How to Treat Itchy Bug Bites

Every summer my son gets insect bites that swell and itch horribly.  How can I prevent them and what can I do to treat them?

Bugs love feasting on summer nights and some kids seem to be sweeter targets. It’s impossible to completely protect your child, but keeping him covered with light clothing will help. Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair spray since they invite insects to taste. Wash the mosquito or bug bite and apply an over the counter lotion for itching. For a wasp or bee sting (ouch!), apply a cold cloth to reduce the pain and swelling. If the stinger is visible, remove it by gently scraping it off horizontally with a credit card or pull it out with a pair of tweezers. Most parents don’t realize that bee stings and mosquito bites often swell more two or three days later.

Call for medical help immediately if your child has any wheezing or difficulty breathing, extreme swelling, spreading redness on the skin, becomes weak or unconscious or has hives or severe itching all over.