Locations:
Search IconSearch

How To Treat Your Child’s Sting or Bite at Home

Simple solutions to handle backyard encounters with some of nature’s smallest critters

child being treated for bee sting by caregiver

Kids love to play outdoors. Know what else hangs out in backyards, woodlands and fields? Creepy crawlies that bite and sting.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

If your child gets stung or bitten by a bug, you want to make them feel better as soon as possible. A hug, some tear-drying and a little soap and water are enough to address most situations.

But if those simple steps don’t take care of the problem, emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD, has some suggestions on what to do next. Let’s look at the “owie” moments one by one.

Bee stings

For starters, let’s not blame bees for every sting. The who-done-it list also may include wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and other winged insects with stingers and occasional anger management issues.

If your child is stung by any of these suspects, expect a few tears, as well as pain, itchiness, redness and swelling around the site of the sting, says Dr. Fertel. Symptoms often last for a day or two.

It’s not unusual for signs of irritation to extend across a wider area, too. (A sting near an ankle can lead to swelling up the leg, for instance.)

Follow these treatment steps if your little one gets stung:

  1. Promptly remove the stinger if it’s sticking out of their skin. More toxin gets released the longer it stays in, which can worsen symptoms.
  2. Wash the area to reduce the risk of infection.
  3. Apply ice, which can help minimize pain and swelling.
  4. Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching.
  5. If swelling lingers, talk to your pediatrician about giving your child an antihistamine. An over-the-counter pain reliever also may help if symptoms persist.

Advertisement

In rare cases, bee stings may lead to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that demands immediate emergency treatment. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

  • Hives.
  • Swelling (face, throat or mouth).
  • Wheezing or difficulty swallowing.
  • Restlessness or anxiety.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Dizziness or loss of consciousness.

If your child has allergies to other things (such as pollen and dust) or has asthma, it might be worth talking to your pediatrician about allergy testing during bee season. Children with bee sting allergies may be prescribed an EpiPen® to use in case of a severe reaction to a sting.

Mosquito bites

Although quite annoying, mosquito bites are rarely serious. Itching, swelling and red lumps are typical. Welts may vary in size from barely noticeable to near softball-sized.

Encourage your kids NOT to scratch at the bites. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to help with itching if it’s an issue. An antihistamine also may be useful if your child is really feeling the urge to scratch (but consult your pediatrician first).

Mosquito bites can turn into a problem if kids refuse to leave them alone, says Dr. Fertel. A pro tip? Covering bites with a bandage can keep fingers off of the welts.

If an infection seems to arise, call your pediatrician. Signs of infection include:

  • Swelling at the site of the bite.
  • Yellowish drainage or crusting over the bite.
  • Warm to the touch or fever.
  • Muscle weakness.

Allergic reactions (including hives, throat swelling and wheezing) are rare but do require immediate attention.

Spider bites

It’s estimated that up to 15% of people are afraid of spiders. That may explain why spiders get a bad rap when it comes to bite blame. What most people call a “spider bite” is usually from another insect or other cause.

But spiders can bite. The good news? Most true spider bites are harmless and don’t require special treatment, says Dr. Fertel. Simply wash the area with soap and water and all should be well.

You can also apply an ice pack to numb the bite if it hurts. An age-appropriate dose of an over-the-counter pain medication may be useful, too.

But there are spider bites that can be more serious.

Bites from some arachnids, such as the black widow and brown recluse spiders, are of greater concern. These spiders are found mostly in the Western and Southern United States. Symptoms may include:

  • Swelling.
  • Fluid-filled blister (brown recluse only).
  • Increasing pain and stiffness.
  • Chills.
  • Fever.

Call your pediatrician right away if your child has any of the above symptoms. If the bite is on your child’s arm or leg, elevate it while seeking medical advice. Allergic reactions are rare but require immediate attention.

Advertisement

Tick bites

Odds are you won’t just find a bite mark if a tick sinks its mouth of hooks into your child’s skin. Expect to find the tick, too.

If you discover a tick on your child, remove the pest immediately — and carefully — using a pair of tweezers, instructs Dr. Fertel. After removing the tick, clean the area with rubbing alcohol. You can also apply antibiotic ointment or calamine lotion to help with itching.

Make sure you remove the entire tick, including the head (which may be embedded in your child’s skin). Any part of the tick left behind can potentially cause Lyme disease, a condition that can cause joint pain and other symptoms.

Save the removed tick in a baggie or other container for potential testing in case your child develops signs of Lyme disease, which could include:

  • A large, red, ring-like mark around the tick bite.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Rash.

Contact your child’s pediatrician if a tick bite leads to the above symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics in the early part of Lyme disease is necessary to avoid the spread of infection to the joints, heart and nervous system.

On a side note, if you find one tick, make sure to check for others. Ticks travel quickly once on the body and like to hide in crevasses in the skin, such as armpits or the folds of the groin area. (Learn tips to prevent tick bites.)

Advertisement

Final thoughts

Can bug bites or stings be serious? Yes … but that’s not usually the case, states Dr. Fertel. Typically, bites and stings are just a source of temporary discomfort with no lasting issues needing medical attention.

Chances are good that it won’t be long before your kid is back outside running around like nothing ever happened.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Baby receiving a shot in their leg by healthcare provider
December 5, 2024/Children's Health
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids: What To Know and Why It’s Important

Children as young as 6 months should get vaccinated, but dosage guidelines depend on kids’ ages and past vaccines

Happy, laughing child and caregiver sitting on couch holding video game controllers, playing video games
December 2, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Are Video Games Good for You? Your Brain Thinks So

Imagination, completing tasks and social interactions are all key benefits for your brain

Parent hugging child within a glass house, with other siblings in the background outside of it
November 29, 2024/Children's Health
What To Know About Glass Child Syndrome

First things first: It doesn’t mean anybody did anything wrong

Baby, lying down, eyes closed, yawning
November 27, 2024/Children's Health
15 Signs That Your Baby Is Tired

Yawning is a clear signal, but frowning, ear-pulling and finger-sucking can be, too

Face of sleeping newborn baby, face being lightly touched by caregiver hand
November 19, 2024/Children's Health
Newborn Lip Blisters: What Causes Them and When To Seek Care

Your baby can develop lip blisters from an infection or because of the way they feed

Caregiver holding baby in babysling while pushing shopping cart in grocery store
November 18, 2024/Children's Health
Babywearing: What Is It and What Are the Benefits?

When done safely, carrying your baby in a sling or other device can free your hands and soothe your little one

Gloved hands of healthcare provider giving a shot in the shoulder of a young child
November 15, 2024/Children's Health
Well-Check Schedule for Children

These kids’ visits include getting important vaccines and checking on developmental milestones

Tossled teen sleeping in bed, with pillow and blanket
November 1, 2024/Children's Health
Here’s How Many Hours Teens Should Sleep

The need for sleep often takes a back seat for teens, but they need eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay mentally healthy, strengthen their brains and prevent injury

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad