INSECT BITES are an unwelcome part of summertime fun. Here are some tips to help you get through them as painlessly as possible:
- Expect that they will be itchy and red for 3-4 days and often swollen for up to 1 week
- Insect bites on the face always look worse
- Use of a cool compress, ibuprofen and 1% hydrocortisone will help decrease itching, redness, and swelling
- Drink lots of fluids to flush the body
- Watch for signs of infection including marked redness/swelling, drainage, affected area is hot to touch, fever, increased facial swelling
- Carry an Epipen if you know you’re allergic and be sure childcare providers and babysitters know how to use it!
- Apply bug spray *on top of* sunscreen
- Spray clothing for protection
The links below provide additional information to help take the “sting” out of insect bites:
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes...
https://www.healthychildren.or.....