Bug bites 

With summer finally here, bug bites and stings are sure to be a common occurrence. Itchy bites can be treated with baking soda paste, menthol aftershave or hydrocortisone cream. For children over the age of 2, use oral Benadryl. 

In the case of a sting where the stinger is still present, remove it by gently scraping from below with a credit card or fingernail. A cotton ball soaked in meat tenderizer solution or an ice cube rubbed over the area can be helpful with painful stings and bites. 

Embedded ticks will withdraw when soaked and covered with nail polish, butter, oil or ointment. A soapy cotton ball rubbed over the tick in a counterclockwise direction also can be used.

Monitor bug bites. Localized redness and swelling at the site of a bug bite or sting is not unusual and can last several days. You should contact our office if the redness continues to expand, a red streak develops, warmth and significant tenderness develop, yellowish crusting is noted or your child develops a fever. Your child should be seen immediately if he or she develops wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty swallowing or hives, or has a history of serious allergic reaction to insect bites.

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