Insect Bites: How to Tell if Your Child Has an Allergy and Tips for Treating It | News | Moms and Dads

With the arrival of good weather, parks, gardens, beaches and swimming pools have been populated by families eager to enjoy outdoor activities where they can share the leisure that summer offers with their loved ones. A series of activities that, in hot conditions, are carried out in light clothing that makes us feel cooler, but leaves our skin accessible to bees, wasps, bumblebees or ants. These animals can sometimes cause itching or skin rashes after direct contact, “and if the person is allergic, they can cause serious and potentially fatal reactions (anaphylaxis),” says Elisa Martínez López, pediatrician at the University Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid.

These natural spaces also contain caterpillars and mosquitoes, which, according to Martinez, although cases of anaphylaxis have been reported, are much less common. “This does not mean that contact with them does not cause a more or less extensive skin reaction, but they are not usually associated with other types of symptoms: respiratory, digestive, neurological… What are known as systemic reactions,” he recalls.

Allergies can appear at any age, and their varied symptoms are observed in both adults and children: from very extensive skin lesions with inflammation of soft tissue or a drop in blood pressure to difficulty breathing or vomiting. “We must remember that perhaps the bites or previous exposures caused mild and local symptoms similar to those observed in the general population,” the pediatrician continues, “but at some point the type of reaction changes, manifesting itself as systemic symptoms, as described earlier. “Now is the time to see a doctor, because an allergy may have developed.”

These reactions occur when our immune system, after initial contact with an insect’s venom or substance, produces proteins called immunoglobulin E (IgE) — antibodies that the immune system makes to fight an organism it perceives as a threat — against a specific insect, increasing the number and speed of the reaction the more times you’re bitten. So the severity can gradually increase, Martinez says.

Reactions to insect venom in children can vary widely, from a local reaction with the appearance of a papule at the site of the bite, which lasts for a couple of days and causes itching, to a potentially fatal anaphylactic state.Most often they are bitten by mosquitoes.“Wasps, bees and ants are the most dangerous because of the hypersensitivity reactions they can cause. Fleas cause allergic skin reactions such as urticaria; and horseflies, when they bite, form a bump on the skin that can cause a generalized systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis),” says Cristina Ortega Casanueva, member of the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Childhood Asthma (SEICAP).

If a local reaction occurs, it is recommended to elevate the affected arm or leg and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. “To avoid secondary infection, blisters should be gently cleaned with soap and water without breaking them. To relieve itching, an oral antihistamine or even a topical corticosteroid can always be prescribed by a doctor,” says Ortega. If a systemic reaction occurs that affects the entire body due to a bee or wasp sting in the acute phase, adrenaline is used: “It is recommended for children with this type of allergy to carry a pen pre-filled with adrenaline in their medicine bag.

Children suffering from this type of allergy “should always carry the medication with them and know how and when to administer it,” says a pediatrician at the University Hospital on October 12. This is a series of tips that the specialist offers to avoid bites as much as possible.

1. Avoid walking barefoot on grass. Wear closed shoes if possible.
2. Using repellents: Keep in mind that some that contain more natural compounds like citronella need to be reapplied every few hours, while others with ingredients like DEET (N-diethyl metatoluamide is the most common ingredient in insect repellents) are more powerful and lasting.
3. Wear clothes of subdued colors, without floral patterns, and covering as much of the body as possible. If the clothes are tight, we will not allow insects to penetrate them.
4. Do not use perfumes, colognes, shampoos or scented gels.
5. Avoid eating outdoors and be especially careful with canned drinks, as stinging insects can enter your mouth. Do not leave food out in the open.
6. Stay calm and composed when there are insects or they land on us, trying not to make sudden or threatening gestures or move quickly to avoid being bitten.
7. Do not destroy places such as anthills, beehives or wasp nests. Do not allow children to play near places where they are.
8. Shake out your clothes before wearing them outside again.

Nowadays, when many families send their children to summer camps, it is advisable that the existence of this type of allergy is known to the child, according to his age and abilities, as well as to all staff and other colleagues. and how they manifest themselves. This is important because in the event of a serious reaction, it is important to recognize it quickly so as not to waste minutes on its treatment. In the event that a minor develops any of these allergies, “he must go to camp with clear instructions on how to act and how to use the medications prescribed by the pediatrician or allergist: preferably at least two injections of epinephrine, antihistamines and oral corticosteroids. Treatment that should always accompany the child wherever he goes: on a boat, on a walk in the countryside, in the pool … “, says Martinez.

If the child has had serious reactions before, it is advisable for the medical center to be located close to the camp or at least not in a remote or isolated location. In addition, the pediatrician reminds that both schools and camps should talk about first aid and this type of pathology: “A short talk with clear and simple instructions for all children in the camp at the beginning of the camp can be very helpful.”

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