Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching. Some patients react to insect bites with large, fluid-filled blisters. On people with darker skin, inflammation and redness from insect bites can appear as red-brown-colored lesions. Insect bites or bug bites can cause localized redness and itching. An insect bite can cause a lot of swelling in the thin skin around the eye. An insect bite can also become blistered. Two insect bites are shown on this foot; note that the larger one has a tiny central crust where the insect bit. Insect bites often have small blisters that dry and crust. This image displays a child with two insect bites with variable swelling on the hands. Bites from insects often lead to itch, scratching, and resulting crusts. Bug bites often cause hive-like (urticarial), swollen lesions.
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Bug Bite or Sting (Pediatric):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Bug Bite or Sting (Pediatric): Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching. Divider line
Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching.
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Self-Care Guidelines
For stings:
  • Bees may leave a stinger behind. Try to gently scrape the stinger off with a blunt object, such as a credit card.
  • Wash the wound with soap and water.
  • Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes.
  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine or
    chlorpheniramine) for itching, as needed.
For insect bites:
  • Wash with soap and water.
  • Apply cool compresses.
  • Use antihistamines to relieve itching, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
  • Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to help reduce the itching.
For ticks (still attached):
  • Using tweezers, grasp the tick as near the skin as possible and pull firmly
    until it releases.
  • Swab the area with alcohol or wash with soap and water.
  • Save the tick for identification, if needed.
  • Apply 1% hydrocortisone in case a reaction occurs.
When to Seek Medical Care
Some insect bites/stings are more dangerous than others. If you suspect your child might have a black widow or brown recluse spider bite, apply ice to the area and seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of these bites include:
  • A deep blue or purple area around the bite, often with a surrounding white
    area and a red outer ring
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Muscle stiffness
If the area of a tick bite becomes red or swollen, or if the affected area spreads outward, seek medical help to check for Lyme disease.

When dealing with stings, watch out for symptoms such as:
  • Hives, itching, or swelling in areas beyond the sting site
  • Swelling of the lips or throat
  • Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
  • Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
  • Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Last Modified: 25 Jan 2008

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