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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.
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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
- Cold compress or ice - this should be applied directly on the area of the sting or bite to numb the area and help reduce pain
- Topical cream - there are a number of topical creams that are sold to to treat minor insect bites, some of which contain a local anaesthetic to reduce pain
- Tea tree oil - this is a natural treatment for minor insect bites, which helps to numb the pain, reduces itching and reduces risk of infection
- Medications - if the bite or sting causes very severe itching, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines or even hydrocotisone medication (cream or tablets)
- Repellants - these are used to prevent insect bites in the first place. Try to find a natural, organic one that contains substances such as aloe vera, lemon, eucalyptus or tea tree oil. Avoid any insect repellants that contains DEET (a toxic insecticide)
- Screens on windows - use screens on windows to help prevent mosquitos from entering the house and biting the baby
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.
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Treatment
- Cold compress or ice - this should be applied directly on the area of the sting to numb the area and help reduce pain
- Don't remove the stinger - this may cause the stinger to break and release more venom. Scrape off the top gently with a fingernail or another object
- Lavender or chamomile - the essential oil of lavender or chamomile can help to reduce the pain of the sting (but ensure the child does not try to lick it)
- Bicarbonate of soda - a paste made of adding a little water to bicarbonate of soda can help reduce the pain of a bee sting
- Vinegar - this is useful for reducing pain from a wasp sting
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
- See a doctor - any baby or toddler with suspected scabies needs to see a doctor who can investigate, diagnose and treat this condition
- Cream or lotion - the doctor will prescribe a cream or lotion containing either malathion or permethrin to help treat the scabies. This will clear the infestation within 24 hours, but a further re-application will be required after four days
- Family needs to be treated at the same time - the rest of the family needs to be treated at the same time as the baby with scabies
- Calamine lotion - this can be used to help relieve itching (which may be present even after the scabies has cleared)
- Antihistamines - if this itching is particularly severe, this medication may be prescribed to help relieve itching (which may be present even after the scabies has cleared)
- Laundering - all bed linen and clothes from the affected baby (and rest of household) need to be laundered on a daily basis
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
- Remove the tick - use fine pointed tweezers to get a hold of the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull out the tick with very slow, but steady force and try to avoid crushing the body of the tick when removing it
- Wash - carefully wash the area with soap and water to clean it
- See a doctor - if the tick is not easily removed, or the head breaks in the skin, a doctor needs to be consulted to remove the tick and to treat the baby for any possible infection
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