A Bug bite is one of the most common causes of a visit to the doctor’s office and happens all the time, especially in babies. Babies can be bitten by different types of bugs such as mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, wasps, bees, horseflies, ants, or centipedes. Although not dangerous, bug bites in babies can be quite annoying as they can be itchy, painful, and sometimes may cause a slight sting or swelling.
However, on rare occasions, these bug bites end up in severe reactions. How the body of the baby reacts to the insect bite depends on how sensitive he is to the particular insect, the location of the bite, and the quantity of toxin injected by the bug or insect. To know how to treat these bug bites effectively in babies, keep on reading.
In This Article
- Symptoms Of Bug Bites In Babies
- Allergic Reaction Due To Bug Bites
- How To Treat Bug Bites In Babies?
- 5 Effective Treatments For Bug Bites In Babies
- Preventing Bug Bites In Babies
Symptoms Of Bug Bites In Babies
To treat a bug bite, it is important that you recognize and differentiate it from some skin infections which are also quite common in babies. If your baby spends considerable time outside or if you take her out frequently to parks and gardens, then she is more likely to have bug bites than a baby who is mostly indoors with the windows tightly shut.
Here are some of the symptoms that you should pay attention to. Just keep in mind that these are very common symptoms shown by babies who develop no severe allergic reactions, and mostly these symptoms will disappear in a day or two.
- If your baby’s skin has red spots or tiny bumps.
- Rashes that itch and irritate your baby.
- Painful and swollen spots with or without blister-like area in the center.
- Burning sensation, which could turn painful.
Allergic Reaction Due To Bug Bites
Some insects and bugs like a hornet, honey bee, wasp, fire ant, etc., can cause severe allergic reactions in some babies. Immediate medical attention is needed, as sometimes these allergic reactions can be fatal. Look out for the following allergic signs after a bug bite and if the baby develops any of these symptoms then take him immediately to a nearby hospital.
- Breathing issues like wheezing which starts after an insect or bug bite is an important sign of a severe allergic reaction
- If the heartbeat of the baby increases significantly
- If the eyes, lips, and throat swell
- Once the child becomes nauseous
- Hives or rashes appear on other parts of the body rather than localized in the bitten area
- If your baby suddenly appears sleepy after an insect or bug bite or faints
- If it is a bee or wasp by which your baby was bitten particularly near the mouth or neck
- In rare cases, after a week or two of bug bites, your baby may develop fever, joint pain, and enlarged lymph glands. It’s better to watch out for these signs and provide medical attention
How To Treat Bug Bites In Babies?
Once your baby has an insect bite or bug bite:
- Try to identify the insect or bug by which your baby was bitten.
- Honey bees leave the stinger in the skin. If it is a honeybee that has bitten your baby, try to remove the sting with the help of tweezers or scrape it away with a credit card, the back of a butter knife, etc. Remember not to pinch the stinger as it may inject more toxins into the body.
- Wash the area bitten by the bug with mild soap and water.
- Immediately remove any jewelry piece that your child may be wearing near the bitten area because, in case of any swelling, it would be difficult to get it off.
5 Effective Treatments For Bug Bites In Babies
Most bug bites simply resolve within a couple of days. Here are five immediate treatment measures to cure bug bite in your baby if there is no serious allergic reaction:
1. Apply Cool Compresses
Applying a cool compress provides immediate relief from swelling and pain. Apply a cloth drenched with cold water or ice cubes covered in a towel as a cold compress. You should apply a cold compress in the area for 10 minutes and then remove it. Repeat the process until the baby is relieved from pain and swelling.
2. Applying For Topical Medicines
A paste or a mixture of baking soda and water applied topically may help reduce itching. Similarly, calamine lotion or creams, gels, or lotions containing hydrocortisone, pramoxine, or lidocaine will help to reduce the itching and pain and prevent your baby from scratching the area.
3. Oral Medicines
An antihistamine formulated for children may help with swelling and itchiness followed by a bug bite. Be sure to check with your baby’s pediatrician before using an antihistamine. Pain relievers that are formulated for babies can also help. The dosage will be prescribed by the pediatrician depending on your baby’s age.
4. Home Remedies
Some home remedies provide immediate relief from pain and itchiness from an insect or bug bite. You can apply the following pastes in the bitten area:
Sandal and Turmeric Paste Applying sandalwood paste along with turmeric helps to cure bug bites in babies. Sandalwood paste has a cooling effect while turmeric has antiseptic properties. Also, you can apply:
- Honey
- Neem leaf paste
- Basil leaf paste
- Soak cotton balls in vinegar, and leave it for some time on the bitten area. This will help to remove the sting more easily.
5. Keep The Baby From Scratching The Bite
Try to stop the baby from rubbing or scratching the affected area because scratching the bite will only aggravate the itching. It is better to cover the bitten area by dressing the baby in long-sleeved clothes. If the bite is on the baby’s feet or ankles, it is better to cover the feet with socks.
Preventing Bug Bites In Babies
It will be wonderful if you can prevent bug bites in your baby. Here are a few preventive measures you can undertake to keep the bugs at the baby:
- Use a mosquito repellent spray or other ways to keep bugs away from your baby and your house.
- If you are taking your baby outdoors, make sure your cover your baby well in light cotton clothes. Avoid very dark colors and floral patterns as these tend to invite bugs.
- During the evening time, keep all the doors and windows of your house closed to keep the bugs away.
- If your baby is over 6 months, use a baby-safe mosquito repellent cream.
- When your baby is sleeping or when you step out with your baby for a stroll, it is better to use a mosquito net.
- Soothe your baby by keeping the surroundings cool as bug bites can irritate your baby and make her cranky.
We hope all these remedies will help to prevent bug bites in babies. Please share with us in the comments section below if you have any other ways to treat bug bites in babies.
