Taking the Sting Out of Ticks, Bees, and Spiders

No matter where you live in the country, insect bites are a painful (and itchy!) reality for anyone spending time outdoors. While the insects and treatment might differ, the goals are always the same – prevent infection, be alert for an allergic reaction, and stop the pain and itching.

An Ounce of Prevention
Before sending your kids outside, make sure they’re protected as much as possible against insect bites and stings. Dress them in light colored clothing so that it’s easier to see any ticks or spiders on them. Whenever possible, if they will be playing in tall grass or in the woods, dress them in long pants that are tucked into their socks. Also, avoid the use of scented soaps and shampoos that could attract bees. Currently, many doctors recommend the use of a product named Permethrin which kills ticks on contact. It can be purchased at outdoor equipment stores that carry camping or hunting gear. One application to pants, socks, and shoes typically stays effective through several washings. Permethrin should not be applied directly to skin, and since it’s being used only on clothing it is generally considered appropriate for use with children of any age.

Ticks
While deer ticks are mostly found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, there have been reported cases of Lyme Disease in almost every state. It’s critical that you check your children every day after they come in from playing and immediately have them change their clothes. If you do find a tick on your child, remove it with pointed tweezers and pull straight up. Save the tick, as your doctor might want to send it out for testing. Also, note on your calendar when you discovered the tick so you can watch for symptoms of Lyme Disease or another tick borne illness (yes, there are several other tick-borne diseases besides Lyme Disease). Keep in mind that many people will get the telltale bull’s eye mark if infected, but not all. The most common symptoms of a tick-borne illness are similar to the flu: headache, nausea, high fever, and muscle aches. Call your doctor immediately if your child has any of these symptoms.

Bee Stings
Although bee stings are painful and usually upsetting for a child, only a few children have serious reactions to them. If your child is stung, get the stinger out as quickly as possible, preferably by scraping it out sideways, as this should prevent more venom from entering the body. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and leave an ice pack on the area for 10 to 30 minutes. You can also apply a topical hydrocortisone cream and administer a dose of an antihistamine to control any allergic reaction. Watch carefully for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, vomiting, or hives particularly if this is the first time your child has been stung. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the sting occurred in her nose or mouth, call your doctor immediately.

Spider Bites
Most spider bites will only cause a mild reaction in children and will not require medical attention. Usually, your child won’t even know she was bitten but if she experiences pain, you see a red mark and/or you notice two small punctures it’s likely she was. To treat, simply wash the area with soap and water, apply an ice pack, and elevate the area to slow the spread of the venom. If, however, your child develops a rash, the area begins to look infected, or she was bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, check with your doctor immediately. Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction may occur. Symptoms include:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Swelling of the face
3. Dizziness or fainting
4. Nausea and/or abdominal pain

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms get her to a doctor immediately.