First Aid for Insect Bites & Stings

Insect-Attack Facts

During the summer, when children spend a lot of time playing outdoors, they are particularly vulnerable to insect attacks. Here's what you should do to protect your child.

• To reduce the risk of infection from scratching, trim his fingernails. Call your doctor if a bite becomes very red and swollen, or if yellowish fluid or red streaks appear.
• Don't dress him in bright clothes, which attract insects.
• Teach him to avoid beehives and fire-ant mounds. Destroy them, especially if you have a young child. These insects can attack in swarms.
• After your child plays in the woods or grass, comb his hair to inspect for ticks.
• Seek immediate medical attention if he is stung anywhere in the mouth. Severe swelling in the mouth can quickly block the airways and cause difficulty breathing.

06-01-2003

Copyright © 2003. Reprinted with permission from the June 2003 issue of Parents magazine.