patches are brilliant as they discourage bites. They are 100% natural. Use mozzie patches to prevent mosquito bites in kids from 18 months and up. Apply calamine lotion to the bite. Apply a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get over the counter.

Tell your child a story and distract your little one if they are distraught. This helps calm the child down. Mozzie bites usually calm down after a couple of days.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Try teaching the kids to stay away from mosquito breeding spots as the weather warms. These include pools of standing water. It also includes ponds and pools.
• Remove standing water such as pet drinking bowls, bird baths, buckets, and flowerpots.
• Get the kids to stay inside at dawn and dusk.
• Make sure everyone uses insect repellent when venturing outside. Mozzie Patches are great for everyone over 18 months of age. Patches are brilliant for keeping mozzies at bay. Enjoy 36-hour breaks for buzz-free summer holiday fun! Kids can shower and swim with Mozzie Patches.
• To prevent mozzie bites, place a net over your child's bed or cot.
• Get children to wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Screens over doors and windows should stop mozzies from coming inside.
• Fans and air conditioner units are good for keeping mozzies away.

What is the Best Way to Treat Spider Bites?

If you suspect your child has a spider bite, take your child to the doctor if the pain persists. Attend to any infections. Some symptoms of spider bite include swelling, itchiness, and severe pain.

Should the child display signs of vomiting or stomach aches, get medical help. They could also have a fever, sweat, or have headaches. Wherever possible, keep the spider to show the doctor or hospital.

Use paracetamol ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling of spider bites. Use a cold pack to ease the swelling and pain. Check with

your doctor or chemist if you can administer antihistamine tablets or syrups. Apply ointment wherever possible.

Are You Ready for Any Type of Reaction This Summer?

Know when to treat bites and stings from bugs and stinging insects this summer. Keep an eye out for any allergic reaction or signs of infection. If a bug stings or bites your child, do you know what to do? Ant bites, bee stings, or any other insect bite don't always cause anaphylactic reactions. Prevent problems wherever possible and avoid itchy bites altogether.

Shop For Mozzie Patches and Avoid Insect Bites Altogether!

Buy your Mozzie Patches in packs of 10, 40, 100 and 200. These all-natural safe patches are great for the whole family. Avoid future reactions and symptoms of insect bites when applying patches. Get protection from mozzies for 36 hours. Summer just got a lot better!