INSECT BITES

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR INSECT BITES

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) (for symptoms of anaphylaxis)If

Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Hoarseness or cough with rapid onset
Difficulty swallowing or slurred speech with rapid onset
Previous severe allergic reaction to same insect bite

NOTE: Anaphylaxis can occur with bee, yellow jacket, wasp, or fire ant stings (rarely with other insects). Onset usually is within 20 minutes.

First Aid Advice for Anaphylaxis

Give epinephrine injection if you have an anaphylactic kit
Inject it into the muscle of the upper outer thigh

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Hives or swelling elsewhere on the body
More than 20 fire ant stings in a child < 1 year old

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Severe pain is not improved after 2 hours of pain medicine
New redness or red streak occurs around the bite after the first 24 hours
Scab that looks infected (drains pus or increases in size) not improved after applying antibiotic ointment for 2 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

Normal insect bite and you don't think your child needs to be seen
Insect repellents (eg, DEET), questions about

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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