All About Baby and Toddler's Health

Insect Bites on Babies and Toddlers
   print page print the page   Email email the page Follow VitalHealthZone on Twitter Bookmark and Share

 

Almost all babies and toddlers will be bitten or stung by some type of insect (mosquito being the most common) and while the bite may be a bit painful or itchy, it generally causes only a mild reaction.

There are a very small number of babies and toddlers that are severely allergic to a specific insect and so may have a more severe reaction to its bite. They will need urgent medical attention to treat the severe reaction.

Always seek urgent medical attention if the baby or toddler has been stung or bitten in the mouth, as this could cause swelling that may obstruct the airways.

Advertisement


 

 

Ants, mosquitos, flies

Most bites from ants, mosquito and even flies usually only cause localised stinging or burning, with some swelling, itching or a red bump that normally disappears within hours (to a few days).

The bite from some ants may be particularly painful. The fire ant's bite may cause a lot pain, burning sensation and an itchy blister.

A small percentage of babies and toddlers may have a severe and serious allergic reaction to the bite of an ant, mosquito or fly and will need urgent medical attention to prevent anaphylaxis.

Treatment

 

^ top

 

Bees and wasps

Sometimes babies and toddlers are stung by bees or wasps, which cause pain and a red mark at the sting. The stinger is injected into the skin, which is full of the bee or wasp venom.

A small percentage of babies and toddlers may have a severe and serious allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting and will need urgent medical attention to prevent anaphylaxis.

Advertisement


Treatment

 

^ top

 

Scabies

Scabies is a very contagious skin infestation which is caused by the sarcoptes scabiei mite when it burrows in the upper layers of the skin. This mite causes severe itching and an allergic reaction (similar to eczema), which usually gets worse at night.

Scabies is caught by close physical contact with infected babies (or children or adults). A baby with scabies is infectious for about 2-4 weeks, before the itching starts.

The most affected areas are: the arm pits, between the fingers and toes, on the elbows, chest, genitals or wrists. The palms, head, neck and soles of the feet may also be affected.

Treatment

 

^ top

 

Ticks

These insects are small and parasitic creatures, which can become attached to the skin where they suck the baby's blood. Ticks normally live in bushland areas.

Some ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme's disease, so all ticks need to be removed to reduce the risk.

Treatment

Advertisement


^ top

 

  Last reviewed: 30 June 2009|| Last updated: 6 October 2009

 

Related Articles

 

^ top

NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other supplements cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.